Made in Mommy 12 January 2010
Should I breastfeed my baby? We are here to help you decide!
Formula feeding has only one advantage-you can leave the bottle with milk to the babysitter, the father or the grandmother of the baby. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, offers much more: good metabolism, good immunity, etc.
“For how long should I breastfeed my child?" "As long as you can" say the specialists. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that children should be breastfed until the age of two. However breastfeeding the child only during the first couple of months will be good too. Despite the long breastfeeding period that WHO proposes, nowadays many mothers prefer to feed their children with breast milk. This is not only a fad. All the researches on the advantages of breastfeeding have made it so popular among mothers.
"Vaccine" against influenza
Experts have proved that formula feeding may cause a metabolic shock! In order to overcome this shock babies have to use much of their strength. Fortunately, breastfeeding does not cause such shock. Unlike formula milk, which remains in the baby’s stomach and causes him discomfort, breast milk is being completely assimilated. If you choose not to breastfeed your baby, you may ruin his health. Breast milk provides great immunity. It contains a lot of antibodies, which your organism has produced trying to overcome influenza. Your child will "inherit" them, i.e. he will not become sick or if he does he will easily overcome the sickness. Moreover, breast milk is the best prevention against allergies. Babies’ intestines have holes, through which allergens may reach the blood. Breast milk fills up these "cavities" so that "the enemy" cannot penetrate into babies' organisms.
Studies have proved that all the “baby" problems, such as colic, constipation, diarrhea, etc. diminish or are almost absent when the baby is being breastfed. Beauty and intellect
Breast milk influences not only babies’ health, but also their appearance! Orthodontists believe that breastfed children have better developed facial muscles and less bite defects. Psychologists share this opinion, too. They say that natural breast milk contains many components, which are essential for the formation of children’s nervous system. Breast milk helps children to become more even-tempered. What is more, if you refuse to breastfeed, you will deprive your child of the natural contact with you, i.e. you will spoil the trust and the intimate relationship between you and your child.
The way of feeding affects children's intellect as well. The American Pediatric Association says that breastfed children have 9-11 % higher IQ than children who have been fed with formula. Scientists have proved that breastfed people become more independent and less vulnerable to stress.
"Advices" you should not follow
If you have decided to breastfeed your child, be prepared for some difficulties you may meet. Not every pediatrician is an expert in breastfeeding. Many pediatricians give improper advices. So, if you are not lucky enough to have a good doctor, you will have to learn to smile politely and listen to recommendations, such as “You should give your baby at least 100 grams of milk per meal and you should not breastfeed him too often-once in three hours". Remember, digestive system needs a lot of time to assimilate formula milk, while breast milk remains in the baby’s stomach not longer than 20-30 minutes, so you don’t have to count the meals. Feed him when he wants. When you see that your baby is moving and searching for your breasts, give him what he wants. You should always breastfeed your baby before he falls asleep and after he wakes up, and at the times he feels discomfort (for example when you change his diapers). Breast milk contains substances that act as tranquillizers, sleeping pills and painkillers. Do not forget that until the 6th month your child will receive everything he needs, including liquid, from your breast milk. That is why it is not necessary to give him water or tea. Do not worry if your baby has not eaten enough during the day-he can always have what he wants in the evening.
Long intervals between meals are unhealthy not only for your child, but also for you. They may cause Lactostasis: congestion of the milk in mammary glands. If you feel pain in your breasts or you have some redness or thickening, contact a doctor immediately! And while you are waiting for the doctor to arrive do not make massages or put warm compresses on your breasts. You’d better put your baby on your breasts more often, because his sucking will help dissipate congestion.
Harmful tea and chocolate
Remember, everything that you put into your mouth goes immediately into your breast milk. Unless you avoid obvious allergens, such as oranges, chocolates and nuts, your baby will be covered with red spots. Do not eat too much bakery products, milk or sugar. Probably you have heard that sweet tea with milk is very healthy for mothers who breastfeed. Not true at all. It is hot beverages (water, soup) that are good for your breast milk flow.
Do not drink too much liquids-2-3 liters a day are completely enough. Drinking too much water may suppress lactation. Be careful with lactation teas and beverages. They affect every person differently and they may produce the opposite effect-decreasing the amount of milk, instead of increasing it.
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