Breast Feeding Myths:
Myth: Over a third (34%) of women believe that modern infant formula milks are very similar or the same as breast milk.
Fact: Infant formula milk does not contain the antibodies, living cells, enzymes, or hormones present in breast milk. Breast milk is designed for each individual baby and changes over time whereas infant formula is designed for every baby.
Myth: Over two-thirds (67%) of women believe that the general public find breastfeeding in public unacceptable.
Fact: Most people (87%) think it is fine for mothers to breast feed their babies discreetly in public in front of others.
Myth: Nearly all (95%) women believe that breastfeeding comes naturally to some and not to others.
Fact: Breastfeeding is a skill and it takes practice. It is important that women feel able to ask for help.
Myth: Most (87%) women believe that some women don't produce enough milk to be able to breast feed.
Fact: Virtually all mothers can breastfeed provided they have accurate information and support.
http://www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk
Benefits to Babies Who Breastfeed
Nutritional Benefits:
- Provides most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies
- Keeps pace with infants growth and changing nutritional needs
Health Benefits:
- Protects against stomach upsets, ear infections, respiratory illnessses, allergies,
asthma, meningitis, childhood lymphoma, Crohn's disease and ulcerative entercolitis
- Reduces risk of childhood diabetes and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
- Increases bone density
- Reduces risk of heart disease later in life
Developmental Benefits:
- Develops higher IQ's
- Improves brain & nervous system development
Emotional Benefits:
- Improves emotional development
- Promotes special warm bonding & emotional relationship with relationship with mom
Benefits to Moms who Breastfeed:
Health Benefits:
- Protects against osteoporosis and hip fracture later in life
- Reduces risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers and anemia
- Helps return mom's body to its pre-pregnancy state faster
Cost Benefits:
- Breastmilk is free, thus reducing or eliminating the cost of formula
- Breastfed babies are sick less, thus reducing healthcare costs to family and requiring less time-off from work
Emotional Benefits:
- Promotes special emotional relationship and bonding with baby
Benefits to the Environment & Society:
- Reduces cost of healthcare by promoting healthier moms & babies
- Reduces insurance premiums for both parents & employers
- Reduces tax burden on communities & government to ensure children are properly fed
- Reduces absenteeismn in the workplace due to children's illness
- Reduces global pollution by decreasing the use of resources and energy required to produce and distribute materials created by the manufacture & use of artificial baby milk
