Breastfeeding is an optimal approach in providing the nutritional requirements as well as well as providing immunity and positive long-term benefits. Breastfeeding provides the infant with all the necessary nutritional requirements for infants up to six months. For infants greater than six months in an addition with the introduction of solid foods is “an ideal feeding program” (American Dietetic Association, [ADA] 2009). Breastfeeding is lower in the United States than in other countries. One of the reasons is the increase in accessibility of formula. “Breastfeeding rates declined sharply because of the widespread belief that pasteurized cow’s milk eliminated the differences between human and cow’s milk feeding” (Wolf 2003 [as cited in ADA, 2009]). Many organizations are in support and promote breastfeeding for example, Center for Disease Control and Healthy People with goals of increasing the rate of breastfeeding mothers. Multiple benefits result from breastfeeding for both infant and mother. The ADA (2009) list multiple benefits; for example, bonding between mother and infant, essential nutrients, immunity properties, decrease in allergies and other intolerances, decrease in sudden infant death and long term affect of decrease in type 1 and 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and high cholesterol. There are also positive effects for the mother. For example, low risk in chronic diseases and other physical benefits as well as financial. The benefits are overwhelming for both mother and infant. In regards to benefits to society, according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (2014), breast-feeding can reduce infant mortality, less medical cost, more productive work force and good for the environment. It is our responsibility to assist and educate new mothers on the benefits by promoting and encouraging short
References: American Dietetic Association (2009, November). Position of the American dietetic association: Promoting and supporting breastfeeding. American Journal of Dietetic Association 109(11): 1926-1942 La Leche League (2013). Breastfeeding answers from La Leche League. Retrieved from http://www.lalecheleague.org/nb.html U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2014, July 21). Breastfeeding: Why breastfeeding is important. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-benefits.php Wolf, J.H. (2003). Low breastfeeding rates and public health in the United States. American Journal of Public Health 93: 2000-2010