Informative Essay

The Benefits of Breastfeeding.

            

          

 

What is breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large. Colostrum, the yellowish, sticky breast milk produced at the end of pregnancy, is recommended by World Health Organization as the perfect food for the newborn, and feeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. Breastfeeding provides a lot of benefits. It can be good for the baby, for the mother and the most important thing is for the financially.

Firstly, it is good for the baby because breastfeeding can protects your baby from the long illnesses. Numerous studies from around the world have shown that stomach viruses, lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and meningitis occur less often in breastfed babies and are less severe when they do happen. Exclusive breastfeeding (meaning no solid food, formula, or water) for at least six months seems to offer the most protection. Besides that, breastfeeding can protect your baby from developing allergies. According to the research, babies who are fed a formula based on cow's milk or soy tend to have more allergic reactions than breastfed babies.

Secondly, it is also give advantages to the mother. Breastfeeding can reduces the risk of breast cancer. Women who breastfeed reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 25 percent. The reduction in cancer risk comes in proportion to the cumulative lifetime duration of breastfeeding. That is, the more months or years a mother breastfeeds, the lower her risk of breast cancer. Furthermore, breastfeeding can promotes emotional health. Not only does breastfeeding benefit a mother’s body, it also benefits her mind. Studies show that breastfeeding mothers show less postpartum anxiety and depression than do formula-feeding mothers.

Finally, breastfeeds can be beneficial to your financially. Since you don't have to buy and measure formula, sterilize nipples, or warm bottles, it saves you time and money. It also gives you regular time to relax quietly with your newborn as you bond. Besides that, according to Natural Resources Defense Council, women who breastfeed avoid the financial burden of buying infant formula, an average expense of $800 per year.

For the conclusion, breastfeeding is something beneficial to be practice for all the mothers. It can be benefits to your baby, to your own health and for your financial. It is good and healthier instead feeding your baby with the formula based on cow’s milk or soy. For the last word, have a bonding time with your baby by breastfeeding.