A52

Glory, Bea Danica U.

Ching, Ira
Second Draft
I.

Introduction

Move 1
From the moment of conception to the moment of death, a person experiences no other
longest period of physical connection with any person other than ones own mother. According to
www.en.worldstat.info, the people of the Philippines have a life expectancy of 71.7 years (2011
est.) at birth. Taking this into account, a Filipino would be spending 0.01% of their life inside
their mothers womb physically connected. Such a small percentage may seem insignificant.
However, if one would think that they were connected to another person for almost a year,
without even a minute or even the tiniest second of being apart, it wouldnt be so insignificant.
For nine months, everything the infant needed is given automatically through the umbilical cord.
Ergo, the infants life support in the womb is that connection of the umbilical cord. However,
after the delivery of the child, this life support in the womb is cut and the child has now the
ability to live without it and in turn different needs. Perhaps, the most important action to be able
to provide the childs new requirements both physically and psychologically would be
breastfeeding.
Previous researches on the matter of breastfeeding have shown much concern for the
physical effects that breastfeeding may have on the child, not so much realizing that such an
action as breastfeeding would also have an effect on the psychological development of the child.

Certainly, a new baby needs warmth, security, love and protection (Greenspan, 1983).
This includes protection in terms of overall physical, medical and nutritional care as well as
protection from negative emotional experiences. Second, an infant requites emotional constancy.
Third, the infant requires the opportunity for what may be called phase-specific experiences as
he or she grows and develops. Each part of infancy involves new developmental task that
requires support from parents and other key caregivers. The third requirement is to be
experienced by the child as he or she goes through life. However, all three have one thing in
common that is breastfeeding can affect all of them.
Move 2
Such an important act as breastfeeding tends to be ignored by those who do not
know of its benefits, not only for the child but for the mother as well. Mothers replace a much
greater asset with a more inferior product, though also man-made, is quite different from the
natural product produced really within a womans body. In the study of Davim, Enders and Da
Silva (2006), 33 women were interviewed in the 16-21 age group.
When questioned about whether they had received any
information from the health professionals regarding breastfeeding
immediately after delivery, the majority (66.7%) of the mothers
responded negatively. Those that responded in the affirmative
(33.3%) reported that the information received instructed them to
feed their babies exclusively with breast milk up to the age of 6
months; that breast milk is rich and precious and that it prevents
disease, both in the mother and the baby. In addition, they reported

that they were taught feeding techniques as well as what items to

avoid giving the baby, such as tea, water, and pacifiers, among
others, during the six months of exclusive breastfeeding.
As can be deduced from the previous statements, breastfeeding has a tendency to be ignored by a
majority of people. However, those that do know of the mechanisms of breastfeeding hold it of
high regard. All cannot be blamed on the notion of not knowing of the benefits of breastfeeding.
Others partake in ignorance as such not paying mind to said benefits and still turning to formula
milk to replace the natural breast milk.
Though formula milk may be able to replace the physical benefits that breast milk
provides, it cannot cover the psychological aspect that comes along with breastfeeding.
Move 3
As previously stated, the psychological aspect contributed by breastfeeding is often
ignored. Therefore, this paper aims to show that breastfeeding increases maternal care, reduces
chances of illnesses, and decreases oral fixation thereby contributing to the childs emotional
stability. Unlike the past studies wherein only the physical aspects of breastfeeding was shown,
this will focus on how these physical aspects affect the psychological development of the child.
Displaying a connection between increase of maternal care, decrease of chances of illnesses and
oral fixation to aiding emotional stability, pointing out that from infancy there is the possibility
of greatly affecting future situations. As emotional stability will play a vital role in deciding
ones actions, one cannot hope to be ever childish and just sit and whine and complain forever. In
lieu with this, it is important to see the benefits that will be gained personally by the mothers that
will be nurturing a child. So as to show that though disadvantageous at the time, breastfeeding

can be turned to an advantageous weapon that has effects that will last over the passing of time
of both mother and child.
II.

Body

Breastfeeding, Breast milk, and Formula Milk

Breast milk is not only the baby's food, but it's also the baby's jump-start on immunity,
autonomy, emotional development, intelligence, and future outcomes(Narvaez, 2011). Breast
milk comes from the secretion of the mammary glands in the female body. Breastfeeding, used
interchangeable with nursing, is often only seen as a way to feed ones child. It can only be done
by lactating mothers, otherwise, the mammary glands will not be able to produce milk.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement on Breastfeeding,
women who dont have health problems should exclusively breastfeed their infants for at least
the first six months of life. The AAP suggests that women try to breastfeed for the first 12
months of life because of the benefits to both the mother and baby. Normally when a woman is
pregnant, her milk ducts become enlarged and filled with colostrums, the clear fluid that
precedes milk (Mosher, 1983). These events are triggered by the hormone prolactin which is
secreted by the pituitary gland. After the baby is born, its sucking stimulates the nerves leading to
the pituitary gland which continues to secrete prolactin leading to the manufacture of milk. Ergo,
the sucking of the baby serves as the stimulus for the continuous milk production.
In a study of Pickering, Granoff, Erickson, et.al. (1998) comprised of 311 who completed
the study, its aim was to find out whether breast milk added to formula milk would enhance the
development of the immune system. The participants were divided into three groups each given a
different specification of milk to feed to their child. The results are as follows:

Infants who breastfed had significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers to polio virus
than either formula-fed group (1:346 vs 1:169 and 1:192 in the Control and Nucleotide groups,
respectively) at 6 months of age.
It shows that breast milk had a much significant outcome than the other two formulae milk given
to the children. Infant-formula-feeding is inferior to breastfeeding because human milk provides
specific and non-specific factors that have long-term consequences for early metabolism and
the development of disease (Oddy, 2002). Human milk enhances the immature immunologic
system of the neonate and strengthens host defense mechanisms against infective and other
foreign agents. Some things that can explain the enhancement of the immune system by the
breast milk are those that are not found in the formula milk - hormones, growth factors
and colony stimulating factors, as well as specific nutrients.
The act of breastfeeding, itself, is not to be disregarded. Its as equally important the
breast milk itself, not only on the context that the breast milk would not be produced without the
act of breastfeeding, but breastfeeding serves also as a connector between the mother and the
child which will prove to be something of relevance.
Breastfeeding and the Mother
The worlds oldest and still most widely practiced form of birth regulation is breastfeeding(Parents Digest, 1984). Though this is doubted by the normal people of Western culture,
it is still deemed true by nutritional professionals who know of breastfeedings effect on both
health and birth intervals in past cultures around the globe. The spacing of babies is a simply a
side-effect of natural mothering which entails mother-child inseparability. Breastfeeding itself is

also a side-effect of natural mothering. As such, this should be like saying that breastfeeding
should be done as a natural course of action to after delivery care for the child.
Problem arises when the mother, is in fact a working one. After the birth, they cannot stay
cooped up in the house and just take care of the child. Opinions of professionals in the field of
child development differ on when is the best time for a working mother to go back to work after
delivery. One suggested that a woman should return to her job within the first two months after
her baby is born so that the infant does not become fully involved with her and can instead
become attached to the substitute caregiver (Greenspan, 1983). Others say that in no time will
separation be for the babys best interest. In such cases, one should consider that how the mother
feels about herself, her baby and her family is crucially important to the emotional milieu in
which that baby grows up and therefore, is relevant to the babys development.
Breast milk is the best for babies up to two years and beyond. This statement can be
seen throughout commercials of some (if not most) milk and diaper companies such as Nido,
Drypers, etc. However, this statement failed to mention that mothers also benefit from
breastfeeding. Breastfeeding moms get a lot out of feeding their child. One such example would
be the confidence moms get during an infants early days. A new mom might still have feelings
of uncertainties like how to hold a new-born baby or how to change a babys diaper. These
feelings of uncertainties make a new mom insecure about themselves. This is why breastfeeding
is important for new moms. Breastfeeding gives the mom a feeling of being the only one capable
of feeding their child. As such, it makes them more confident and more capable of taking care of
the infant in the long run. Aside from the confidence mothers get from breastfeeding their kids,
breastfeeding can also be viewed as a great investment for working moms. Breastfeeding is a
healthy investment. Breastfed babies are less likely to get sick so this will mean fewer illnesses

for the baby and more income for the family. Breastfeeding is also free. Breastfeeding moms
dont have to spend money to buy formula milk, bottles, and waste time preparing the milk. In
the U.S. in 2005, many mothers have started to breastfeed their children however only 42%
remain to continue after six months. Considering the improved health outcomes for the infants
alone, the U.S. could save about $13 billion each year on medical costs if 90 percent of women
nursed their infants exclusively for the first six months, according to an analysis by led
by Melissa Bartick (2010). And that sum says nothing of the money that might be saved on
health costs for mothers if they breastfed, which Bartick estimates would be "significant." Breast
milk has everything a mom needs. Through breastfeeding, moms are able to save money, time,
and are able to bond with their babies.
Breastfeeding and the Child
Breastfeeding provides UNSURPASSED[emphasis added] natural nutrition to the
newborn and infant (Jackson & Nazar, 2006). Human breast milk also contains numerous
protective factors against infectious disease and may influence immune system development, as
noted in previous studies of infant response to vaccination and thymus gland development.
Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby's immune
system (Koutras, 1989). Countless previous studies have shown the different chemical workings
of breast milk and its effects on the development of the immune system of the child. There is
evidence of ongoing protection against illness due to protective influences on the immune system
mediated via human milk (Oddy, 2002). If the immune system development is significantly
improved with the introduction of components of breast milk, then prematurely discontinued
breastfeeding may facilitate pathogenesis of many chronic diseases later in life (Jackson &
Nazar).

Now, delving into the psychological side of the matter, according to Freuds stages of
psychosexual development, the first stage is the oral stage. The oral stage starts from the moment
of birth to around a year after life. The erogenous zone in this stage is an infants mouth. During
the oral stage, the infants main source of interaction occurs through the mouth. The rooting and
sucking reflex is important because it is an essential part of the childs development to
breastfeeding. During this stage, an infants favourite toy would be a pacifier or a biter. The
examples stated have common qualities, they are both for the use of the mouth. This is the first
stage in Freuds psychosexual stages because it focuses on the mouth, which the infant needs to
survive. The use of the mouth during the oral stage is emphasized because it is a must that the
infant learn breastfeeding. Through breastfeeding, the infant is provided with the essential
nutrients needed to maintain good and proper health. This gives the infant a sense of safety
because the infant is entirely dependent on the caretaker who is responsible for feeding the child.
This is why oral fixation plays a big role in an infants emotional stability because it develops the
childs sense of trust and comfort through this oral stimulation.
Emotional Stability
Overall physical health has an effect on a persons outlook in life. There is a physical
connection between what the mind is thinking and those parts of the brain that control bodily
functions. According to Charles Goodstein, MD, clinical professor of psychiatry, New York
University School of Medicine in New York City, and president of the Psychoanalytic
Association of New York, the brain is intimately connected to our endocrine system, which
secretes hormones or chemicals that can have a powerful influence on your emotional health.
Thoughts and feelings as they are generated within the mind [can influence] the outpouring of
hormones from the endocrine system, which in effect control much of what goes on within the

body, says Dr. Goodstein. Having a healthy body come the greater chances of having a healthy
mind. Since stress from worrisome illnesses do not worry the mind, it comes to it that being
protected from illnesses can prevent psychological distress.
Oral fixation can cause irritation of wanting to have something sensitize the oral area.
This nagging feeling can be a hindrance in day to day life as it will cause the person to be highly
irritable. Annoyance of wanting something but not knowing what it is you want. This can cause
the person to dwell in aggressive actions and further disrupt emotional stability. However, with a
well breastfed child, the chances of such occurring are lower for the oral needs of the child are
fulfilled in the stages where it matters most.
Emotional stability comes from having a balance internally due to balancing external
factors entering ones territory, so how one handles oneself in different situations is quite
important. This is based on how one was taught as a child, as such, maternal care is a crucial
component in the matter. Guidance through childhood is key to having a more emotionally stable
future, for how can one communicate with others if not taught how to. Children who do not have
such maternal care are more likely to end up with psychological problems such as depression,
aggression and anxiety. Breastfeeding has been said to fulfill an infants emotional needs. All
babies need to be held. Studies have shown that premature babies are more likely to die if they
are not held or stroked. There is no more comforting feeling for an infant of any age than being
held close and cuddled while breastfeeding. While many bottle-feeding parents are aware of the
importance of cradling their babies while offering the bottle, some are not. Even for parents with
good intentions, there is always the temptation to prop up a bottle next to the child, or, when the
baby is a little older, to let the child hold his/her own bottle and sit alone. This is emotionally

unsatisfying to baby, and can be dangerous physically. An unsupervised child can choke. Also,
propping up bottles over night leads to tooth decay.
III.

Conclusion

Move 1
It is a pity that something as natural as breastfeeding be ignored and be substituted for
something more inferior, formula milk. Thinking of the longetivity of the time spent within the
womb, the mother would prefer to give a much better, if not the best, supplement to her child.
However, some mothers are not to blame for their indifference towards breastfeeding. As they
see it much more than a liability, a hassle, rather than viewing it for what it is, an asset. Though
many people only hold of regard the physical assets of breastfeeding, the psychological side
must be considered as well. Seeing as the mind and body are connected, it is for the better that
both can be developed. The viewpoint of mothers who do not practice breastfeeding is quite
understandable. However, if they were to be aware of the difference of something natural as
compared to something man-made to replace it, it would make quite a difference. However, the
aim of this paper is not to inform mothers of what they should do for their child, but to make
people know that something so far in the past as breastfeeding holds ground to what one can
become in the future. Divulging not only the quite clich-ly researched physical benefits of
breastfeeding but also opening up the horizon to realize its potential in helping develop a child
psychologically as well.
Move 2
As one can see the clear connections of how physical effects of breastfeeding also serve
an underlying psychological effect, there opens up the intrigue of just how much can such a past

event of breastfeeding be of further psychological influence. Breastfeeding has not only been
shown as of benefit to the child but for the mother as well. Due to it being a natural process,
there is actually a need for breastfeeding in the least, and of course where else should it go but to
the one who needs it, the child.
Move 3
The given emphasis on the physical aspect of breastfeeding is not for not. The benefits it
gives to the immune system of the child is quite astounding, as much as, being able to out-boost
formulated milk in terms of producing anti-bodies. Data support the hypothesis that delayed or
impaired maturation of the immune system early in life can result in immune dysfunction later in
life, leading to, e.g., allergy or atopy (Rabet, Vos, Boehm & Garssen, 2008). With that said, the
importance of proper nutrition in infancy has been given a greater emphasis.
As can be seen from previous paragraphs, breastfeeding holds a lot of benefits not only to
the child but as well as to the mother. Sad to say, that many women are ignorant of the benefits
that this naturally occurring process can give. It prevents breast cancer for the mothers, gives her
child the nutrition he/she needs for free, and gives them a closer connection to their child. This
could be because of the fact that education does not give this much emphasis or because nurses
or doctors do not tell the mother of how important breastfeeding is to the child and to a lesser
extent, to themselves.
Ignorance of the importance of breastfeeding is being addressed differently by different
places. In the Republic of Belarus, an experimental intervention was made to increase the
duration in which breastfeeding was given thus gave them the results of decreased risk of
gastrointestinal tract infection and atopic eczema in the first year of life. These result provide a

solid scientific underpinning for the future interventions to promote breastfeeding (Kramer,
Chalmers, Hodnett, et.al., 2001). Lest people forget that given a more healthy chance in life also
gives a better chance of being an emotionally stable person.
Emotional stability is not an instantaneous event. It is a process that starts since the day
one is born. Along this path is the great marking that when breastfed, it will lead to a better
chance at emotional stability in the future therefore being able to handle oneself both internally
and externally.
Move 4
Recommendations for future researches are as follows:

To further delve into the benefits of breastfeeding to the emotional stability of the child

by looking into more factors that can be affected by it

Adding more research surveys that show the actions done to promote prolonged
breastfeeding

Move 5
Known for its great benefits to the health of the child, and know surfaced the information
that it can also benefit the mother in a way; A great act the forms the bonds of mother and child
even further, a physical interaction that gives psychological effects that will last, a long-past
event that has a great influence in the long-run of the future, neglected and replaces for artificial
means unknown that when done so it is but a great loss. Such is the value of breastfeeding.

IV.

References

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