101 Reasons to Breastfeed
http://essenes.net/vbreastfeed.htm
Date: 8/13/2006 7:50:18 PM ( 18 y ) ... viewed 2732 times Reasons Why You Should Breasted
Written by Leslie Burby - Promom.org
1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it
" Human milk is the preferred feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns... It is recommended that breast feeding continue for at least the first 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.
(See A.A.P. Breast feeding Policy Statement:
Breast feeding and the Use of Human Milk (RE2729)
2. Breast feeding promotes bonding between mother and baby
Breast feeding stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin in the mother's body. "It is now well established that oxytocin, as well as stimulating uterine contractions and milk ejection, promotes the development of maternal behavior and also bonding between mother and offspring. "Uvnas-Moberg, Eriksson: Breast feeding: physiological, endocrine and behavioral adaptations caused by oxytocin and local neurogenic activity in the nipple and mammary gland.: Acta Paediatrica, 1996 May, 85(5):525-30
3. Breast feeding satisfies baby's emotional needs
All babies need to be held. Studies have shown that premature babies are more likely to die if they are not held or stroked. There is no more comforting feeling for an infant of any age than being held close and cuddled while breast feeding. While many bottle-feeding parents are aware of the importance of cradling their babies while offering the bottle, some are not. Even for parents with good intentions, there is always the temptation to prop up a bottle next to the child, or, when the baby is a little older, to let the child hold his/her own bottle and sit alone. This is emotionally unsatisfying to baby, and can be dangerous physically. An unsupervised child can choke. Also, propping up bottles over night leads to tooth decay.
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