All About Breastfeeding
Submitted by grisandole on Thu, 11/17/2005 - 05:00.
by Kristi Wish
Every mother wants her baby to be happy and healthy, to grow big
and strong. This is accomplished by feeding baby the healthiest food
possible. Food that is natural, packed with nutrition, and containing antibodies to boost baby’s immune system. Food that has the perfect balance of vitamins, fats, sugars, and proteins. Where do you find such a superfood? In your breasts! We’re talking about the finest in nutrition and feeding, breast milk.
Nursing your baby is the best thing you can do to get him off to a healthy start in life. For both mother and baby, nursing provides numerous health and emotional benefits.
Your milk is unique. It is custom made to suit your baby, and your milk will be ever-changing to suit the needs of your growing baby. How does this happen? The
fat content of your milk can change during a feeding, during different
times of the day, and as your baby grows it adjusts to his specific
needs. When going through a growth spurt, your baby will need more fat, and your milk will provide it. When the spurt is over, the fat content decreases. Dr.
William Sears writes, “The fat content of human milk lessens as baby
grows, automatically changing from ‘whole milk’ to ‘low fat’ during the
last half of the first year.”
Breast milk is also easy on the digestive system. It
contains an enzyme called lipase, which helps properly digest fat. The
proteins in breast milk are also easily absorbed and digested. Lactoferrin, a protein found in human milk, helps your baby’s intestines maintain the proper balance of good and bad bacteria. Nucleotides help the lining of the intestines by enhancing the growth of villi, which absorb and process food.
Vitamins and minerals are plentiful in breast milk. What makes breast milk a superior vitamin source is that they are actually used by the baby’s body! With artificial milk, only 4% of the amount of iron is absorbed into baby’s bloodstream. In contrast, a breast fed baby will absorb 50 – 70% of the iron in breast milk! Also, like fats, the vitamin content of breast milk will change to suit your baby’s needs.
Breast milk is the ultimate immune system enhancer. It contains white blood cells, which destroy harmful bacteria, and immunogloblins, which fight infections. Colostrum,
the first milk your body produces, is extremely high in white blood
cells and immunogloblins, just what your newborn needs. As your baby grows, his immune system will continue to be aided by your milk. Every time a new germ enters your body, you’ll produce antibodies to that germ. In turn, those antibodies will pass through your milk to your baby.
Nursing benefits moms, too! When your baby suckles, it causes you to secrete the hormone prolactin. This wonderful hormone is a natural soother, and it will relax you and baby. The hormone oxytocin, also released during breast feeding, will cause the uterus to contract to its normal size. Nursing also burns calories, which helps with post-partum weight loss.
Breastfeeding is not just for nutrition; its benefits surpass the physical and delve into the spiritual level. Nursing is an emotionally enriching experience. It helps you feel closer and more connected to your baby, as if you can sense her every emotion and desire. You are feeding her not only your milk, but your energy as well. When you nurse, you are nourishing your baby’s body as well as her soul. Babies benefit from the close, skin to skin contact, gazing into their mother’s eyes, feeling warm and secure. Nursing can calm an upset baby, soothe a hurt toddler, and lull an infant to sleep.
Breastfeeding has numerous health and emotional benefits for both mother and baby. It’s economical and environmentally sound. It’s also easy and convenient. For more information, and for support, please visit the following websites:
www.Lalecheleague.org The website for La Leche League, a group of amazing women who promote and encourage breastfeeding throughout the world. Their site has a wealth of information, and every woman should check it out.
www.MilitantBreastfeedingCult.com Another great site.
www.Breastfeeding.com Awesome site with everything you need to know about breastfeeding.
www.Kellymom.com More breastfeeding info.
www.Fourfriends.com/abrw/ A site that has information about adoptive nursing and relactation.