The importance of breastfeeding
July 18, 2008
Photo by nickintime_2007
I regretted not breastfeeding Ashton as much when he was a baby. He was off breastfeeding all together when he was 4 months old. He is quite prone to common illness such as cold, flu and cough. Whenever it started off, sometimes he takes quite a long time to recover. There was once he suffered from a 14 days diarrhea and another time an 8 days fever and flu. In comparison to Ashlyn, who was breastfed for 6 months, her immune system seems to be stronger. Sometimes, I am still pondering if breastfeeding really makes a child healthier and am I wrong to stop breastfeeding Ashton so soon. If I could turn back the clock, I will rather spend more time and patience breastfeeding him than just being so focus in my job that I start spending so much time at work when he is barely 2 months old.
I admit that breastfeeding is tough and tiring. Though I did not do a good job breastfeeding Ashton, I am an advocate of breastfeeding. As a city dweller, we women are tied down by long working hours, taking care of household, children and a lot more. If we are not conscious reminded of the benefits of breastfeeding, we might just give up. In this post, I will just want to highlight the importance and the benefits of breastfeeding.
How breastfeeding benefits the baby?
- Baby who are breastfed are healthier compared to formula-fed baby
- They are less likely to suffered from infectious illness such as diarrhea and ear infections
- Lower the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
- Less chance of getting asthma or eczema
- The baby will have lower risk of obesity in childhood
- Have fewer cavities on the teeth
- For premature babies, breastfeeding helps hasten the maturity of the brainstem
- Breastfed babies scored slightly higher on IQ
How breastfeeding benefits the mummy?
- Of course, needless to say, cost have been lowered as we can save on formula milk
- We are less likely to develop ovarian and breast cancer
- Reduce osteoporosis
- A faster recovery after childbirth
- Mummies are able to slim down faster and regain their figure earlier
- Delay the return of menstrual cycle
- Help uterus to get back to its original size
Why is breast milk good?
- Baby can digest breast milk better
- Helps to mature the infant’s gut
- Allow children to have a better immune against allergies
- Breast milk changes overtime to meet the baby growing needs
Most important of all, it helps to build a closer bond between you and your baby. Mummies who breastfeed, please do drop a few lines of encouragement to encourage mum-to-be on breastfeeding. Thanks!
Posted in Baby Health, Breast Feeding
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July 18th, 2008 at 7:13 am
My daughter was born 2 months premature, and was never able to breastfeed. She was just too tiny and too weak in the beginning, and it was more important to us that she was able to eat anything, then any previous notions about needing or wanting to breastfeed.
I did pump for the first month, and gave her that milk via a bottle, but it just got to be so exhausting and stressful dealing with a weak supply and no letdown, that I felt it was more important that she have a happy healthy and at least somewhat sane mom, then the breastmilk.
So she was on formula by month 2.
She hardly ever gets sick, and when she has gotten a cold (like 3 times in 2 years) they only lasted a few days. The longest one lasting about 5 days, and it was a cold she caught from me, that I caught from work. I had the darn cold for nearly 3 weeks! She was over it in less then 5 days.
I wouldn’t blame your stopping breastfeeding early on Ashton’s weaker immune system. I think that some kids are gonna get sick easy and some are gonna be healthy, no matter whether or not they were breast fed or formula fed.
If my formula fed preemie can be as healthy as a horse, anything is possible.
July 18th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Hi Athey,
Firstly, welcome to my blog!
Would also love to thank you for the reassurance and the new insight to me and all fellow readers though I an an advocate of breastfeeding, I think think that the sanity of the mummy is very important as well.
August 13th, 2008 at 9:46 am
I am a working mum. I breast fed my girl exclusively for 13 months. For 1st time mums who plan to breast fed your bb exclusively, do not give up. Breast feeding is tough, tiring and sometimes frustrating, but it’s worth every ounce of your effort. You will see the reward when your bb hardly falls ill, or even if they do, they recover in a day or two……
August 15th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Hi Mary,
That’s a very encouraging one. fellow mummies, do not give up, ok. your breastfeeding is definitely worth the effort!
August 16th, 2008 at 4:58 am
That is very beautiful. I’m a bit nervous to start breastfeeding when my baby is due.
July 16th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
This is worth effort. encouraging mums is best work those days. I’m very glad to this kind of articals.
February 21st, 2010 at 10:50 am
I’m all for breast feeding and when and if i have children i plan on doing it, but i just wanted to say that you really don’t know if you had breastfed more that your child would have a better immune system. My sister breastfed my nephew for the first year of his life and he is allergic to so many things! I guess my point is don’t beat yourself up for not doing it more, because you never really know why some kids get sicker than others.