Breastfeeding: A Special Gift

Why Breastfeed ?

Many mothers know that breastmilk provides all the nutrition that a new born baby needs, but often they do not realise how important it is to the infant or how long the child continues to benefit from mother’s milk. Babies fed on infant formula have a higher risk of :
Infections (particularly respiratory, gastro-intestinal & ear infections), allergies - especially if there is a family history of allergy, childhood onset diabetes mellitus, childhood onset cancer, possibly increased incidence of heart disease in later life. Formula fed babies may not reach their full IQ potential as formula milk does not contain the long chain fatty acids so important for the development of the brain & nervous system. Bottle fed babies may not fully develop their jaw & facial muscles.

It is not only baby who benefits from breastfeeding. There are many benefits for Mum. The uterus contracts down more quickly after childbirth. Breastfeeding uses up the fat deposits (hips, thighs & bottom) laid down during pregnancy as a ready energy source for milk production. Less risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Less risk of osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) in later life. Delayed onset of menstruation & for many a degree of natural child spacing. Savings in time & money as your breastfed baby will rarely be sick.

In addition to all of this is the wonderful, close relationship between a breastfeeding mother & her child. The early weeks may seem tiring & difficult but once breastfeeding is established, there is no other relationship like it. But you may say – there are so many women who can’t breastfeed. We all hear stories of women who don’t have sufficient milk or women who are told that their nipples are not suitable for breastfeeding! In fact, it is very rare for a mother to be unable to breastfeed. Many women who perceive that they have insufficient milk have been poorly advised in the early days resulting in inadequate stimulation of the milk supply. Nipples come in all shapes & sizes but babies don’t nipple feed, they breastfeed. Mothers do not need to feel guilty if they have not succeeded in breastfeeding - they should maybe be a little concerned that they were not given enough help & information in the early days & ensure that they are armed with accurate information in future.