Benefits of Breastfeeding

Anyone who has children has heard about the many benefits to breastfeeding. What they don't tell you is the many complications that you may experience. A new mother's decision about breastfeeding depends a great deal on her experiences during the first few weeks (Berger, 2009). There are studies that show that many women in the United States want to breastfeed, but it sometimes is not always practical due to early difficulties. However, in countries like Sweden and Norway 98% of new mothers begin breastfeeding and 70% are still doing it after six months times. In these countries, the social acceptance, supportive medical practices, and extended maternity leave help women to experience success (Boston Women's Health Book Collective, 2005).

The benefits of breastfeeding are endless. Babies that are breastfed are less likely to get sick because of the antibodies in the mother's breast milk. Breastfeeding decrease risks of many illnesses and diseases such as: childhood asthma, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and heart disease (Berger, 2009). Additional benefits include easier digestion because the fats and sugars in breast milk make it easier to digest than prepared formula. Also, breastfeeding helps to create an immediate bond between mother and infant. A survey found that in the United States parents of babies that are breastfed are more likely to be married, educated people (Berger, 2009). Most doctors worldwide highly recommend breastfeeding an infant for the first four to six months (Berger, 2009).

Once again, this topic is really important to me because of the decisions I have made and will make as a mother. When my first child was born, the delivery was extremely traumatic. Breastfeeding was difficult from the beginning, but I tried to hang in there. I breastfed him for the first six weeks of his life before beginning to supplement formula. When my second son was born, I was determined that he at least deserved the same. However, he had trouble with acid reflux, and it was scary at times. I also managed to make it six weeks before beginning to supplement formula. To many people this is probably not long enough, but for me I had to make the best decisions for my family. I had to go back to work after a short maternity leave with both of the boys. Teaching is definitely not an easy job for breastfeeding mothers. So, this was a determining factor for me. However, as many of you know, I am expecting my third child in May. This course, along with other factors, has encouraged me to see if I can breastfeed six months this time. I am planning to stay home for a year or so after having the baby, so it seems more practical this time. A part of me feels guilty for not allowing my sons the continued benefits, but I am thankful to have healthy, happy children. Breastfeeding was not a pleasurable experience for me in the past, so I am planning to stay positive and hoping for an easier experience this time around. Wish me luck!

In the future, I could use my knowledge of breastfeeding to support mothers of children in my center. I would try to make it as easy as possible for them to bring a supply of breast milk and make sure their babies received the breast milk when needed. I will also make sure that I support other employees in my center that are breastfeeding as long as they need it.

References:
Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

Excerpted from Our Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era, Copyright © 2005, Boston Women's Health Book Collective. Retrieved at http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/excerpt.asp?id=31