Child Development and Public Health

Breastfeeding is an important first step to nourish and help the baby thrive. There are many research supported benefits to breastfeeding and why it is best.

• Breast fed babies have higher IQs
• Breast fed babies develop less childhood illnesses and they are less likely to have allergies, asthma and diabetes
• Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to develop certain forms of cancer
• Breastfeeding promotes bonding between the mother and baby
• Breast milk is made for the baby so it changes to meet his needs, less colic, constipation, and diarrhea
• Breastfeeding moms burn more calories, lose weight

Currently my state, Michigan, has a big ad campaign promoting the reasons why mothers should breastfeed. Please click the link below to view the "Power Moms Video."
State of Michigan Breastfeeding Ad

I breastfeed both of my children. I nursed my son until he was just over 2 years old. I weaned my daughter just before her 2nd birthday. I loved seeing my children grow and knowing that I was giving them that nourishment.

I think all mothers should try it. I know that breastfeeding might not be for everyone although every mother should at least try it. I have encouraged everyone I know to attempt to breastfeed. It is even benefit within the first 24 hours so the baby can get the colostrum before the "real" milk comes in.

In other countries breastfeeding is the expected way to feed your baby for the first 6 months. It is perfectly normal to see mothers feeding their babies publicly too. In the U.S. it is a shame that public breastfeeding is so taboo. We still hear news stories of women being asked to leave public places or to "cover up" in order to feed their babies. Once when I was at a family birthday party at a pizza place someone asked me to "do that in the bathroom." I replied, "Would you take your pizza and eat it in the bathroom?"  People should not associate the breast with sexuality when it is there for nourishment to the baby.