Breast Feeding Guide“Breast milk has antibodies that protect baby from illnesses

Breast Feeding Guide

Breast Feeding Guide: How Long should i Breastfeed for

Science has proven that breastfeeding for an extended period is healthier for our children, it increases immunity, creates important antibodies, and it (literally) helps our children grow to their maximum potential , breastfeeding helps prevent breast cancer as well as brings our bodies back into pre-baby shape.

So why with all the scientific proof do many People not support breastfeeding?

Breast Feeding Guide: How Long should i Breastfeed for

Well there’s the theory on how the Dairy industry is focused on money, hence, encouraging us not to breastfeed, so our children will drink their milk instead. Which could be true, as well as in the 70’s the formula companies did a huge campaign on how formula is better. Thus, many people rejected breastfeeding altogether. Since then science has proven breast is better, but the damage with that campaign had been done, and made many mothers switch over to formula.

Or there could be perhaps shame in breastfeeding, as it can be construed as an intimate act, therefore pressuring women to keep breastfeeding in the home.

Regardless of these reasons, they should not be enough to stop you from giving your child the gift of good health. Breastfeeding your baby for as long as possible is the absolutely best thing you can do for your child, and yourself.

Here are a few interesting facts…

“If the vast majority of babies were exclusively fed breast milk in their first six months of life – meaning only breast milk and no other liquids or solids, not even water – it is estimated that the lives of at least 1.2 million children would be saved every year. If children continue to be breastfed up to two years and beyond, the health and development of millions of children would be greatly improved.

Breast Feeding Guide: How Long should i Breastfeed for

Infants who are not breastfed are at an increased risk of illness that can compromise their growth and raise the risk of death or disability. Breastfed babies receive protection from illnesses through the mother’s milk.” http://www.factsforlifeglobal.org/04/

“Breast milk contains antibodies that protect baby from illnesses. It is easily absorbed and digested as well. It also reduces the likelihood of allergies such as eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Some studies even show breastfed babies are less likely to develop diabetes and becoming obese later in life.”

Facts of Breastfeeding: The Truths about Feeding Babies Breast Milk http://www.suite101.com/content/facts-and-fallacies-of-breastfeeding-a67674#ixzz1BT1LBKK6

Contrary to popular belief, popping the baby on the breast is not always as simple as that, for many it takes time and patience.

Breast Feeding Guide: How Long should i Breastfeed for

I know some mothers have a difficult time breastfeeding, that’s why organizations like ‘La Leche League’ can help (http://www.llli.org/).

So don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it straight away, like anything it takes practice and persistence.

This brings me back to ‘how long should I breastfeed my child.’ Well that totally depends on you. Science shows that the longer the better, so minimum one year is best… But, removing social pressures, breastfeed as long as your body feels comfortable with breastfeeding. For example, when my son was 2 I started to feel a bit irritated when he breastfed, as he got to almost 3 I was feeling resentful and annoyed. So I knew it was time to stop. Your body and sometimes your child will tell you when enough is enough.

For many great resources and interesting information on Breastfeeding check out: http://www.llli.org/nb.html