Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth

and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large. Colostrum, the yellowish, sticky breast milk produced at the end of pregnancy, is recommended by WHO as the perfect food for the newborn, and feeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. What are the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding? The nutritional advantages of breast milk are certainly numerous. The amino acids in breast milk, the building blocks of proteins, are well balanced for the human baby, as are the sugars (primarily lactose) and fats. The baby's intestinal tract is best aided in its digestion by the vitamins, enzymes, and minerals found in breast milk. Breast milk also contains infection-fighting antibodies from the mother, and breastfed babies are believed to be at a reduced risk for many acute and chronic infections early in life. Thecholesterol content is also high in human milk and very low in formulas. Cholesterol promotes brain growth and provides the building blocks of hormones, vitamin D, and intestinal bile. Breast milk is also the least expensive way to feed an infant. However, the mother must maintain good nutrition and continue taking any vitamin/mineral supplements her doctor recommended during the pregnancy. Formula-fed babies also have the risk of developing an allergy to a particular formula. When a baby develops an allergy to formula, he or she may have symptoms that include irritability, crying after feedings, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a skin rash. Nursing helps most women lose weight (though not fluid) after delivery, as 500 calories or more are used by breastfeeding each day. There is a well-accepted extra closeness that breastfeeding mothers experience that is both hormonal and emotional in nature. The only disadvantages for the baby in breastfeeding occur when things are not going well, for example, if there's an inadequate supply of breast milk or an inefficient suck reflex in the baby. However, it is unusual for a mother not to produce enough milk for her baby unless she is not breastfeeding correctly or frequently enough. The disadvantages that most commonly arise involve the rest of the family. Siblings and dad often feel "left out" of baby care since mom is the only one who can do the nursing. However, other family members can be involved in helping with different aspects of the baby's care, and this gives them a valuable feeling of importance and allows mom a chance to rest. Breastfed babies eat more often than formula-fed babies since breast milk is more quickly digested and leaves the stomach empty more frequently. This puts a little more stress on the mother because of the potential necessity for more frequent feedings. If the mother develops certain medical conditions, whether or not to continue breastfeeding may need to be reassessed. These conditions should always be discussed with the doctor. However, it is rare that breastfeeding would need to be discontinued

completely. In any interaction, the mother's doctor and/or pharmacist should be informed that she is breastfeeding. Some medicines should be avoided during breastfeeding. Numerous other medications have not yet been adequately studied in the context of breastfeeding and the possible effects on the baby. If a breastfeeding mother is required to take a medication which has not been fully studied, she Pediatricians, midwives, nurses and even formula manufacturers all agree that breastfeeding is the best thing for your baby. With breast milk containing the perfect amount of antibodies, water, fat, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals, served at the perfect temperature and in the perfect container, formula will always come in second place as best for your baby. Below are some of the advantages of breastfeeding. y Breast milk is personalized for your baby Your breast milk contains the perfect amount of everything your baby needs. With your breast milk continually changing to meet your babys needs, its always just right. Protection from allergy Your baby will be less likely to get allergies, which the strong proteins in cows milk can cause. Can protect against respiratory problems like asthma. Less chance of obesity Since breast fed babies are able to follow the demands of their appetite, breastfeeding may help reduce the chance of becoming overweight. Nursing for at least one year has been shown to reduce stomach infections. Easier to digest Your breast milk is designed for your babys new sensitive digestive system. The amount of proteins and fats in your breast milk is individually tailored to your babys needs. No constipation Since breast milk has a natural laxative effect, infants who breastfeed will rarely become constipated. Convenience With breastfeeding there is no worry about keeping bottles and nipples clean, carrying bottled milk and keeping it at the proper temperature. Breast milk is always ready to use and at the perfect temperature. Money saving Breast milk is free, where bottle-feeding can get expensive for the formula, bottles and nipples. Good for the mother Breastfeeding creates a surge of the hormones in your body, which helps your uterus to contract and shrink to its pre-pregnant size. Breastfeeding can also delay the return of your periods providing you from a reprieve from that time of the month. Take note that this is not always the case; so dont count on it.

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may want to consider discussing this matter with her doctor.

Advantages of Breastfeeding

Strong emotional mother-baby benefits The skin to skin contact and cuddling during breastfeeding creates a wonderful bond between mother and baby. There is nothing better than the eye-to-eye contact, skin-to-skin contact, cuddling and talking time that takes place during breastfeeding.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics - "Human milk is the preferred feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns." "Epidemiologic research shows that human milk and breastfeeding of infants provide advantages with regard to general health, growth, and development, while significantly decreasing risk for a large number of acute and chronic diseases. Research in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other developed countries, among predominantly middle-class populations, provides strong evidence that human milk feeding decreases the incidence and/or severity of diarrhea, lower respiratory infection, otitis media, bacteremia, bacterial meningitis, botulism, urinary tract infection, and necrotizing enterocolitis. There are a number of studies that show a possible protective effect of human milk feeding against sudden infant death syndrome, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lymphoma, allergic diseases and other chronic digestive diseases. Breastfeeding has also been related to possible enhancement of cognitive development." "There are also a number of studies that indicate possible health benefits for mothers. It has long been acknowledged that breastfeeding increases levels of oxytocin, resulting in less postpartum bleeding and more rapid uterine involution. Lactational amenorrhea causes less menstrual blood loss over the months after delivery. Recent research demonstrates that lactating women have an earlier return to prepregnant weight, delayed resumption of ovulation with increased child spacing, improved bone remineralization postpartum with reduction in hip fractures in the postmenopausal period and reduced risk of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer." Read the complete American Academy of Pediatrics statement here or visit the AAP site for more information.