Breastfeeding promotes bonding

In our fast-paced and pre-packaged world, it is easy to stray away from natural foods. However, when life is just starting out, nothing is better for baby than the most natural food of all — breastfeeding.

Now the benefits of breastfeeding are known, more mothers are helping their babies latch on. But health experts warn many moms are making the switch to formula feeding too early.

A recent government survey found that about 30 percent of moms are breastfeeding for the first three months. Numbers then drop significantly, with only 11 percent breastfeeding their infants at six months of age. These figures are due to a number of factors, including mothers returning to work, appealing formula marketing, and confusion over breastfeeding recommendations.

Though infant formulas are improving, nothing can replace the natural disease-fighting and immune-boosting properties found in breast milk. Breastfeeding also promotes bonding between mother and child, especially in those first crucial hours.

When babies enter the world, they become exposed to an entirely new environment, posing a challenge to their immature immune systems.

Breastfeeding is a very efficient natural process that allows mom to pass her body's defenses to her child, while providing complete and specialized nutrition. For maximum benefit, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that moms continue breastfeeding exclusively for at least the first six months of age.

Breastfeeding, though a natural process, does not always come easily for new moms — or babies. It can take patience, determination and maybe even some help from a lactation specialist, friend, or other support.

Benefits of breastfeeding (March of Dimes, 2005) include:

? Breast milk is the most easily digested food your baby will ever eat, with the most specialized nutrients for growth and brain development.

? Breastfeeding protects babies from diseases, allergies and infections.

? Breastfeeding protects children from becoming obese later in life.

? Breastfeeding helps mom's hormones to regulate and her body to get back to normal following birth.

? Studies have shown that breastfed babies have a higher I.Q.

Information: BGH, 263-1441; Panhandle Health District, 263-5159; and LaLeche League of Sandpoint, 265-9347.