~Breastfeeding~
Beastfeeding is giving human breast milk to infants to meet their nutritional needs. I chose Breastfeeding because I never knew much about it until my baby was ill and could only have breastmilk. I never really cared for breastfeeding and it was never an option for me. However, that changed with her being sick. My doctor informed me how it would provide nutrients for her body and also antibodies to protect her. The doctor also said how much easier it would be for her to digest the milk rather than formula. The first couple weeks I tried and it took me forever to fill a bottle and it bothered me, but I continued no matter how long it took. I would like to think that breastfeeding played a vital role in getting her well. In the Philippines out of almost 7 million children below the age of five (87%) were never breastfed. Nearly 3.4 million children were given liquid or food other than breastmilk within three days after being born. This was so shocking to me, especially feeding babies food starting the first couple days after being born. I usually did not give my kids tablefood until they were about 10 months old. 31% of the mothers claimed they did not breastfeed because they believed they didn't have enough milk. In the Philippines breastfeeding lasts only an average of 24 days. However the Philippines are experiencing hunger and malnutrition.1 out of 4 children are underweight, and 1 out of 20 die due to malnutrition. So now they are trying to promote exclusively breastfeeding, in which the infants only drink breastmilk. Some believe it will cut down the cost of buying milk and research shows that children who are exclusively breastfeeding have a higher I.Q and are 14 times more likely to survive. ILO an initiative was started to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the workplace. They believe this will reduce hunger, extreme poverty, and child morality rate.
References:
www.unicef.org/philippines/children/breastfeeding_2.html
Video: www.youtube.com/watch Exclusive Breastfeeding in the Workplace.
I love that you chose to discuss breastfeeding. It is such a touchy topic for some people. I agree with you that it has great nutrients for the baby. I am currently pregnant with my first and this is something from the get go that I knew I wanted to do for my baby. That is very interesting about the Philippines and breastfeeding, I had no idea that they even breastfed there. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and learning about breastfeeding in the Philippines. I applaud any woman who breast feeds and provides her baby with such a healthy and rewarding experience. I did not breast feed my oldest son because he was allergic to my milk. When I had my twins I breast fed for 2 weeks and then I stopped due to the difficulty of feeding 2 babies. My daughter-in-laws have all breast fed and I am very proud of them and so glad they have been able to bond in this way. Good post!
ReplyDeleteHi Jamill,
ReplyDeleteWhen I had my daughter I didn't have any guidance on breastfeeding. The nurses weren't helpful and they were quick to give my baby a bottle. Fortunately my sister gave me some really good tips on how to get the milk flowing and feed my daughter. Breast milk truly is the best milk and its important for moms to take care of themselves as well so their milk is healthy. Thanks for sharing your insights and information. Enjoy your weekend.
Rosalind
Hey Jamill,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you choose to breastfeed, I think it is one of the best things you can give your child and a great bonding technique for you and your little one. I breastfeed both of my children for the 1st 4 months. I agree with you when you began it does help you to practice your pratience, it is very time consuming, but it is a grat thing in the long run. I was surprised thatin the Phillipines they parents did breatfeed for long periods of time, and was given food soon after birth. Great site, it was very informational.
Jamil, You made an excellent choice when you decided to breastfeed your daughter. Unfortunatly haspitals often try to get new mothers out the door without explaining the importance of breastfeeding their child.
ReplyDeleteBreastfeeding is a great topic and I really believe in it because of my beliefs in the nutritional values it provides to infants. I did try to breastfeed and my children could not latch on because of my nipples but I tried anyway for a week or two. I however had a very hard time when my grandson was born and his mother refused to breastfeed him regardless of how many formulas he changed. She said she did not believe in it and I had to accept her beliefs, but didn't like it. My grandson is doing great and so far has not have any illness. Maybe its because of of grandmother who takes care of him daily.
ReplyDeleteI do however feel that its the best nutrition for an infant because it protects them.