The topic I choose this week is breastfeeding. I choose breastfeeding because it is very near and dear to my heart. I breastfed both of my older children. This process was hard for me because I had a mother in law that was very against it. She would do and say things to me to make me not want to nurse my children. I think that breastfeeding was one of the best things I’ve ever done for my children. They walked at early ages and have been very healthy children. Breastfeeding is truly a sacrifice for the mothers involved. It has become a lot easier now than it was 17 years ago. There are many public places that actually offer private areas for mothers to nurse their children. During the time I nursed it was sometimes embarrassing because although I was always covered people choose to stare.
In North America and Western Europe, breastfeeding in public is not generally accepted. Even if women are determined to breastfeed, they are often uncomfortable exposing their breasts in public because breasts are culturally associated with sex. In many other countries, breasts are seen as functional, so it is not immodest for them to be uncovered. It is very natural to breastfeed in public and women are very comfortable doing so. Some cultures may have a taboo against women breastfeeding in the company of men(Breastfeeding, Culture and Attachment)
I use the information and first hand knowledge that I have learned about breastfeeding to encourage and support new mothers in my program to breastfeed their babies. I also ensure that we have provided a private and comfortable place for mothers to nurse their babies.
Breast milk helps keep your baby healthy.
*It supplies all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions.
*It protects against allergies, sickness, and obesity.
*It protects against diseases, like diabetes and cancer.
*It protects against infections, like ear infections.
*It is easily digested – no constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach.
*Babies have healthier weights as they grow.
*Breastfed babies score higher on IQ tests.
Breastfeeding, Culture , and Attachment - Attachment Across Retrieved November 2013. www.attachmentacrosscultures.org/beliefs/bfeed_culture.pdf
Why is Breastfeeding Important for your Baby? Retrieved November 2013 from: http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/breastfeeding/importance.htm
Breastfeeding seems to be the pick of alot of the group.How long do you think a mom should breast feed their child.We have parents that continue to bring about two oz of breast milk in their cups to give to the child at their meal because they don't want us to feed them the USDA required whole milk. But if all they can produce is 2oz of breast milk they are not allowing the child to get enough nutrients.
ReplyDeleteHi Deon
ReplyDeleteI admire you for not giving into your mother in law. I have not been able to experience the joy of breastfeeding since I am not a mother. However, when i do have a child I intend to breast feed.
Breast feeding does not only have a positive impact on the life of the child but on that of the mother as well as it creates a bond between mother and child. Additional it reduces the mother's chances of getting breast cancer and osteoporosis.
In my country St. Lucia, breast feeding is like a natural phenomenon. Mothers are not afraid or ashamed of breast feeding their children in public since they are not criticized nor stared upon. They breast feed their children practically anywhere; in church, village/town square, on buses. Nonetheless, some parents are more discreet than others and tend to cover up their breast while breast feeding.