Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Fundamentals of Breastfeeding

Another baby class.  Fundamentals of Breastfeeding was a quick, informative class explaining the benefits of breastfeeding, confronting some myths and discussing the assistance the hospital provides for breastfed babies. 

When confronting this issue, I am choosing to try out breastfeeding and hopefully our baby girl will reap some of the benefits.  Some of the benefits discussed tonight were:

-breastfed babies usually have less allergies, lower severity of allergies and can prevent them from showing up until later in life
-breastfed babies have been shown to have higher IQ's
-skin to skin contact enhances the sense of security and increases bonding
-breastfed babies usually have fewer illnesses and may have shorter episodes when they get sick
-breastmilk is easily digested
-breastfed babies experience fewer ear infections
-breastfed babies have a decereased incidence of SIDS
-breastfeeding may decrease the chance of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporsis in mom
-breastfeeding can help shed the extra pregnancy pounds
-breastfeeding can help develop a stronger bond with mom and baby
-breastfeeding hormones can also calm and relax mom (lucky for dad!)

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