BREASTFEEDING

 

            Firstly, I would like to apologize for my late posting due to, I have a chronic illness, and asking for my Colleagues to keep me lifted up in your prayers. 

            Breastfeeding is one way to ensure the baby is getting his / her proper nutrition’s.  I read an updated article written by “Melissa Kotlen Nagin on May 16, 2014 discussing how “Breastfeeding can benefit mothers”.  In the reading it stated that breastfeeding “lowers the infant’s risk of SIDS”, one doesn’t have to worry about getting up to warm a bottle due to, breast milk is already preserved and warm waiting for him / her to latch onto her breast.

List below are some reason breastfeeding can benefit your baby.

• Your baby is not prone to ear infections, colds and virus. 
• Mothers can pump their milk and bring it to their childcare provider in order for it to be stored in the refrigerator until babies is ready to drink. 
   
• It helps the brain to develop and grow and he / she will have less learning and behavior difficulties
• Prevent diaper rash and skin problems
• The milk is much easier to digest and the baby would not become constipated
• Fights type 2 diabetes

Proteins that are found in breast milk and their benefits:

• Lactoferrin “inhibits the growth of iron-dependent bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.  This inhibits certain organisms, such as coliforms and yeast that require iron”.
• Secretory IgA “works to protect the infant from viruses and bacteria, specifically those that the baby, mom, and family are exposed to.  It also helps to protect against E. Coli and possibly allergies.  Other immunoglobulins, including IgG and IgM, in breast milk also help protect against bacterial and viral infections”.  Also, eating fish can help increase the amount of these proteins in your breast milk.
• Lysozyme “an enzyme that protects the infant against E. Coli and Salmonella. It also promotes the growth of healthy intestinal flora and has anti-inflammatory functions”.
• Bifidus factor “supports the growth of lactobacillus. Lactobacillus is a beneficial bacteria that protects the baby against harmful bacteria by creating an acidic environment where it cannot survive”.

In conclusion, In view of what, I’ve learn about breastfeeding my son would not have been prone to some of his illness such as ear infections.  My mother tried to talk me into breastfeeding but, I was afraid.

References

Why breastfeeding is important | womenshealth.gov

www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is

Melissa Kotlen Nagin, IBCLC, RLC - About.com Breastfeeding

breastfeeding.about.com/bio/Melissa-Kotlen-Nagin-28889.htm

 

When in public mothers can cover up by placing a blanket over their shoulder to feed their babies.