For hundreds and thousands of years breastfeeding has been the best possible food for babies. There were no researches or investigations necessary to understand it, as well as no substitutes. However, time goes by, science and society develops and today the problem of breastfeeding has become very topical, as many women all too often stop breastfeeding their children when they have all the chances and possibilities to continue it (Riordan and Wambach 125). To cope with this problem, it is necessary to understand the benefits of breastfeeding for kids and families, the possible problems mothers can encounter and what could be done by specialists to change the situation for better.
Today scientists have already proven what people have known for so many centuries before our generation: there is nothing better for a child than breast milk. For the baby it means prevention of numerous serious diseases, proper nutrition, the best medication from illnesses, psychological comfort and connection with mother and much more. Breastfed babies tend to feel better, be less nervous and have better relations with mothers in future (Hauck et al. 105). Milk contains so many elements that have not been even studies or discovered yet, as it consists of the elements the most necessary for each baby at the given moment depending on the age, season, health state and many other aspects.
Although the benefits of breastfeeding are obvious, today mothers face numerous challenges along their breastfeeding journey. Some mothers are not informed enough about the benefits of breast milk for children and themselves, others face some problems in the process and do not receive proper consultation to return breastfeeding into their life (Lawrence and Lawrence 48). Some mothers do not breastfeed, because they are afraid of losing their beauty or want to return to their life they had before the child as soon as possible. There can also be other reasons, but the result is always the same for the child – he/she does not receive the most natural nutrition and with it love and comfort of their mothers.
I believe that despite the fact that today women have numerous reasons to stop breastfeeding, it is possible to change the situation for better. Child development professionals should do everything possible to inform women about the benefits of breastfeeding for them and the children and introduce consultations around the country so as women knew whom to turn to in case of problems with breastfeeding. Women should find out how much joy and comfort there is in breastfeeding and then there are no problems that cannot be solved.
Works Cited
Hauck, Fern R., et al. "Breastfeeding and reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome: a meta-analysis." Pediatrics 128.1 (2011): 103-110.
Lawrence, Ruth A., and Robert M. Lawrence. Breastfeeding: a guide for the medical professional. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2010.
Riordan, Jan, and Karen Wambach, eds. Breastfeeding and human lactation. Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2010.
