Breastfeeding is a public health topic that I chose to write about. I heard it reduces the risk of having cancer and it reduces the risk of SIDS. I also heard that breastfeeding helps pregnant women shed weight off faster after birth. This information is meaningful to be because babies need help with the developing of their immune system and organs. Their mother's milk gives them the best protective immunological factors, which are difficult to include in a formula.
Previous research in the European Journal of Cancer has shown a link between breastfeeding and decreased risk of childhood leukemia; however, a new study reveals that long-term breastfeeding may decrease the risk of leukemia and lymphoma even more than breastfeeding for just a few months ?(European “, 2001).
A new study by researchers in New Zealand reveals that premature babies breastfed or fed expressed breast milk in a bottle have higher IQs by the time they are 7 or 8 years old than preemie babies who do not receive breast milk (Horwood, 2000). Although, the researchers did try to account for mother's education and family income - other factors that can affect a child's IQ - they admit this study cannot conclusively determine that breast milk alone helped boost the IQ scores (Horwood, 2000).
Studies in Australia show that children who are exclusively breastfed for at least the first four months of life have a substantial reduction in the risk of developing asthma by age 6. Dr. Oddy noted that asthma is the leading cause of hospitalization in American and Australian children, and the prevalence of asthma is increasing in both countries (PRNewswire, 2011).
The information that I have learned from breastfeeding has helped me understand the differences between breastfed babies and formula fed babies. Breastfeeding is the best way to make sure that your child is getting the proper amount of nutrients for their bodies to grow, and prevent diseases. This information will help support my young parents who are experiencing childbirth for the first time. For instance, I can give them a variety of resource that will show them how they can prepare for childbirth. I can also, use this additional information to help me become more of an advocate for my children and their families by sharing the new information I have gain from this class.
References:
Dr. L.J. Horwood, L. J. (2000, December). Breast milk Boosts IQ in Premature Babies. [Blog message]. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_preemie_iq.html
PRNewswire. (2011, April 26). New Findings on Asthma and Breastfeeding. [Blog message]. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_latest_asma.html
European Journal of Cancer. (2001, January). Prolonged Breastfeeding May Protect Against Childhood Leukemia. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_leukemia.html
Erica,
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have known this information about breastfeeding, when I had my son. I would have chosen breastfeeding over formula. The benefits of breastfeeding are awesome.
I have a friend who is breast feeding right now and can see the benefits for herself. For example, she lost her baby weight the first couple of weeks. In addition she feels a connection to him when she breast feeds. She is excited about all the benefits of breast feeding but is afraid that she may have to stop. She will have to start work soon and when she pumps, there is not enough milk coming out. She is going to see her doctor and after reading this, I really want her to breast feed. It really is better for them both.
ReplyDeleteI breastfed my son, who will be 11 next week, for about 6 weeks. I gave up because he had very bad colic and I thought maybe it was because of the breastfeeding. (I was so misinformed.) He has asthma and I had wondered if he would have developed it if I had breastfeed longer. I got my answer when my daughter was about 18 months old. Even though I breastfeed her exclusively for six months and twice a day until she was a year, she still developed asthma. In fact, her's is worse than her brother's! It's genetic, because I have asthma as well, even though I was breastfed, too. I was just hoping that maybe both my kids wouldn't have it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting information and I can see how breastfeeding had many pros to women who chose to do so. I had a child in my classroom who was about 2 years old and we was still being breastfeed. Reading your post I see that breastfeeding can help a child developmentally amongst other things. My girlfriend and I discuss having children and she said she will not breastfeed cause a lot of people tell her its a hassle or it hurts. I hope to try and convince her, cause the benefits do outweigh any cons.
ReplyDeleteErica,
ReplyDeleteDon't forget it is WAY CHEAPER to breastfeed your baby. Formula is so expensive!
Erica,
ReplyDeleteFor some women breast feeding works well and for others, it can be a challenge. For me, I gave my son formula. But I felt bad that my decision not to breast feed was not respected the way I thought it would...many women I came in contact with would try and push me into breastfeeding but it was something, I didn't want to do. I am happy to say that my son and I are extremely close...so I guess not having a close bond with your child if you breast feed is a not entirely true.
Nicky