Breast Feeding

There are many benefits to breastfeeding. It benefits mothers and babies.  Babies are less prone to illnesses and diseases.  Formula feeding raises a higher risk of asthma, diabetes, and respiratory infections.  Breastfeeding is also better for the mothers.  It lowers the risk of postpartum depression and forms a tremendous bond between baby and mother.  The mother can be alone with her baby and give him/her the closeness that babies require.  Babies need to be held and nurtured.  I breast fed my son when he was a baby and I would not have had it any other way.  I did not have to worry about bottles and making sure they are properly cleaned.  When he was hungry, he ate.  I was able to pump milk and freeze it for when I was not able to be around him.  Breastfeeding is a healthy and un-costly way to feed your child knowing that they are getting all of the nutrients they need. 

In countries that suffer from poverty, breastfeeding is a must.  Families are poor and cannot afford to properly feed their children.  Another factor in these countries is that the water and food can be harmful.  Mothers do not have a choice other than to breastfeed for the safety of their children.

“The nation benefits overall when mothers breastfeed. Recent research shows that if 90 percent of families breastfed exclusively for 6 months, nearly 1,000 deaths among infants could be prevented. The United States would also save $13 billion per year — medical care costs are lower for fully breastfed infants than never-breastfed infants. Breastfed infants typically need fewer sick care visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations” (Women’shealth.gov., 2011).

 

Reference:

(2011).  Women’shealth.gov. Breastfeeding. http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important/

 

 

I have a six year old son.  I had a normal pregnancy.  The only thing that was out of place was his father.  He was never around much and drank alcohol heavily.  I was left to do everything on my own.  I had a short labor, lasting about 7 hours.  I was on so much pain but was focused on the outcome. I knew I had a tough road ahead of me and that I was basically on my own.  At that time in my life I had an Associate Degree in early education.  For me, this was a huge task that I had competed.  When it was time to push, I got very scared and anxious.  The second he came out, I knew that I needed to make some changes. As soon as I heard him cry and saw his beautiful chubby little face, I knew what I had to do. All of my fears and anxiety went away for just a few minutes the first time we locked eyes with each other.  This little baby was set to rely solely on me and I had to do everything I could to protect him and take care of him. I knew without a doubt that I was going to put this baby first in every situation.

 

The culture I chose to do some research on was the Chinese culture.  It was interesting to read about some of their rituals and how things are different than in my culture.  In this culture, it is considered unlucky to have a baby shower before the baby is born.  The maternal grandmother waits 3 days then sees the new baby, bring gifts and all of the necessities.  Before being born, babies are given a fake name to scare away evil spirits.  A baby is never given their proper name until after birth.   Another interesting custom is that children of the Chinese culture are typically given multiple names.  One name for birth, one during early childhood, graduation, and sometimes a different name after passing away. 

 

Reference:

 Brown, Leah. Babyzone. Childbirth Traditions Around the World: China. http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/labor-and-delivery/childbirth-traditions-china_70703?page=2