With Breastfeeding Asheville NC Are Much Healthier

By Catherine Perry


Nowhere is the miracle of life as obvious as when one sees a pregnant woman. A brand new life that will become an individual in itself is nurtured within the body of its mother. For most parents or prospective parents, pregnancy is a time of both joy and anxiety. One never knows what can happen. However, most families plan far ahead for the arrival of the new member of the family. One thing is certain and that is that with breastfeeding Asheville NC newborns will gain an early advantage in life.

Newborns should be given breast milk within an hour after birth. The needs of every baby differ and that is why experts advise that they be fed as often and as much as they like, especially during the first few months. Generally, however, babies need to fed every two or three hours. For those times when the mother will not be available to feed the baby, milk can be pumped and stored.

Breast milk is a true miracle of nature. It contains every nutrient that the newborn baby can possibly need. Fat, sugar, water and protein are all perfectly balance to make sure that the baby needs no other form of nutrition. The first few days after birth is especially important. The breast milk is then called colostrum, which is vital to prevent jaundice and to develop the immune system of the baby.

There can be absolutely no doubt that nursing holds numerous benefits. The World health organization says that more than 900 000 infant deaths could have been prevented if only the babies were given breast milk. Nursing infants are much less likely to develop allergies, asthma and leukaemia in the long term. In the short term, it prevents the development of diarrhoea and harmful infections.

There are other benefits too. Babies that are nursed by their mothers form a much closer bond much sooner. The close contact between mother and newborn holds numerous advantages that can affect the inherent security of the baby and his ability to adapt to his new environment. Babies that are nursed are more content and they are much quicker in developing certain motor skills. In fact, nursing encourages contentment.

The mother, too, reap many benefits from nursing her baby. It ensures better uterus shrinkage, it lessens bleeding after birth and there is a much smaller chance of post partum depression. Nursing also delays the return of menstruation. In the long run, nursing decreases the risk of breast cancer, heart disease and arthritis. One must also keep in mind that nursing is much cheaper than infant formula.

In some rare cases it may be better not to nurse a new born baby. Mothers that uses drugs or alcohol in excess should not give their babies breast milk. Certain medical conditions, although there are few of them, also preclude nursing. Some types of medication can also be dangerous to the health of the baby. In case of uncertainty, it is always best to seek medical advice.

Mother nature knows what she is doing. The milk from a mother is most certainly the best possible food a newborn baby can hope for. It provides for his every nutritional need and it provides numerous benefits to both baby and mother.




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