Saturday, November 13, 2010

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is important because it was part of my life when I was a baby. I had a discussion with my mom and she told me that I was breastfed for roughly 12 months. Due to the fact that I don’t have any children I at times bypass things that I have never had the opportunity of experiencing. However, in doing research over breastfeeding, I understand it is much more than a source of food for a baby. Breastfeeding a baby gives another means of bonding between mother and baby. Breastfeeding can also prevent many types of illnesses in a baby. Also, the mother can benefit from breastfeeding; it has been proven to lower type 2 diabetes. One thing that I found fascinating is that breastfeeding is common around the world. In so many topics certain countries differ and have completely different methods. However, places such as Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, Asia and Jordan all highly recommend breastfeeding. Islam promotes mothers to breastfeed for approximately two years. In the Philippines the mother will normally nurse her child for two to three years. In Asian families it is very common that they breastfeed until the child is three years old. In doing my research, I realized that there is not an exact age where you must stop breastfeeding; this is more of a personal decision depending on the family. My outlook on breastfeeding has definitely changed and blossomed.


http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/457485_2
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4587404_how-long-nurse-child.html
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/index.cfm?page=227
http://www.007b.com/public-breastfeeding-world.php


1 comment:

  1. Hi Kimberly! Your information was very insightful. I have personal experience with breastfeeding as I breastfed both my children. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have tried it if my older sister hadn't done it first. My mother had seven kids and we were all bottle fed so my niece was the first baby I ever saw breastfeeding. One of my good friends said the most profound thing about breastfeeding that I will never forget. She said that when you are doing it, it feels like the most natural thing in the world, but when you are done and your baby is older, it feels like the most unnatural thing that you can't imagine experiencing. It's so weird. I totally remember the feeling of bonding with my child through breastfeeding, but once it was over, I remember the feeling of relief to have my body back to myself. It sounds selfish but it is a huge sacrifice that definitely has its rewards if you see it through.

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