FEEDING: THE ADVANTAGES OF BREASTFEEDING
This articles will serve primarily as a guide to mothers who wish to breastfeed but bottle-feeding is also discussed briefly. If you feel that you would like further information on breastfeeding, you should contact the Nursing Mothers’ Association of Australia, your maternal and child health nurse, or your doctor. Speaking to other mothers who have breastfed their babies can also be very helpful.
THE ADVANTAGES OF BREASTFEEDING
It is often said that ‘breast is best’. It is true that human breastmilk is the ideal, natural food for young babies. It is convenient, readily available and inexpensive. It does not need to be modified, comes at the right temperature and is perfectly nutritionally balanced. Breastfed babies suffer less from bacterial gastroenteritis, respiratory tract infections and allergies. Their bowel motions generally smell less offensive than those of babies who are formula-fed. In addition, the hormone oxytocin, which is secreted by the mother during breastfeeding, helps the uterus to contract back to its normal size after the delivery.
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