Everything a Dad Needs to Know About Breast Feeding

I had an interesting talk with two moms yesterday while at my children’s picture book writing group session. One of the ladies was pregnant with her first child, the other lady had a son already. All of our creative juices were flowing. We were throwing ideas back and forth, adding and editing things to the next great children’s picture book, UNTIL one of the mothers said something about breast-feeding. For 15 minutes, I sat there listening to detailed and somewhat graphic explanations of the benefits to breast-feeding. I must say I learned so much in those 15 minutes with those two women! I also have to say it was somewhat fascinating, because as a "Manny" I am somewhat limited as to what I can physically provide to a baby besides a bottle of milk, if you know what I mean. This conversation I was stuck listening to was something only a mother could relate to, or so I thought. BUT, the benefits are much more than I originally thought. Let me list the benefits for you:

For CHILDREN:

Children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies. The varying composition of breastmilk keeps pace with the infant’s individual growth and changing nutritional needs. Have fewer incidences of vomiting and diarrhea in the US (20-35 million episodes of diarrhea occur in children under the age of 5, resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths in the U.S.). Protection against gastroenteritis, necrotizing entercolitis. Reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets. Reduced risk of childhood diabetes. Protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, septicemia (blood poisoning). Protection against allergies, asthma, eczema, and severity of allergic disease. Reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) Statistics reveal that for every 87 deaths from SIDS, only 3 are breastfed. Protection against meningitis, botulism, childhood lymphoma, crohn’s disease and ulcerative entercolits. Decreased risk of tooth decay (cavities). Nursing promotes facial structure development, enhanced speech, straighter teeth and enhances vision.

For MOTHERS:

Reduced risk of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. Reduced risk of anemia. Protection against osteoporosis and hip fracture later in life. Reduced risk of mortality for women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with total time of lactation. Helps the mother’s body return to its pre-pregnancy state faster – promotes weight loss…1/2 of calories needed to manufacture milk is pulled from fat stores… can burn from 500 – 1,500 calories per day. Helps delay return of fertility and to space subsequent pregnancies. Develops a special emotional relationship and bonding with her child.

For ENVIRONMENT & SOCIETY:

Breastfeeding reduces the cost of healthcare by promoting healthier children and mothers……….If all WIC babies in the U.S. were breastfed, our economical savings would be $33,000,000 per month ……….In 1993, 90,000 babies were hospitalized for RSV at a cost of 450 million dollars. Currently, the U.S. spends over 1 billion dollars a year on Otitis Media (ear infections). Reduced insurance premiums for both parents and employers. Breastfeeding reduces global pollution by decreasing the use of resources and energy required to produce, process, package, distribute, promote and dispose of materials created by the manufacture and use of artificial baby milk. Reduced tax burden on communities and government to ensure children are properly fed. Reduced absenteeism in the workplace due to children’s illnesses.