Last year when Lily was born I got so much negative criticism from the older generation about breastfeeding. One year later, as I am weaning Lily, I would like to congratulate myself. Lily has never been sick (other than a minor cold), she has never had diarrhea, has never had a diaper rash, has never had an ear infection, hardly spit up, has never had a tummy ache, hardly had gas, has slept through the night from 2 1/2 months, and is happy, smart and strong. Not to mention, I have lost all of my pregnancy weight!
To those of you who scoff at it, I would like to say this, we are smarter! Doctors have found so many benefits to breastfeeding that the older generation did not know. To name a few:
• Breastfeeding can boost your child's intelligence if breastfed to 9 months
• Breastfeeding protects your baby from diarrhea, respiratory problems, and ear infections
• Breastfeeding protects your baby from respiratory illnesses such as asthma
• Breastfeeding may protect your child against obesity because baby decides how much to eat
• Breastfeeding protects preemies from infections and high blood pressure later in life
• Breastfeeding may protect your baby from leukemia
• Breastfeeding can reduce new moms' stress levels by producing the hormone relaxen
• Breastfeeding may cut your risk of breast cancer
• Breastfeeding helps you lose weight and recover faster
• Breastfeeding helps baby bond faster with their parents
• Breastfeeding saves you close to $150 a month!
• Breastfeeding is easy; no bottles to prepare, pack or wash, no late night trips to the grocery store, or waiting for the bottle to warm
• Breastfeeding is like a daily vaccination, all of your immunities are being passed on to the baby daily
• Breastfeeding protects baby from developing allergies
• Breastfeeding helps baby with common problems such as colic and gas
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mother's breastfeed until the baby is 1 year. At first, I promised myself that I would breastfeed until 9 months, but because it became so easy, I continued until 1 year.
All I can say is, support breastfeeding mothers. They are doing what is best for their child. Breastfeeding is not a treat for mothers, it is a chore; just like changing diapers and clothing an infant. (Not to mention, moms can't drink beer or pop, can't eat certain foods, and cannot venure away from the baby for more than 2 hours!) So remember, breastmilk is nature's perfect creation, no formula has ever been able to duplicate it's benefits! And afterall, it's a natural part of life!
Still not convinced? Click here.
posted by Jenny at 11:42 AM |
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