Can I Convince You to Breastfeed Your Baby?

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Let?s start here by saying that I am the last person to think I would be writing about breastfeeding. I started out as a new mother formula feeding and with no guilt, however, I have regrets. What did I know? I was just a new college graduate who thought that the decision not to breastfeed was a good one. Who wants to whip out their breasts all day and offer it to the baby? Not Me!! Plus, I got formula for free because we were poor college students. Since I was going to have the formula for free and the stores and doctor?s offices wouldn?t have it stocked if it wasn?t safe for the baby, right? I was even co-founder of a group I started with my best friend. It was called, ?I hate breastfeeding.? We were the only two members, of course.

Our small group dispersed because my best friend started breastfeeding her third baby and eventually her fourth for over a year and I have now become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Nevertheless, I now have the fantastic experience of breastfeeding the second and third baby and without regrets.

Everyone knows the basic benefits of breastmilk for the baby. The number one benefit is that it is healthier for the baby. I have yet to hear someone say that formula is healthier. Are there other complex reasons to breastfeed?

For starter, some of the many reasons to breastfeed your child would include:

8-10 points higher I.Q.
Less chance of ear infections
Less chance of respiratory infections
Less chance of bladder infections
Less chance of gastrointestinal infections and NEC, an infection that eats away the lining of the intestines.
Less chance of cancers
Less chance of allergies

Furthermore, the many properties in breastmilk have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. The cells in breastmilk are living and therefore have specific duties, mainly protecting the infant and child?s health. Because the baby is receiving such a protection, the baby has a 21% increased chance of not dying in the first year due to infections or SIDS. Please see the American Academy of Pediatrics website for further information.

There is also some properties in the breastmilk that helps with serotonin. Children are less likely to have decreased attention span, poor impulse control and violence because the breastmilk gives this needed chemical. In addition, when babies are breastfed, they are also less likely to need eye glasses, miss days of school and have learning disabilities. Who wouldn?t want this for their child?

Breastfeeding Help

There is so much help out there for breastfeeding mothers. If a mother is wanting to breastfeed and the baby is not cooperating she can contact a Lactation Consultant, La Leche League, Breastfeeding Clinics, Support groups, a doula or a nurse.