Child and maternal health have become significant issues for public health officials. Although infant mortality in the United States is currently at an all-time low, this is not the case in many developed and underdeveloped nations. For this reason, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have begun to investigate low-cost methods for helping both mother and child achieve a better health status. Among the most notable recommendations to be made in the last several years has been the support of using of breast milk rather than formula for nourishment of the infant during the first year of life. Research on the use of breast-feeding demonstrates that this method has a number of physical and mental health benefits for the mother and child including: decreased stress for both mother and child, improved nutrition and a decrease in the incidence of disease for the mother and better nutrition for the infant.
[...] Research on the use of breast-feeding demonstrates that this method has a number of physical and mental health benefits for the mother and child including: decreased stress for both mother and child, improved nutrition and a decrease in the incidence of disease for the mother and better nutrition for the infant. By examining the specific benefits that can be garnered through breastfeeding, it seems reasonable to argue that, when possible, new mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed. Although the specific mechanisms related to the health benefits that can be garnered from breastfeeding have not been fully elucidated in the scientific research, there is ample evidence to suggest that breastfeeding is the best choice when it comes to promoting infant and maternal health. [...]
[...] Scientists investigating the overall benefits of breastfeeding for the infant note that the nutrients in breast milk can boost the immune system of the baby. Research demonstrates that breastfed babies typically have a lower incidence of childhood illness and are less likely to suffer from allergies (Independent nurse , 2005). Thus, when mothers breastfeed their babies they can improve their baby's overall health in both the short- and long-term. Further examining the health benefits for the breastfeeding baby, Stimson (2005) notes that most researchers make the following observations when assessing the benefits of breastfeeding: “Breast milk contains all the right nutrients, in the right proportions, and at the right temperature; it is easily digested by the baby; it aids mother/child bonding; and it builds immunity against respiratory and gastrointestinal infections” (p. [...]
[...] An essay on the benefits of breast feeding Child and maternal health have become significant issues for public health officials. Although infant mortality in the United States is currently at an all-time low, this is not the case in many developed and underdeveloped nations. For this reason, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have begun to investigate low-cost methods for helping both mother and child achieve a better health status. Among the most notable recommendations to be made in the last several years has been the support of using of breast milk rather than formula for nourishment of the infant during the first year of life. [...]
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