Why to Breast Feed and Breast Feeding Tips

It is a medical fact that breast milk, with very rare exceptions, is the best source of nutrition during the first month of a baby’s life. This is not the alpha and omega of feeding a baby and the mother may prefer other means of feeding, such as bottle-feeding. There are a large number of formulas on the market, which will provide your baby with the nutrition required.

Advantages of Breast Feeding

There are a number of advantages of breast feeding and mothers should consider breast feeding based upon these factors. These advantages include:

Human milk is best suited for human babies. Not only is human milk nutritionally suited for a growing infant, but it has the ability of constantly changing to meet the needs of the infant. The fat content increases as feeding progresses and cholesterol content is higher in earlier months.

Vitamins and minerals are adequately supplied in the mother’s milk to meet the needs of the infant. No supplements are required when breast feeding.

Breast milk is absorbed extremely efficiently, with little undigested material passing into the stool of the infant.

Breast milk is clean, fresh, warm and free. There is no need to store breast milk or to heat it.

Stimulation of a mother’s nipple by an infant releases a hormone called oxytocin, which assist her uteris contract toward what will become its non-pregnant size.

Psychologically breast feeding lends itself to a sense of closeness, satisfaction and intimacy.

When not to breast feed

Medically, there are some reasons why mothers should consider not breast feeding an infant. These reasons may include:

HIV and AIDS may be sufficient reasons for a mother to consider not breast feeding an infant. If the infant has not been infected by the virus after birth, beast feeding may increase the chances of the infant being infected with the virus.

Some mothers may experience physical problems, such as nipples being too big or too small. Some nipples may be too flat, dimpled or inverted and may prevent a mother from being able to breast feed.

Some mothers may experience discomfort or embarrassment when breast feeding. These experiences may be so severe that it will slow down the life and lifestyle of such women. In these instances mothers should reconsider breast feeding.

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