Breastfeeding: Numerous Benefits for Mom and Baby Essay -- Expository

Breastfeeding: Numerous Benefits for Mom and Baby Abstract If parents care so much about their child when she grows up, it should begin from the moment of conception. The benefits of breastfeeding aren't always in the first year; many of the benefits last a lifetime. However, many parents don't know how good breast milk is for a child. Nowadays, mothers blame their busy schedules and use it as an excuse to formula feed their baby. Breastfeeding does not only benefit the baby, but also the mother. The benefits of breastfeeding are so abundant, mothers shouldn't ever consider feeding their baby formula. Breastfeeding: Nipple, Breast & all the Rest Today, breasts have gained the image of a sex symbol. Society forgets the main purpose women were blessed with breasts. Breasts were initially created for feeding and nurturing offspring, commonly known as breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is more than a baby simply sucking on a woman's breast. It is the natural way of feeding offspring that women have been doing for centuries. Breastfeeding is a beautiful way of nurturing a baby, and it automatically creates a special bond between a mother and her baby. The benefits of breastfeeding out number all, if there are any benefits of formula feeding. History of Breastfeeding In 1700-1600 BC, breastfeeding was the only option. If human offspring was not breastfed, just like other mammals, it would not survive. There was no question as to, "Was the baby breastfed?" but, "Was the baby breastfed by its own mother, a relative, friend, or wet nurse?" A wet nurse was usually hired and employed to supply milk to babies born to the wealthy. A widespread of wet-nursing for the royalty and others who were born high in rank began during ... ..., January/February). Assisting new mothers with infant feeding when breastfeeding is not an option. Pediatric Nursing, 27, 47-49. Greene MD, Alan. (1996, June). Benefits to breastfeeding. Retrieved March 11, 2003 from http://www.drgreene.com/21_552.html Kelly. (February 1998). Should breastfeeding continue when mom is sick? Retrieved March 25, 2003 from http://www.kellymom.com/meds/mom-illness.html Michels, Dia L. (1998). Mother nature loves breastmilk [sic]. Retrieved March 9, 2003 from http://www.breastfeeding.com/reading_room/mother_nature.html Ratner MD, Adam. (2002, May). Common breastfeeding problems. Retrieved March 24, 2003 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002452.htm Stuart-Macadam, Patricia & Dettwyler, Kathrine A. (Eds). (2002). Breastfeeding history. Retrieved March 23, 2003 from http://www.seldomfar.com/nurturing/bfhistory.htm