The human body is capable of many astounding things, one of which being childbirth, which is complemented by wholesome breast milk serving as nourishment for the newborn. A postpartum mother naturally supplies antibodies and food, through colostrum and breast milk secretions, for her newborn. Childcare professionals recommend newborns to be breastfeed for at least the first six months and if possible, until one year of life (Connolly & Tracewell, 2012). During breastfeeding, a mother requires a sufficient intake of nutrients to pass on to her infant for proper growth and health, as well as an adequate amount of nutrients for herself. Breastfeeding is beneficial for the mother and infant, especially in reducing the risk of childhood obesity
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During breastfeeding, the hormone oxytocin is released, which causes the uterus to tighten to its natural size. Additionally, a breastfeeding mother has a decreased risk of developing ovarian and breast cancers, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis (“Breastfeeding Your Baby,” 2013). Economically breastfeeding is beneficial since families save money that would otherwise be spent on formula, make less insurance claims with fewer illnesses, and take off fewer days at home with a sick infant (“What Are The Benefits of Breastfeeding?” …show more content…
Breast milk contains the protein, fat, vitamins, that a newborn requires to grow strong and healthy. It also provides the antibodies to protect against infections and illnesses. With greater antioxidant power than formula, breastfeeding assists against oxidative stress in infants (Aycicek, Erel, Kocyigit, Selek, & Demirkol, 2006). Studies show that breastfed infants have a decreased risk of type 1 diabetes and allergy development (Kull, Wickman, Lilja, Nordvall, & Pershagen, 2002) as well as improved cognitive development later on. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as well as problems commonly seen in preterm infants (“Breastfeeding Your Baby,” 2013). With regards to formula, studies show that formula-fed babies have a greater risk of developing ear infections, diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis, lower respiratory infections, atopic dermatitis, asthma, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, leukemia, and obesity (“Your Guide to Breastfeeding,”
During breastfeeding, the hormone oxytocin is released, which causes the uterus to tighten to its natural size. Additionally, a breastfeeding mother has a decreased risk of developing ovarian and breast cancers, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis (“Breastfeeding Your Baby,” 2013). Economically breastfeeding is beneficial since families save money that would otherwise be spent on formula, make less insurance claims with fewer illnesses, and take off fewer days at home with a sick infant (“What Are The Benefits of Breastfeeding?” …show more content…
Breast milk contains the protein, fat, vitamins, that a newborn requires to grow strong and healthy. It also provides the antibodies to protect against infections and illnesses. With greater antioxidant power than formula, breastfeeding assists against oxidative stress in infants (Aycicek, Erel, Kocyigit, Selek, & Demirkol, 2006). Studies show that breastfed infants have a decreased risk of type 1 diabetes and allergy development (Kull, Wickman, Lilja, Nordvall, & Pershagen, 2002) as well as improved cognitive development later on. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as well as problems commonly seen in preterm infants (“Breastfeeding Your Baby,” 2013). With regards to formula, studies show that formula-fed babies have a greater risk of developing ear infections, diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis, lower respiratory infections, atopic dermatitis, asthma, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, leukemia, and obesity (“Your Guide to Breastfeeding,”