There is little debate among experts that "breast is best" when it comes to feeding babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies be breast fed for the first six months. Furthermore, they recommend that breast-feeding should continue through the first year of the baby's life, and even beyond that if desired. Medela Breastpumps enable mothers to harvest their breast milk and make caring for their baby that much easier.
It contains all of the vitamins and minerals that a baby needs, and in exactly the right balance. It's constituents - whey, casein, fat, and protein - are all easily digested by the baby's immature digestive system. Formula milk manufacturers aim to produce milk that is as close to human milk as possible. However, the exact composition of human breast milk cannot be duplicated.
One of the most important roles breast milk plays in maintaining a baby's health is in its immune-boosting function. A key ingredient here is the amino acid, cysteine. This is thought to enhance immune function, and it also aids with the absorption of nutrients. Breast milk also contains anti-bodies that help ward off infectious diseases.
The health advantages of breast fed babies continue even into adulthood. Studies indicate that people who were breast-fed babies are less prone to particular health problems. Issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, eczema, diabetes, asthma, and allergies all appear to be less common in this group.
Breast-feeding is also extremely beneficial for the health of mothers, too. The action of breastfeeding helps to shrink the uterus following birth, and thus speed up recovery. It may also help prevent breast cancer, and certain other types of cancer. It may also help mothers stave off weight gain, and help them become less prone to osteoporosis.
Breastfeeding also carries important emotional benefits - both to mothers and babies. The eye contact, and close skin-on-skin are important factors for helping mother and infant bond with one another. This intimate contact has also been shown to ease the stress of motherhood and stimulate the production of mood-enhancing brain chemicals for both mother and baby.
One key advantage of breastfeeding that tends to be overlooked is the boost in confidence it can give to some mothers. Many new mothers lack confidence in their parenting skills and worry about giving their baby the best care they can. Breastfeeding provides at least one area where they know they are doing the very best for their baby.
In practical terms, many new mothers find breast-feeding to be less of a hassle than using formula milk. It requires no time-consuming preparation, and of course, never runs out. There is also the issue of cost. Formula milk has to be paid for, while breast milk is free (although new mothers may need to eat more and thus spend more on food).
For mother who do decide to breast feed, there are practicalities to consider. It is not always convenient to breastfeed, and it is at these time that compromises can be made. Medela breastpumps are a discreet, convenient way mothers can express their breast milk and feed their babies whenever needed.
It contains all of the vitamins and minerals that a baby needs, and in exactly the right balance. It's constituents - whey, casein, fat, and protein - are all easily digested by the baby's immature digestive system. Formula milk manufacturers aim to produce milk that is as close to human milk as possible. However, the exact composition of human breast milk cannot be duplicated.
One of the most important roles breast milk plays in maintaining a baby's health is in its immune-boosting function. A key ingredient here is the amino acid, cysteine. This is thought to enhance immune function, and it also aids with the absorption of nutrients. Breast milk also contains anti-bodies that help ward off infectious diseases.
The health advantages of breast fed babies continue even into adulthood. Studies indicate that people who were breast-fed babies are less prone to particular health problems. Issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, eczema, diabetes, asthma, and allergies all appear to be less common in this group.
Breast-feeding is also extremely beneficial for the health of mothers, too. The action of breastfeeding helps to shrink the uterus following birth, and thus speed up recovery. It may also help prevent breast cancer, and certain other types of cancer. It may also help mothers stave off weight gain, and help them become less prone to osteoporosis.
Breastfeeding also carries important emotional benefits - both to mothers and babies. The eye contact, and close skin-on-skin are important factors for helping mother and infant bond with one another. This intimate contact has also been shown to ease the stress of motherhood and stimulate the production of mood-enhancing brain chemicals for both mother and baby.
One key advantage of breastfeeding that tends to be overlooked is the boost in confidence it can give to some mothers. Many new mothers lack confidence in their parenting skills and worry about giving their baby the best care they can. Breastfeeding provides at least one area where they know they are doing the very best for their baby.
In practical terms, many new mothers find breast-feeding to be less of a hassle than using formula milk. It requires no time-consuming preparation, and of course, never runs out. There is also the issue of cost. Formula milk has to be paid for, while breast milk is free (although new mothers may need to eat more and thus spend more on food).
For mother who do decide to breast feed, there are practicalities to consider. It is not always convenient to breastfeed, and it is at these time that compromises can be made. Medela breastpumps are a discreet, convenient way mothers can express their breast milk and feed their babies whenever needed.
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