I chose breastfeed as my topic for this week. Because I have read many articles about the benefit of breastfeeding before I gave birth to my son. I also made a decision to breastfeed him.
The best nutrition starts with breast milk (Berger, 2014). Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients, which is a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat, they need for healthy growth and development. It is more easily digested than infant formula. According to WHO,Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.Breast milk help baby fight off viruses and bacteria, lowers baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. In addition, babies who are breast fed exclusively for the first 6 months have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea(WH, 2014).
After reading the articles about breastfeeding in China. I am surprised that China's rates of breastfeeding are among the world's lowest. According to UNICEF China, only about 28% of Chinese infants younger than 6 month have exclusively breastfeeding. Compare to the global average of about 40% are lower.Study show that many Chinese workplaces give new mothers no way to nurse. Urban mothers usually get no more than four months of maternity leave. Women from the countryside who move to the city to work leave babies with grandparents who have no choice but to use powdered formula. The advertisement from formula companies encourage people think the baby formula was more nutritious and will help baby become stronger and smarter. Many hospital failed to encourage to breastfeeding. However health workers and the government are trying to revive the practice(Tang, 2013).
After reading the articles about breastfeeding in China. I am surprised that China's rates of breastfeeding are among the world's lowest. According to UNICEF China, only about 28% of Chinese infants younger than 6 month have exclusively breastfeeding. Compare to the global average of about 40% are lower.Study show that many Chinese workplaces give new mothers no way to nurse. Urban mothers usually get no more than four months of maternity leave. Women from the countryside who move to the city to work leave babies with grandparents who have no choice but to use powdered formula. The advertisement from formula companies encourage people think the baby formula was more nutritious and will help baby become stronger and smarter. Many hospital failed to encourage to breastfeeding. However health workers and the government are trying to revive the practice(Tang, 2013).
Reference:
Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY. Worth Publishers.
Tang, D. (2013). China battles breast-feeding rates among the world’s lowest amid tainted formula scares.
Retrieved from
http://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2013/08/09/china_battles_breastfeeding_rates_among_the_worlds_lowest_amid_tainted_formula_scares.html
Womens Health (2014) Breastfeeding. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-benefits.php
6 comments:
I am glad you researched breastfeeding, because my doctor just asked me was I going to breastfeed or if bottle feed. I learned that it is best to breastfeed as long as you have time to do it. Reading your blog made me get more insight on breastfeeding, because I have not had the time to just sit down and think about it.
I learned that breast feeding is the best way to avoid malnutrition. It gives the infant a great supply of vitamins and iron. It also has long lasting affects, like breast fed babies tend to be healthier and have less diseases like diabetes and heart problems (Berger, 2012). The colostrum is a thick high calorie liquid that the infant receives for the first three days. I never knew that milk didn't actually flow until after the first three days (Berger, 2012). I had heard that breast milk was the best for babies but I am glad that I got more information as to why.
References
Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers
I also breastfeed my children. Research shows that breast milk is easier on the stomach and digests/absorbs faster than formula. Research also shows that breastfeeding may increase secure attachment between mother and child. It was shocking to know that breastfeeding is not popular in China. I hope that they will be able to change the culture to pro breastfeeding.
Hello Lucia,
I too selected breastfeeding for my topic. I also really enjoy your input on this topic. What I found interesting about your post is when you state that in China only 28% of the population breastfeed. I wonder why is that? When breastfeeding an infant is much healthier.
Best, Markecia King
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