Long Term Benefits Of Breastfeeding

Shaeyla Davis
ENG 1102
Professor Braun
19 November, 2014
Breastfeeding
Many of the long-term benefits attributed to breast-feeding may be an effect not of breast-feeding or breast milk itself but of the general good health and prosperity of women who choose to breast-feed. Faced with societal norms, legal uncertainties, and incorrect information, some women choose the option of not breastfeeding. Many women are not even aware that breastfeeding is a natural, mutually beneficial way to feed an infant. Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. A mother’s milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby’s growth and usually, breast milk is digested more easily than formula, which means that breastfed babies gain less unnecessary weight. There
are theories suggesting that breastfeeding may prevent adult obesity because children who are breastfed learn to trust their body’s signals regarding how much and when they eat.
Furthermore, breast milk aids in the development of a newborn’s immune system, prevents diarrhea, maximizes a child’s physical and intellectual potential, promotes the recovery of a sick child, and breastfeeding helps to bond mother and baby. Health care costs are typically lower for breastfed children as they are not as sick as often due to their strong immune system. This also results in a more productive workforce because the mothers of these children miss less work. Knowing these benefits, why do some mothers choose not to breastfeed? Some women are uncomfortable with breastfeeding due to societal norms, intimidated, or just simply ignorant to all of the benefits and the beauty that come with breastfeeding. “Biology determines babies’ needs, but cultural expectations and personal situations influence
how parents respond to that need. When babies’ biological needs and existing cultural norms are at odds with each other, parents sometimes make decisions that do not optimize growth and development, and can even be harmful” (Spangler, 2005). In our society there is more emphasis placed upon the sexual aspect of a woman’s breasts than the functional aspects. Some pregnant women do not have the desire to breastfeed because of the sexual connotations with breasts; it is not actually because they believe that formula will provide better nourishment for their babies. Formula feeding has become a sign of modernity, freedom, sophistication, and affluence. Due to the breasts being viewed as sexual objects, many people are uncomfortable with breastfeeding in public. Some people believe that it is indecent and that a woman should not bare her breasts for the sake of feeding her child. It is a shame that society is more accepting of a half-naked woman on the cover of a magazine than of a woman providing the best possible nourishment for her child. Some people argue that breastfeeding in public should be done in a tasteful, discreet way. There are so many different opinions and concerns from the public as well as mothers themselves.
Many mothers do not plan to breastfeed their babies because they do not think it can be done once they return to work, but this can be done. A working mother may have the option of arranging her lunch around the baby’s schedule, or she can pump during a break. Using the more sophisticated pumps on the market, it is possible to pump 8-10 ounces in 15 minutes (Law, 407). A major concern regarding breastfeeding is being tied down to the baby at all times. While it is true that breastfed babies are dependent upon their mothers for nourishment, a mother can enjoy the freedom of leaving the house by breastfeeding her baby in a public place or pumping her milk into bottles. Breastfeeding provides a natural, mutually beneficial, cost-effective way to feed an infant, but it is not widely popular in Western culture. Many women choose not to breastfeed because cultural norms make them feel insecure about nursing in public, if at all. Furthermore, many myths about breastfeeding may make a woman feel uncomfortable and unsure of her abilities. Many breastfeeding advocates believe that arming the public with accurate information about the benefits of breastfeeding will increase awareness, acceptance, and will encourage more women to do what is best for their babies.