Breastfeeding

Abstract

In this research we try to explore “Breastfeeding” in a holistic context. The main center of the study is on “breastfeeding” and its relation with “Child and Mothers' health”. The study also examines several aspects of “breastfeeding” and tries to gauge its effect. Ultimately the research explains a variety of factors which are responsible for “breastfeeding” and tries to illustrate the overall effect of “breastfeeding” on “mother, child and society”.

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Discussion1

Benefits of Breast Feeding2

Pro and Cons of Breastfeeding3

Importance of Breast Milk4

Health Factors of Breast Feeding5

Display of Breastfeeding in Society6

Conclusion6

Breastfeeding

Introduction

Feeding infants from the breast is a fact of life. Breastfeeding is the feeding manner that most effectively contributes to physical and mental development of the child, providing nutrients in adequate quality and quantity. The most appropriate nutrition for an infant is the human milk. Breastfeeding of infants reduces the risk of many chronic diseases. The natural, safest and healthiest form of feeding a baby is Breast feeding but there are others types which may be preferred when the mother of an infant is ill or is unable to feed her child from her breast due to health issues. Breast feeding allows the infant to receive complete nutrition from the breast milk which allows proper development of the baby. It is recommended that children receive breast milk exclusively for the first six months of life and that constitutes an important part of feeding up to two years. Breatfeeding is very important for both the child and the mother as it provides the child with a positive developmental start and makes the mother the reason for providing her child with a good health.

Discussion

Breast milk has been defined as a bioactive fluid, which allows children who are well fed on breast milk to have a lower risk of contracting infectious diseases and have lower incidence and severity of chronic diseases. Human milk contains a variety of immunological elements which destroys bacteria, viruses and parasites. Breastfed babies have better development of the dental arches, palate and other facial structures and have a lower incidence of cavities than children receiving milk from bottle. Breast milk contains more than 200 valuable components such as proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and antibodies. With such a rich composition fully meet the body's demand for infant ingredients needed for its proper development. A diet contained natural substances provide protection against immune diseases. In addition, the milk contains pro biotic, which stimulate the bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal tract baby. If the mother is healthy and balanced diet is used to feed her baby completely covers the requirements for nutrients (World Health Organization, 2002).

It has been found that breastfed children are more active, have better psychomotor development and better learning ability. It has also been shown that premature infants fed on human milk; significantly have a higher IQ level than that not receiving breast milk. Recent research shows a higher visual acuity in children who were breastfed compared with formula-fed. The milk which is produced in the mammary gland and located ...