Question: What do you think are the pros and cons of breast-feeding versus bottle-feeding? Which would you recommend?
Answer:
Of course I agreed with breast feeding, besides convenience and economy; breast feeding offer better immune to babies and can create a closer relationship between mother and child. However, it will be quite painful for mother when baby reached tooth-growing stage. On the other hands, it is not easy for working ladies to sustain this practice, as milk will stop in producing if not been regularly pumped out. I admired most of my colleagues can sacrifice their lunch and tea time in doing that…
Answer Two:
It is no doubt that breastmilk is the best natural food for babies. As per the recent report (AAP Working Group on Breastfeeding, 1997; Gartner & others, 2005; James & Dobson, 2005; James & Dobson, 2005), the immediate and long-term health benefits of breastfeeding are well recognized. Breastfed babies suffer fewer incidences of diarrhoea, respiratory and middle-ear infections, and are less likely to develop allergies and childhood obesity later on. Apart from that, breastfeeding can bring long-term health benefits to mother (World Cancer Research Fund AICR Expert Report, 2007). There is convincing evidence that breastfeeding diminishes the risk of breast cancer by lowering the levels of some cancer-related hormones in the mother’s body.
Angelina Jolie made her public statement that she also breastfeeds her twin. Hopefully, more women will be inspired to breastfeed their babies (http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=72743&sid=20973446&con_type=1)
Answer Three:
There is no doubt that the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the disadvantages but there are a few downsides:-
(1) Some women find breastfeeding painful, stressful and tiring
(2) You are unable to measure the amount of milk your baby has consumed, this can be a disadvantage if your baby is having problems putting on weight.
(3) Daddy is out of the picture -- the dad will probably not help much in this task. On the other side of the coin, bottle-feeding can involve the daddy and the relationship between Dad and baby is built. Of course, we can argue that relationship-building between dad and baby could be developed through other activities.
Answer Four:
Such great points on breast feeding Le Leach league would be proud of such a positive endorsement.
I understand that mothers are encouraged to breast feed for as long as they can. Seems to me WHO suggested 4 years, although that seems to be a very long time. Remember it is important that we consider other cultures when we think about advantages of breast feeding. It is often the best source of nourishment especially in underdeveloped countries. It has been said, "breast is best."
As for disadvantages, yes it is true many women feel pressure and disappointed with themselves if they cannot breast feed. ie 'it doesn't work" "not enough milk" "too painful"
Women should not breast feed if they are HIV or have AIDS. Sometimes, often, they don't know they have virus. If babies do, there is a good chance they would get ill.
Answer Five:
There is a book called, "The New Contented Little Baby Book" by Gina Ford. It lists out how to feed a baby regularly and how to determine a baby is full. It should not be too much difficult!
On the other hand, Daddy can help too. If the family dine out, Daddy has to choose malls with baby feeding room. This will help Mother to continue breastfeeding!
Breastfeed babies are healthier!
Answer Six:
Another way a father can be involved in breast feeding and attachment processes is to have the mother pump the breast milk and the father feed the breast milk by bottle. Baby still gets nutritional benefits of breast milk, mom gets a break, and dad gets to be involved in a nurturing event, strengthening the paternal bond.
How long should a baby breast feed varies significantly according to cultural differences and differing scientific research. In general, most agree that a year is adequate for health benefits. What age does the class feel is too old/inappropriate to be breast feeding?
Breast feeding via the breast seems strange to me when the child can talk and walk. I have heard examples in movie theatres in North America whereby the child says, "other side mommy." That seems a little 'off' to me. Personally anything older than 2 seems off. But yes, the child can get the nutrients of breast milk via the bottle when they get a little older.
It is no doubt that being breastfed helps baby grow up healthily as breast milk contains all the nutrients and antibodies a baby needs for healthy. Once I attended a seminar organized by HK pediatricians. They suggested a minimum of one year of breastfeeding which is in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics. WHO recommends two years of breastfeeding.
Some of my friends breastfeed their children during the first few months during maternal leaves. After that, they have to return to the workplace and they will store breast milk and feed their babies by bottles. They all cease breastfeeding by first year when babies start eating solid foods.
I support breastfeeding as long as mutually desired by mother and child . However, it is quite embarrassing if a mother breastfeed her child up to age five. (See the link below)
Breast-Feeding: How Old Is Too Old?
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/18/weekinreview/18LEWI.html?pagewanted=1
How Old Is Too Old To Breast Feed?
Some mothers are breast feeding their children up to age five.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video?id=3436327
Hong Kong Case Study:
As for working mothers, it is amazing what moms do today to continue feeding. Some have their helpers bring the babies to work. Other pump obviously and bring the milk home at night. Others I know have their baby meet them after work so they can go home together, giving the commute time for more time with the baby.
There are many moms in Hong Kong who have felt very discouraged to breast feed, in the hospitals. We are such a fast paced efficient society, breast feeding seems to slow us down and only recently have more public facilities become available for 'nursing mothers.'
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