Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

Thesis Statement

Breastfeeding proves to be beneficial for the child and the mother and helps in the development of a strong relationship between the child and the mother.

Introduction

Breastfeeding is feeding the child directly through the female breast rather than a milk bottle or any other container. Infants have a reflex for sucking that helps them in sucking and swallowing the milk from their mother's breast. It is suggested that babies must be kept on breastfeed for six months initially where the breast milk is considered as the healthiest milk for the young. Breastfeeding helps in keeping the mother and the child healthy and free from diseases. It has been noted that artificial feeding has led to more deaths specifically from diarrhea in many countries around the globe. World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics have emphasized on the importance of breastfeeding, therefore the concerned authorities work for minimizing the usage of artificial feeding (www.who.int). This paper emphasizes on the importance of breastfeeding, the problems that arise if it is avoided and discusses a few cases.

Discussion

Anatomy of the breasts

The breast has approximately 20 sections that are known as lobes and are arranged as petals. Each lobe then further has small lobules that have tiny bulbs responsible for producing milk. The lobes, lobules and the bulbs are linked together through ducts which lead to the nipple centre called the areola. The spaces in between are filled by fats. Breasts have no muscles. The breasts have blood vessels carrying lymph forming clusters under the arm, above collarbone and chest.

Importance of breasts for a woman

Breats enhance the beauty of a woman. It adds to their personality. On the other hand, it is the part of the body which attracts men the most. Many cultures also argue over the size of the breasts. Woman often want to have bigger breasts. The reason being big breasts give a better appearance and clothes fit the woman better. On the other hand, large breats make a woman feel young at all times.

The society considers the women with bigger breasts to be beautiful and sexy as it keeps the body in proportion. As there are various dangerous ways of enlarging breasts, many women are now realizing the natural ways of growing breasts.

How to start breastfeeding

The best time to start breastfeeding is in the delivery room when the mother sees her child for the very first time. Initially, the mother produces small quantities of milk known as colostrum that protects the baby from getting infection at the start. For starting, the mother should turn the baby to her chest, touch the baby's lip to the nipples and when the child opens the mouth it should pulled into the breast. This requires patience and practice from the mother's side. Breastfeeding may take around 40 minutes for the mother. For this, the mother should find a comfortable place to sit so that her arms and back do not ache much. It is advisable that the mother does not start feeding ...