At my age, most of my friends are settling down and having babies. 4 of my good friends are already a mummy and another 2 is counting the days. I am a proud aunt. Anyone needed a babysitter, i'm available!
I strongly support and advocate breast-feeding and would encourage mothers to breast feed their babies. Human babies should be given human milk and not cow's milk. Yes commercial infant milk has DHA, loads of essential vitamins etc but most of the milk are fortified with chemically derived vitamins and minerals. You are feeding your baby processed stuff. It saddens me that mothers are already thinking to give their newborn commercial infant milk while still pregnant.
Some mothers stop breast-feeding few days after birth giving reason of not enough milk. You should encourage your baby to continue to suckle because this will trigger more milk production. More suckling = more milk produced. FYI, the size of the breast has nothing to do with amount of milk it can produce.
While there are many challenges in establishing successful breast-feeding (not enough milk, have to go back to work etc), determination and willpower to do so will overcome all the obstacles. A friend of mine is a strong supporter of breast feeding and refuse to accept excuses like no milk or no time. When she has to get back to work, she pumps the milk to be stored in the freezer. Her baby boy is healthy, active and lean (muscular and not fat).
WHO RECOMMENDATIONS
- Infants should be breast-fed EXCLUSIVELY (not even water, juice, cereals etc) for the 1st 6 months
- Solids should be given at 6 months while continue to breast-feed for 2 years.
Even if you did not breast feed for 6 months, it's better to breast feed for a short time than not to breast feed at all.
WHY SHOULD YOU BREAST-FEED?
Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has the perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat -- everything your infant needs to grow. And it's all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria.
It's convenient and economical (commercial infant milk are EXPENSIVE!).
Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can help you lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth.
Happy Breastfeeding!
For some mothers, it's easy said than done.
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