Title: The greatest gift we can give our children
Abstract:
This is without doubt our breast milk. It needs no heating, requires no sterilised water or bottles, no watching the clock, no panic when the formula runs out. There is always enough supply, at the right temperature going from the mother’s body into the baby’s body. What could be more ideal!
Sadly many doubt that a breast is capable of feeding another human, there can be problems, criticisms and feelings of doubt. Many believe that formula is superior and breastfeeding is not suited to today’s fast life. Too often it is shrouded in disbelief and lack of information.
Yet breast milk is the ideal food for a baby, with a perfect blend of nutrients, combined with antibody substances to counter infections, and it lays down the optimal foundation for the baby’s life. It can ward off cancer also in the mother, prevent obesity, diabetes, allergies and many other health problems in later life, And it gives the young baby innumerable other health benefits. It creates optimal development of the mouth, ears, eyes and jaw, and is said to encourage greater intellectual growth.
Apart from breast milk, the act of breastfeeding creates an unbelievable bond between mother and child, lasting well on into life. And it shares breastfeeding hormones with the father or partner and they become more understanding and protective.
So why not give your baby the greatest gift not only at Christmas but always - and it will outlast all the other gifts and will stay with your baby all his or her life.
The First 1000 Days of Life:
Breastmilk gives babies the essential nutrients for their first 1000 Days of Life – Conception to the end of the 2nd birthday. Compared to other mammals, human babies are born extremely immature. They are completely dependent on their mothers for milk, comfort and warmth – which means - Warmth in the arms of mother – food from her breasts – and security in the knowledge of her presence.
The Formula Milk Industry does not recognise these First 1000 Days of Life – although WHO and UNICEF state that Breastfeeding is the centrepiece of the 1000 Day concept. Sadly, the Industry encourages health professionals, hospitals, midwives and nurses etc to use formula milk – offering them contributions, donations and so on. Formula Milk manufacture does not recognise that this has a disastrous global negative effect on manufacturing, processing, transport, vast waste, plastic pollution, and even the destruction of trees and more.
La Leche League is very happy to help with breastfeeding – this is why this organisation started in the USA back in the 50ies.
