I would love to speak about it. Let me say this thread is intended to enlighten, answer questions, myths and help people understand what consists of breastfeeding, the benefits of this wonderful gift and the options to those who wish to breastfeed and to help those with obstacles and helpful sites. Also to help those who formula feed and learn which formula is best for their child.
As a mother, one wants to give what is best for their child, emotionally, physically and mentally. I encountered numerous obstacles with my first child and after 6 weeks I fed my child formula. I didn't have the correct education and support for it and although people may say 6 weeks is great at times I feel if I would of had the right help I could of offered my child a longer nursing benefit. My child is now 5 and doing well.
Here are a few things breast milk helps with...
Human Milk's Nutritional Benefits
Human milk, the best food for babies, contains the right amount of nutrients, in the right proportions, for the growing baby. A living, biological fluid, it contains many unique components. For example, lactoferrin provides optimal absorption of iron and protects the gut from harmful bacteria; lipases assist in digestion of fats; and special growth factors and hormones contribute to optimal growth and development. Mother's own milk changes during a feeding from thirst-quenching to hunger-satisfying, and comes in a variety of flavors as mother's diet varies. Its composition changes as the baby grows to meet baby's changing nutritional needs. It serves as the nutritional model for artificial baby milks, but none of these can match it.
While most people are aware that human milk provides excellent nutrition, many people are unaware of breastfeeding's other health benefits for babies.
Breastfeeding and the Immune System
Human milk is baby's first immunization. It provides antibodies which protect baby from many common respiratory and intestinal diseases, and also contains living immune cells. First milk, colostrum, is packed with components which increase immunity and protect the newborn's intestines. Artificially fed babies have higher rates of middle ear infections, pneumonia, and cases of gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Breastfeeding as an infant also provides protection from developing immune system cancers such as lymphoma, bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and celiac sprue, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, all of which are related to immune system function. And breastfed babies generally mount a more effective response to childhood immunizations. In all these cases, benefits begin immediately, and increase with increasing duration of breastfeeding.
Babies from families with a tendency to allergic diseases particularly benefit from breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding, especially if it continues for at least six months, provides protection against allergies, asthma, and eczema.
Now formula companies have become more aware of things that will help to simulate human milk but unfortunately it can't be duplicated, in any case some are still good.
If a mother encounters that their child is cranky, spits up more than normal something as simple as a change in diet helps a ton. I had to cut dairy out of my diet because my youngest was allergic to dairy.
is a wonderful site that will help with these issues and medication intake that can harm your child and options on alternate medications that can be taken.
usbreastfeeding.org/Issue-Papers/Benefits.pdf
I s a great detailed article on the benefits of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding isn't just fantastic for the child but for the mother as well. Breastfeeding cuts down the chances of having breast cancer.
Article on it...
Now if anyone has any questions, concerns or anything feel free to PM me.
You can contact your local Lactation Consultant to help out. Also La Leche League is fabulous when it comes to health and laws for nursing mothers.
No one is obligated to breastfeed, no one! and if you choose to do so congratulations, the journey is a long one but worth it. If you choose to formula feed speak to your child's health care provider and make sure the formula chosen covers all the needs you are concerned about.
Thank you for reading.

