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Barriers of Breastfeeding
Although several studies have proven that breastfeeding is beneficial to both the mother and the baby, there are still several obstacles that prevent women to care for their babies. Unfortunately, there are health professionals who are apathetic and spread misinformation about breastfeeding. The perception that formula-feeding is more adequate than breastfeeding is widespread . Some societies do not adapt to the tradition of breastfeeding where grandmothers passed on to their daughters and granddaughter the importance of breastfeeding. Also, some working mothers immediately return to their work and become separated to their babies at the early stage. This kind of set-up poses a logistical problem to both mother and baby to continue breastfeeding.
Importance of Breastfeeding
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that complete breastfeeding especially for the first 6 months of the baby. As every medical practitioner is saying, breastfeeding is best and beneficial for babies. Primarily, the milk that baby gets from breastfeeding guard the babies from many illnesses. The babies are less likely to become hospitalized because of respiratory illnesses. The nutrients that the babies receive from the milk strengthen their body and immune system . Also, breastfeeding proves to improve the child’s intelligence and develop an infant’s brain. On the other hand, it also prevents the babies from experiencing overweight and obesity. Thus, the babies are not prone to facing non-communicable diseases that include cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. From the mother’s perspective, breastfeeding proves to lessen the stress level and the possibility of going through postpartum depression .
Works Cited
Horta, B., & Victora, C. (2013). Long-term Effects of Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review. World Health Organization, 1-74.
Jager, M., & Terrazas, J. (2012). Barriers to Breastfeeding: A Global Survey on Why Women Start and Stop Breastfeeding. Post-Natal Care, 1-8.
United Nations Children's Fund. (2000). Breastfeeding: Foundation for a Healthy Future. New York: UNICEF.
