Researchers said that breastfeeding an infant reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks or strokes in the later stages of life and could prevent a significant number of deaths every year. It was discovered that breastfed babies endured fewer cases of childhood infections and allergies. They were also shown to be less likely to develop obesity.Scientists explained that breastfeeding and slow growth rate during the first few months of a child’s life acted as a protective agent against heart disease.
On the other hand, babies whose diets promoted quick growth were placed at risk later in their life for health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and the increased likelihood of developing diabetes and obesity. These four conditions were considered the central risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
29 comments:
Duly noted for future reference.
A friend of mine isn't breastfeeding her baby because, after only 3 days, she says the baby wasn't "taking" to her breast. I don't really understand how 3 days is the test window but, more importantly, what did mothers do before the advent of formula? I can only assume those kids that didn't "take" weren't left to starve to death.
It takes a lot of patience in the beginning to breastfeed a baby. Often they do not “take” to the breast right away and because the education is so poor or non-existent in most American hospitals regarding the expectations of nursing, most new or inexperienced mothers will get worried and panic that their baby will starve.
A few reassuring words should soothe a mother into the reality that her baby will eventually “latch on”, and with enough patience and confidence they can succeed at nursing. When I had my son at 19, the nurses were eager to get him fed (probably because of all the perks they get form the formula companies) and so did not give me a lot of information of encouragement in the way of nursing. At 25 when my daughter was born, I demanded that they not feed her anything and that when she was hungry and the both of us were ready, she would nurse.
It was one of the most amazing life affirming experiences I have had to date.
and sometimes it hurts like hell, which is a real thing to overcome.
My mother did not breastfeed me, but did with my younger brother. This decision is likely the reason that my brother was generally more healthy than I was growing up. I suffer from allergies even today and in the past any lingering cold would almost certainly turn into bronchitis and strep throat. I wasnt necessarily a "sickly" child, but I did get a nasty cold 3-4 times per year, every year. I cant remember my mom and dad having to deal with any lasting sickness with my brother.
the hospital where i gave birth did an excellent job with regards to breast feeding.
there was a lactation specialist that came to my room and spent about an hour with me and my baby getting started.
it was hard at first, but she assured me that if i just relaxed and kept trying, it would work.
she gave me printed information on literally everything i needed to know about breastfeeding. Things my mom and grandma were telling me were right there in the printout.
she dispelled a lot of myths that i had heard that maybe would have caused me to stop within that first couple of weeks like not producing enough milk or my baby's initial weight loss.
i don't think mine is a common experience though.
hopefully your experience will grow more common kalena.
there is now a network of "baby friendly" hospitals in the US that do not offer formula based substitutes at all and encourage nursing in every way.
http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/07.html
yeah i've heard some horror stories even about the actual labor.
i've heard of the babyfriendly project. i don't think 'my hospital' is a member though.
probably more financial reasons than anything.
it just hit me though, that women should be cognizant of their doctor's position on breastfeeding and natural childbirth while it's early enough to switch.
the doctor works closely with the hospital, so if he/she is indifferent (or in low-key opposition) toward breastfeeding and natural childbirth, the hospital's probably going to be pushing an epidural/formula bottle on you and your baby.
my ob/gyn gave me a book about breastfeeding on my first prenatal visit.
my husband nearly had a heart attack yesterday when i told him that our new baby will be delivered at home.
LOL!
Breast Feeding: One of the most natural, beautiful phenomena of the world (not to mention the money you save)
"Breast Feeding: One of the most natural, beautiful phenomena of the world (not to mention the money you save)" pd
Not to mention the pesticide, the preservatives, the steroids and the genetically modified products your baby avoids.
I hear you DV....The health benefits have been well document. It's a no-brainer to me.
The thing about it P, is that it doesn't stop at breastfeeding.
The same exact principles that make breastfeeding a no brainer can be extrapolated and applied throughout our lives.
There are antibodies and enzymes and properties of breast milk that scientist still to this day do not understand.
Nature (God) knows what she is doing.
The less processed the better.
Go raw whenever you can.
LOL jasai! seriously?
dang, DV. i did have to supplement when i was bringing my baby to work with me. excuse me while i go shoot my right arm off.
it's true though, i felt terribly guilty to give it to her
Nah Kalena,
No indictment. Nothing holier than thou. Our first boy had a few sips of that Nestle Jim Jones Juice too. We live and learn.
Hell, we are doing things right now that we will learn to do better some years from now.
But that's cool. It's the journey.
Jasai,
Delivering at home is hip. Good for you.
I wish we didn't have our kids in those damn laboratories they call "maternity wards".
Natural is ALWAYS better than synthetic (unless you're talking about motor oil..ha ha). I just recently had a discussion with a physician about synthetic vs. natural vitamins...no comparison....Told me to STAY AWAY from centrum.
Jasai has the deal been sealed or are you guys still planning?
i feel you DV.
next time around i'd definitely prefer to stay home and do it without supplementing.
i don't think i'd have the courage to do it home. being that i had a good experience with the hospital, i'd probably just do it again there. they'd have to take those monitors off of me though. think they'd go for that?
BTW, where in one's home does child birth normally occur? Although very cute (if I may say so myself), the only places large enough to give birth in my apt are the kitchen floor or the balcony. :-)
....its hard enough to get in and clean the shower, let alone deliver a baby.........
Ima be thinking about this all day. LOL.
lol robyn
i believe my mom helped deliver her god-son in the living room or bedroom. they've got all this stuff to set up. i'm sure it's really not what most of us think it is.
lol robyn, you trying to picture it in your place? that's hilarious! more funny if you've not witnessed actual childbirth cause you've got 'movie labor' taking place in your apartment lol
We are currently in the “planning stages.”
And unless something goes horribly wrong during a birth, the bed and a few feet to walk is all you need. The baby really needs very little help once it decides it ready to get off the boat. I would also consider delivering in water (in the tub) as there is much less pressure involved as I understand it.
The mere prospect is quite exciting (although I think he’s terrified)
I'm a fan of the "laboratories" simply for "fail-safe" reasons. Jasai, what are your views on water births?
I am attracted to it because it is a more gentle transition from the womb for the babies and it takes a lot of physical pressure off of the mother's body. the water is also very soothing during what could potentially be very long hours of waiting.
yeah. i'm all for the water. i want to do that next time.
re: the photo of grandmother harris...
them genes ain't no joke. i see your baby girl all in her face. wow!
You aint lyin' Jasai. Damn near a reincarnation.
Breastfeeding is difficult for the first few days, but it's oh so necessary. Back in the day, they had wet nurses for women that couldn't produce milk.
I don't think I could marry a woman who wouldn't breastfeed.
Y'all can have the "natural" birth at home, as if that means a dimes bit of difference. I want doctors nearby. Ike's delivery was very scary - all I was doing was watching that HEART MONITOR!
Big J
It actually makes a big difference. Many women, especially women of color and those who insist on being informed patients/parents are treated with terrific disregard by the medical establishment.
I have heard countless stories of doctors teasing women for wanting to give birth without drugs. Saying “they don’t have to try to be super heroes” or “all the work begins when the baby arrives.” They will cut you when you don’t need to be cut and stick you when you don’t need to be stuck all for a few measly extra bucks.
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