Breast on Demand

This week I chose to talk about breastfeeding. I chose this topic because it is something I have experienced with my babies. I breast fed both of babies for the first months after birth. I would have kept going  but my job and the time to pump and feed didn't go according to plan. I admit I was skeptical at first, but once I got into the habit of doing it. I enjoyed every minute of it. My kids weren't as sick as others which means fewer doctor visits. Breastfeeding is very popular worldwide. It is sterile and rich in iron and vitamins and other nutrients needed for a growing baby. Babies that breastfeed a less likely to become sick because breast milk has antibodies that fight of viruses and other illnesses.

Breast feeding has rewards for both the mother and the baby. It allows them to have bonding time. For the mother,  it reduces the risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis and a satisfying feeling of meeting the baby's needs. For the baby, reduction of illness that are common later in life such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. they will also have fewer cavities, less sids and stronger jaws. It allows babies with skin to skin contact that promotes attachment to mothers. Babies also show reduce stress levels while feeding. Breastfeeding on demand is about responding to the baby's hunger cues. It allows the baby to feed as soon as it is hungry instead of having to wait on a bottle. The breast is always at body temperature so you don't have to warm up milk and sometimes get it too hot. Breast feeding requires less of a hassle when traveling because you don't have to fix bottles or carry extra milk and find places to warm up bottles for the baby.

In other cultures breast feeding is labeled as beneficial, harmless, or harmful. In Papua New Guinea, and Gogo tribe of Tanzania, it is emphasized that women stay celibate while breastfeeding. So a mother will be torn by the decision to satisfy her husband or feed her child, however, the husband isn't expected to remain celibate during that time. One study shows of 120 cultures, 50 withheld the infant from breast in the first two days because they believe the milk was dirty. Some other cultures have no choice but to breast feed because they do not have access to formula.