Do you, like me believe that breastfeeding is the best possible start for a baby? Well, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have just made this outlandish claim - encouraging us to stop thinking of breastfeeding as natural.
Well, luckily the World Health Organisation tells us, "Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival". I do realise that there are many reasons a mother may be unable to breastfeed a baby and nowadays we are fortunate that alternatives are available but I believe that old adage that 'Breast is Best' whenever possible. Just consider a few of these facts:
Human milk boosts a baby’s immune system, helping them fight viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. It also reduces their risk of disease later in life.
Breastfeeding reduces the mother's risk of ovarian and breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. The longer you breastfeed, the higher the benefit. In fact, a woman who breastfeeds for 8 years has nearly a 0% risk of breast cancer (amazing right?)
Breastfeeding a baby girl actually reduces her lifetime risk of breast cancer by 25%.
Milk changes nutritionally as your baby grows, so milk made for a newborn is different than for a 6 month old. It can even change day to day, increasing water content during times of hot weather and illness to provide extra hydration.
Human breastmilk contains substances that promote sleep and calmness in babies.
Breastfed infants are at lower risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Breastfeeding reduces baby’s risk of cavities later on and may even lower the chance they will need braces when they are older.
They are amazing facts right? And that's not even taking into account the cost, the emotional wellbeing, the hygiene and so many other little things.
Somehow the human race has continued safely through thousands of years with the help of breastfeeding - and without the use of vaccines come to that - the AAP's other gripe. Do they think we are stupid? How does stuff like this get published!