Wednesday, August 06, 2008 Poyogao: Breastfeeding Week By Betty Bagares-Poyogao, M.D. Pediacosset
AUGUST 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week. To show advocacy of this week's activity, let me share some important things to remember with regards to the goodness of mother's milk. Although emphases have been made in the past regarding the advantages of breastfeeding, there are still a few who are not aware of its importance.
"Breast milk is the best for babies." On the radio, on television, on container cans and boxes of milk formula, one can hear/see this phrase -- a reminder to everyone that there's no substitute for mother's milk. This has been the advocacy of health personnel and workers ever since. In our local setting, it is recommended that one should breastfeed their babies until two years old. So, why breastfeed your baby?
First and foremost, it is the perfect food for the baby. It contains all the necessary nutrients and antibodies to obtain proper growth and development of the baby. Breast milk alone can supply the baby's nutritional needs especially in the first six months of life. There is no need for other food and fluids. Because of its high content of protective antibodies, it helps protect your child from infections and allergies. The first drop of milk called colostrum is full of antibodies that help boost your baby's immune system.
Breast milk is tummy-friendly. It is easily digested and babies are unlikely to be constipated and to be lactose-intolerant.
Breast milk is available anytime of the day. It comes in handy containers, no special packaging, no refrigeration required. It is inexpensive. You don't need to worry about money when it comes to breastfeeding your baby. Instead of buying milk formulae, your baby can get milk for free. You could save in feeding costs. Economical, isn't it?
Breastfed babies tend to be leaner. They are unlikely to get fat compared to those who are bottle-fed.
Mothers could also benefit from breastfeeding. Why? It could delay fertility. Prolonged breastfeeding to your baby could help promote child spacing so you don't have to give birth one after the other. Breastfeeding helps postpartum weight loss. Coupled with exercise and a good diet, nursing mothers will get back into shape in no time. Studies have shown that breastfeeding could reduce the risk for certain cancers in women. The emotional upliftment breastfeeding could bring to you and your baby is the important reason why you should breastfeed. There's no match for that emotional bonding a mother and her baby would establish during breastfeeding.
As a mother, you want what's best for baby. Provide him a shelter he will later call home. Give him the love and care he deserves. Establish a special bond that you and your baby alone could have. Go ahead, breastfeed your baby. There's no substitute for the goodness of mother's milk.
