Breastfeeding Vs Breast Milk Essay

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“77 percent of new mothers are breast-feeding their babies,” according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s 2013 Breast Feeding Report Card (Castillo). The National Conference of State Legislatures’ article “Breastfeeding State Laws” describes, “As a part of the Healthy People 2020 initiative, the national goal is to increase the proportion of mothers who breastfeed their babies in the early postpartum period to 81.9 percent by the year 2020.” Many mothers are hesitant to chose between the two common methods of infant feeding, breastfeeding and formula feeding. Breastfeeding and instant formula have different benefits for both mother and child, including physiological and convenience benefits. Breast milk has been available …show more content…
In various studies, a connection between cognitive development and breastfeeding was discovered. A study containing more than 17,000 infants was conducted to see an increase of scores on IQ tests with children who were exclusively breastfed (How Breastfeeding). Breastfeeding has also been shown to decrease the risk of a child developing Type 1 diabetes by lowering plasma glucose levels (Stevens). Children who are breastfed also have the ability to eat until their hunger is satisfied, leading to “healthier eating patterns as they grow,” (How Breastfeeding). Compared to formula, breast milk contains less insulin, which causes them to create less fat (How Breastfeeding). This immediate lack of insulin reduces the chance of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and all symptoms associated with the two. Many problems with a child’s later development can be avoided with the ingestion of unsynthesized human breast …show more content…
Breastfeeding is an appealing option due to its lack of cost. As quoted in CBS News’ article “CDC: Breast-feeding rates rise to 77 percent of U.S. moms,” Dr. Tom Frieden stated, ”Researchers have calculated that $2.2 billion in yearly medical costs could be saved if breastfeeding recommendations were met.” The completely free cost of breastfeeding can sway mothers’ opinions when determining how to feed her newborn. Although formula costs the nation an estimated $2.2 billion, as shown above, the ability to physically feed a baby plays a large role in such a decision. Bottle feeding can aid mothers who experience painful nursing, have health problems that require medication, endure busy schedules, or intend for family members to feed the baby (Choosing to Formula). When mothers ingest medication or alcohol, the toxins enter the mother’s breast milk, therefore intoxicating the baby. Any family member can feed a child when the breast milk from a mother isn’t necessary, making it possible for men to raise newborns without the biological mother. Along with easy feeding of the child, bottle feeding with formula makes public spaces possible without the public nudity of breastfeeding. While forty-nine US states have laws specifically allowing breastfeeding in any public or private location, public controversy can influence mothers to not breastfeed to conceal their breasts. Both styles of feeding have

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