BREASTFEEDING
But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.
Psalm 22:9
Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones... Lamentations 4:3
But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.
Psalm 22:9
Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones... Lamentations 4:3
The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond nutrition. There are also emotional benefits for baby. The skin-to-skin contact that a baby enjoys with his mother while nursing is a source of comfort and security. Most breastfed babies cry less because they are held more frequently. Since breastfeeding requires a mother to read and respond to her babies cues, babies learn to trust themselves and others.
The benefits of breastfeeding extend to the mother, as well. The most obvious advantage for mother is that her milk needs no special preparation. There are no bottles to mix or wash and sterilize. This is especially important during natural disasters like floods and hurricanes where sanitary water may be in short supply making it difficult to mix formula and wash bottles. Breastmilk is always ready, in the right amount and at the proper temperature (This is especially handy for night-time feedings).
Breastmilk is obviously cheaper than formula. But there may also be fewer medical bills to pay since breastfed babies are healthier than their formula-fed peers. Breasfed babies also have better jaw development, so there may be fewer orthodontic bills later.
Nursing mothers usually lose weight after birth than mothers who feed their babies formula. During the last few months of pregnancy, a mother gains several pounds of body fat specifically for breastfeeding. When a mother doesn't breastfeed, this fat has nothing to do and nowhere to go so it decides to stay around (ussually on our thighs).
The nipple stimulation a baby provides while nursing at the breast causes a mother's uterus to contract. This reduces the flow of blood after birth. This helps prevent dangerous hemorrhage and it helps return the uterus to more quickly return to it's original state.
Breastfeeding mothers are less likely to develop breast cancer and so are the daughters that they breasfeed. Breastfeeding also protects against ovarian cancer, urinary tract infections, and possibly even osteoporosis.
In women who exclusively breastfeed, ovulation and menstruation are postponed. Therefore, there is a decreased chance of anemia and no premenstrual problems for a while. It is also beneficial in spacing children. Exclusive breastfeeding means there are no supplemental bottles or pacifiers and at least one nighttime feeding.
My favorite perk to breastfeeding is that baby's messy diapers do not have an offensive odor. This could help ensure that dad changes his fair share of diapers, although that hasn't been the case in our house. Even better than the inoffensive smell is the possibility that after about six to eight weeks, your breastfed baby will go several days without having a bowel movement. This most definitely makes life easier. It is perfectly normal and not a sign of constipation. Also when baby vomits, the milk smells less offensive than formula and doesn't stain clothes like formula does.
Breastfeeding is recognized as the optimum way to nurture a baby. Human milk is best for baby's health, growth, and development. God expects us to give our best to our children. Breastfeeding is the best and it is what God intended for your baby.
Interesting Christian Links:
Articles:
Side Effects of Not Breastfeeding Newborns
