Public Health (Breastfeeding)

Breastfeeding is a very common and natural way for a mother to feed her newborn infant. There are multiple benefits of breastfeeding. These benefits are not only for the child but also a benefit to the mother as well. One way to assure that an infant receives the appropriate nutrients is for a mother to breastfeed. Children who are breastfed are less likely to become obese. They are well protected from diseases. They are less likely to become sick. They are less likely to have asthma and decrease allergies. They have fewer cavities than children who were not breastfed. Breastfed children have better vision, less ear infections, and higher Q's.

Mothers who breastfeed have a closer connection or bonding with their infant. The infant has the opportunity to be close to the mothers bare skin of her chest during nursing which forms the necessary bonding during the most critical time in an infants life. Mothers who breastfeed do not have to worry about getting up during the night to sterilize nipples and bottles. The mothers breast milk is naturally sterile which eliminates stress on the father or other household members.

Ideally, nutrition starts with colostrum, a thick, high calorie fluid secreted by the m others breast at birth (Berger, 2012). Compared with formula based on cows milk, human milk is sterile; always at body temperature; and rich in iron, vitamins, and other newly discovered nutrients for brain and body (Drover et al., 2009). breast milk is especially protective for preterm babies; if a preterm baby's mother cannot provide breast milk, physicians recommend milk from another woman (Schanle, 2011).

Currently, breast-feeding is practiced worldwide, but it is no longer the only way to feed infants and each culture has particular practices (Berger, 2012). Breast feeding ion China is at it's lowest. There is an overwhelming lack in support for mothers to breastfeed. Formula companies are stressing the mothers the importance of formula feeding their infants. Chinese mothers are rushed to return to work after 4 months of maternity leave. Many of these work cites do not have an adequate place for mothers to breastfeed or pump the breast for milk which makes it very difficult for the mother. even Chinese pediatricians are encouraging mothers to formula feed instead of breast feeding.

Most Chines families want their infants to be chunky and chubby shortly after birth and this is one reason why these mothers want to formula feed. They are not sure if their babies are getting enough to eat to remain chunky. Their doctors and others are suggesting that the formula will fatten up their infant.

This information about breastfeeding is very beneficial to me. I can definitely use it in my work force. I will be able to encourage new mothers of the importance of them breastfeeding their infants. I will be able to share the benefits of the breastfeeding. It provided a close bond and connection between the mother and child and it will also prevent the child from becoming ill with many of the childhood diseases.