List at least 2 advantages to the baby and 2 advantages to the mother.

address what, if anything, could be done to overcome barriers and encourage mothers to breastfeed? Is this something that should be a priority, or should we embrace formula feeding and not worry about accommodations?

 

The following are advantages of breastfeeding to the baby;

• Provision of nutrients that are very superior to the body. Breast milk has fats that are both saturated and unsaturated and cholesterol and this is an essential part of brain and nerve tissue and the milk contains a range of minerals and vitamins that are easily digestible.
• Breastfeeding decreases the likelihood that a baby may develop asthma or allergies this is because breast milk has antibodies that help battle viruses and bacteria in the infant. This results to an increased susceptibility to pathogens and therefore less outbreak and hospitalization events.

The following are advantages of breastfeeding to the mother;

• Mothers who breastfeed heal more rapidly and safely from childbirth. Released during breastfeeding, the hormone oxytocin acts more rapidly to restore the uterus to its normal size which can minimize postpartum bleeding.
• Women who breastfeed to tend experience lowered incidence of breast and ovarian cancer that may develop later in their life and breastfeeding minimize the risk of development of type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease that include high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Some of the barriers to breastfeeding include problems with lactation, lack of knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding, embarrassment from breastfeeding in public, getting back to work and accessing childcare that is supportive and lack of support from family, friends and partners.

The following could be done to overcome barriers and encourage mothers to breastfeed;

• Getting assistance from a lactation nurse, breastfeeding expert, or healthcare provider who may be able to determine whether the mother has a problem with the milk supply.
• Educating mothers on proper ways to breastfeed and enlightening them on the benefits associated with breastfeeding whether in public or privately to curb embarrassment and social norms.
• Encouraging partners and family members to give support to breastfeeding as it influences breastfeeding.
• Extending maternity leaves for breastfeeding mothers to facilitate proper breastfeeding of babies because women who get back to work early tend to breastfeed for shorter durations.

Breastfeeding should be a priority. It is recommended for an infant's first six months of life and continued with food compliments that are appropriate for up to two years. Breastfeeding is very beneficial compared to use of formula. The energy that breast milk contains is used more successfully than the energy that formula supplies. Additionally, it contains a wide complement of minerals and vitamins that are readily digestible and it has protective proteins of the unique immune system.