I was recently asked by a male associate about whether I think it is really a good idea for his wife to continue breastfeeding -she had already gone three months. Apart from being able to provide some answers to the question, I was more intrigued by his genuine concern for knowing the right thing to do. I thought it prudent therefore to do this article, after having encouraged him to have his wife continue.
The advantages of breastfeeding are several fold and have significant implications for both the mother and the infant. For the infant, it is absolutely the best option for feeding. The natural formulation of breast milk makes it the ideal food for developing infants, with the perfect balance of nutrients and water necessary for proper nutrition. It has long been shown that breastfed babies have better brain development and usually do better academically. Their immune systems are also more robust, making them more resistant to colds and flus. With breastfeeding, developmental milestones such as crawling, standing, talking, and walking, are usually achieved in a more timely manner(earlier). Breastfeeding for a period of at least six months is recommended.
Another great advantage is the reciprocal bonding that takes place between mother and infant. An infants ability to focus is initially limited to the approximate distance of the mother's face from the infant, while breastfeeding. This face, being the first, regularly recognizable feature in the child's new world helps him to feel comfortable, feel safe, and thus develop a sense of belonging. The process of bonding therefore starts with the act of breastfeeding. For the mother, the bonding process results both from observing and interacting with the child while breastfeeding, and from hormonal changes that result from the suckling of the child. This bonding can be quite profound and is usually evidenced by the increased levels of protectiveness, and caring shown by mothers.
Mothers derive several other significant benefits from breastfeeding. Very often, many mothers get significantly depressed several days after delivery. This depression is usually a response to hormonal changes taking place in the body after delivery. It is however worsened by the fact that family members, friends and spouses usually inadvertently divert their attention from mother to baby, leaving her feeling neglected and unappreciated. It has been shown that breastfeeding lessens the risk of being affected by this type of depression. This condition is usually referred to as Post-Partum Depression and if significant it may lead to a more serious condition, Post-Partum Psychosis.
An additional benefit provided by breastfeeding is that it acts as a contraceptive method. Although not entirely reliable, the hormonal shifts that are associated with the process prevents most mothers from ovulating and may also delay the return of the regular menstrual cycle. This significantly reduces the ability to become pregnant, and this usually holds throughout the period of breastfeeding. The downside to this is that for some women it decreases the libido and therefore delays the return to intimacy with their spouses.
The issue of weight gain is a huge consideration with pregnancies. Most women will gain in excess of thirty five pounds during pregnancy. During the period, after delivery several factors may prevent an adequate and effective exercise routine. Ridding themselves of this excess weight is usually the top concern of most mothers after delivery of their infants. In the end, breastfeeding plays a significant role in getting mothers back in shape and could be regarded as absolutely the number one way for losing weight after a pregnancy. In view of the several advantages identified I do feel that "It Is All That Great" and I highly recommend the practice.
The advantages of breastfeeding are several fold and have significant implications for both the mother and the infant. For the infant, it is absolutely the best option for feeding. The natural formulation of breast milk makes it the ideal food for developing infants, with the perfect balance of nutrients and water necessary for proper nutrition. It has long been shown that breastfed babies have better brain development and usually do better academically. Their immune systems are also more robust, making them more resistant to colds and flus. With breastfeeding, developmental milestones such as crawling, standing, talking, and walking, are usually achieved in a more timely manner(earlier). Breastfeeding for a period of at least six months is recommended.
Another great advantage is the reciprocal bonding that takes place between mother and infant. An infants ability to focus is initially limited to the approximate distance of the mother's face from the infant, while breastfeeding. This face, being the first, regularly recognizable feature in the child's new world helps him to feel comfortable, feel safe, and thus develop a sense of belonging. The process of bonding therefore starts with the act of breastfeeding. For the mother, the bonding process results both from observing and interacting with the child while breastfeeding, and from hormonal changes that result from the suckling of the child. This bonding can be quite profound and is usually evidenced by the increased levels of protectiveness, and caring shown by mothers.
Mothers derive several other significant benefits from breastfeeding. Very often, many mothers get significantly depressed several days after delivery. This depression is usually a response to hormonal changes taking place in the body after delivery. It is however worsened by the fact that family members, friends and spouses usually inadvertently divert their attention from mother to baby, leaving her feeling neglected and unappreciated. It has been shown that breastfeeding lessens the risk of being affected by this type of depression. This condition is usually referred to as Post-Partum Depression and if significant it may lead to a more serious condition, Post-Partum Psychosis.
An additional benefit provided by breastfeeding is that it acts as a contraceptive method. Although not entirely reliable, the hormonal shifts that are associated with the process prevents most mothers from ovulating and may also delay the return of the regular menstrual cycle. This significantly reduces the ability to become pregnant, and this usually holds throughout the period of breastfeeding. The downside to this is that for some women it decreases the libido and therefore delays the return to intimacy with their spouses.
The issue of weight gain is a huge consideration with pregnancies. Most women will gain in excess of thirty five pounds during pregnancy. During the period, after delivery several factors may prevent an adequate and effective exercise routine. Ridding themselves of this excess weight is usually the top concern of most mothers after delivery of their infants. In the end, breastfeeding plays a significant role in getting mothers back in shape and could be regarded as absolutely the number one way for losing weight after a pregnancy. In view of the several advantages identified I do feel that "It Is All That Great" and I highly recommend the practice.
Dr. Shaun A. Jones MD
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