According to a recent BYU study, not enough moms are continuing to breastfeed for the recommended first full year. The recommendation comes from The American Association of Pediatricians, but the study found that only 36 percent of moms breastfeed past six months. A mother's milk, when available, is the best for babies, as it is easily digested and provides antibodies that prevent ear infections and other illnesses. Read the release and what various news outlets published about the study here.
Contributing: Chris Giovarelli
Photo: Colleen Harker
Posts
I've sent that article to my wife. She breastfeed all five of our children to the year mark, and at least one of them beyond.
ReplyDeleteWhile I haven't done the studying she has done, I do know that she has found the advice to breastfeed to a year has solid grounding, and that she was happy she chose to continue it.
Admittedly, not all mothers are in circumstances that permit it--especially student and working mothers--but it seems that American mothers in general have been transitioning to non-breastfed babies at earlier stages, and in greater numbers.
What that means for the children, I really don't know. I'm sure my wife does, though.
It is nice to see the idea promoted here, though. Thank you.
Thanks Stan. Certainly circumstances may prohibit a mother from nursing through the first year, but it's great to see mothers who do their best to make this possible.
ReplyDeleteAt last month's Recent Graduate Lecture, Dr. Jenet Jacob mentioned the amazing benefits of the eye contact mothers make with their children during breast feeding or coddling. It was another interesting indicator of the important of close contact with parents and its effect on a child's development.