Be forewarned that I am especially biased on the subject of breastfeeding. You have most likely heard that breastfeeding is best, but perhaps you aren't convinced yet. Check out these facts:
- Immediately after birth, nursing comforts a newborn babe and causes the uterus to contract more quickly than it would otherwise.
- Nursing give Mom a chance to rest as she recovers from the labor of birth by releasing hormones that also make baby sleepy.
- As for losing weight, consider this, "full-time breastfeeding burns about 250 calories a day, the equivalent of a 3-mile run." (1) Of course, it is necessary to eat more calories to keep up with the demands of making milk.
- No periods! With exclusive breastfeeding, a woman will usually experience amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) for at least the first 6 months. With extended breastfeeding, it may last an average of 14.5 months. (My own experience has been 16-30 months due to responsive, extended breastfeeding.) The lack of menstruation helps with natural child spacing.
- And think of all the time, effort, and money you save since you don't have to worry about buying and mixing formula, sterilizing bottles, refrigeration, and then, warming up bottles, and heavy diaper bags. Breastmilk is always available, always the right temperature, clean, and FREE! When I am on the go, I usually just tuck a couple of diapers and some wipes into my purse and settle the baby into our sling. That is what I call convenience food.
- Lastly, women who breastfeed have a much lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who have never breastfed.
I have only touched on some of the advantages of breastfeeding for the mother, not to mention what it does for the baby and for the environment. Research more to make an informed choice. I am sure that you will find breastfeeding is the perfect design.If you are already nursing a little one, keep it up!
(1)Superimmunity for Kids, Leo Galland, M.D.
