Breastfeeding
Prior to the advent of infant formula, breastfeeding was the key source of nourishment for
neonates and infants. Women had few other safe options but to nurse until their child no
longer needed that source of nutrition. However, after the introduction of safe infant
formula, there was a major culture change, allowing mothers a new freedom from
breastfeeding and the opportunity to share the burden of caring for and feeding an infant
(Stevens 2009reference to attached article). Despite a recent revival in breastfeeding awareness and
support however, breastfeeding is not always chosen as the primary route of infant
nutrition (Stevens 2009reference). While there may be multiple reasons for this, a general lack of
knowledge regarding the benefits of breastfeeding is thought to be an important factor
(AAP 2012reference).
Today, many women struggle with the decision of breast feeding versus bottle-feeding
when having a baby. As previously mentioned, this could be due to a lack of knowledge of
the benefits that accompany breast feeding. Along with the bonding that is established
during this time with the new mother and her child, studies have shown that not only children, but the mother benefits from it as wellbreastfeeding
is not only beneficial to the child. Benefits have been shown for nursing mothers as well.
New mothers may gain health benefits as a result of breastfeeding. For example, For instance studiess tudies
have shown that mothers who breastfed their children had a lower risk of developing
female cancers such as breast and ovarian. There was a 28% decrease in breast cancer for
those who breastfed longer than twelve months. (AAP 2009). ……………………….I would reference an example of this research. In addition to oncological
benefits, breastfeeding also seems to have a positive effect on some common medical
issues. Research has shown women who breastfeed to have decreases in
neonates and infants. Women had few other safe options but to nurse until their child no
longer needed that source of nutrition. However, after the introduction of safe infant
formula, there was a major culture change, allowing mothers a new freedom from
breastfeeding and the opportunity to share the burden of caring for and feeding an infant
(Stevens 2009reference to attached article). Despite a recent revival in breastfeeding awareness and
support however, breastfeeding is not always chosen as the primary route of infant
nutrition (Stevens 2009reference). While there may be multiple reasons for this, a general lack of
knowledge regarding the benefits of breastfeeding is thought to be an important factor
(AAP 2012reference).
Today, many women struggle with the decision of breast feeding versus bottle-feeding
when having a baby. As previously mentioned, this could be due to a lack of knowledge of
the benefits that accompany breast feeding. Along with the bonding that is established
during this time with the new mother and her child, studies have shown that not only children, but the mother benefits from it as wellbreastfeeding
is not only beneficial to the child. Benefits have been shown for nursing mothers as well.
New mothers may gain health benefits as a result of breastfeeding. For example, For instance studiess tudies
have shown that mothers who breastfed their children had a lower risk of developing
female cancers such as breast and ovarian. There was a 28% decrease in breast cancer for
those who breastfed longer than twelve months. (AAP 2009). ……………………….I would reference an example of this research. In addition to oncological
benefits, breastfeeding also seems to have a positive effect on some common medical
issues. Research has shown women who breastfeed to have decreases in