For years, one of the biggest debates has been whether bottle-feeding or breastfeeding is more beneficial for neonates. Years ago, it could be argued that bottle- feeding was the better option. Using a bottle makes easier to keep track of how much the child has eaten, and it allows the mother to follow the strict recommended feeding schedule for infants. However, today a pediatrician would advise against bottle-feeding, at least for the first twelve months of life. Breast milk has many different benefits for both the infant and the mother. It contains all of the nutrients needed by the infant, and helps aid in immunity (Feldman, 2012 p.106). Considering all of the crucial benefits of breast milk, it is important to encourage more mothers to
…show more content…
These classes would have OBGYNs and pediatricians who could offer information about why breastfeeding is so important. They could provide information about the antibodies in breast milk, that help protect the newborn from illness. When babies are born they have weak, immature immune systems that are incapable of fighting off disease. Through breast milk, the mother passes antibodies to the baby which allows them to build immunity. Nursing not only allows mothers to give their baby immunity to illnesses they’re immune to, but allows the baby to give germs to the mother. By passing germs to the mother, it allows her to build antibodies to that particular antigen, which she can then pass to the baby (Ochert, 2010). Breast milk also contains lactoferrin, which acts more broadly than the pathogen specific antibodies. Lactoferrin can directly kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and has an anti-inflammatory agent which helps reduce the swelling, pain, and high temperatures affiliated …show more content…
For example, the thymus was found to be two times as large in breastfed infants compared to formula fed infants at four months. The size difference could also be seen at the ten month mark (Ochert, 2010). “There is even some evidence that that breast milk may enhance cognitive growth, leading to high adult intelligence” (Feldman, 2012 pg. 106).
It is also important to discuss the health benefits breastfeeding offers mothers. Studies have shown that there is a decrease in postpartum depression in women who breastfeed, compared to those that don’t or wean early. Breastfeeding also encourages an earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight, and a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers (Eidelman, 2012).
Aside from offering information about the health benefits of breastfeeding, the classes could offer advice about how to get a baby to latch, and different breastfeeding techniques. Mothers could share breastfeeding experiences and tips, offering advice and support to expecting mothers who have never breastfed before. All of this information could also be put into pamphlets for the mothers to take home, so they do not feel overwhelmed by remembering too much information.
By offering free classes hosted by health professionals and other experienced mothers, expecting mothers can be provided with information about the benefits
These classes would have OBGYNs and pediatricians who could offer information about why breastfeeding is so important. They could provide information about the antibodies in breast milk, that help protect the newborn from illness. When babies are born they have weak, immature immune systems that are incapable of fighting off disease. Through breast milk, the mother passes antibodies to the baby which allows them to build immunity. Nursing not only allows mothers to give their baby immunity to illnesses they’re immune to, but allows the baby to give germs to the mother. By passing germs to the mother, it allows her to build antibodies to that particular antigen, which she can then pass to the baby (Ochert, 2010). Breast milk also contains lactoferrin, which acts more broadly than the pathogen specific antibodies. Lactoferrin can directly kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and has an anti-inflammatory agent which helps reduce the swelling, pain, and high temperatures affiliated …show more content…
For example, the thymus was found to be two times as large in breastfed infants compared to formula fed infants at four months. The size difference could also be seen at the ten month mark (Ochert, 2010). “There is even some evidence that that breast milk may enhance cognitive growth, leading to high adult intelligence” (Feldman, 2012 pg. 106).
It is also important to discuss the health benefits breastfeeding offers mothers. Studies have shown that there is a decrease in postpartum depression in women who breastfeed, compared to those that don’t or wean early. Breastfeeding also encourages an earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight, and a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers (Eidelman, 2012).
Aside from offering information about the health benefits of breastfeeding, the classes could offer advice about how to get a baby to latch, and different breastfeeding techniques. Mothers could share breastfeeding experiences and tips, offering advice and support to expecting mothers who have never breastfed before. All of this information could also be put into pamphlets for the mothers to take home, so they do not feel overwhelmed by remembering too much information.
By offering free classes hosted by health professionals and other experienced mothers, expecting mothers can be provided with information about the benefits