Why Breastfeed?
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Everyone knows that breastfeeding is natural. That means that your breastmilk is made especially for your baby and his needs today. Your breastmilk is exactly what your baby needs, not more or less. The most important reason to breastfeed is that if you choose to feed anything other than your breastmilk, your baby will receive less than what he needs.
Breastfeeding provides a special bond that cannot be achieved with formula feeding. The baby is constantly monitored by one person, you. When holding and feeding the baby every two hours, you are giving a checkup to your baby. You are watching him and looking him over, watching for signs of change in the baby. This type of care is exactly what nature intended and cannot be duplicated. Here's a short list of just some of the benefits to the baby: increased immunity, higher IQ, changes daily to match changing needs, less fussiness/crying, healthy skin, and avoidance of allergies. And don't forget about mom. There are benefits to us as well: reduction of postpartum blues, aids in reduction of uterus after delivery, aids in weight loss, decreases risk of breast cancer, and brings about what I call "arm-chair parenting"! That is the ability of the mother to spend a lot of time in, especially the first three weeks, in the armchair nursing the baby. This time is important for you and your baby to get to know each other, and for you to give yourself a chance to heal and repair your body from pregnancy and childbirth. Read more about why to breastfeed in The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding More questions about "Why Breastfeed"? Join our email discussion group or live chats. |
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Below are other articles on specific topics about breastfeeding... click each title which interests you! Using a Pacifier
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Copyright 2000 Kim Pierson and Mother's Helper MothersHelper.com