I read an article today in the LA Times stating that infants introduced to solid foods before 4 months of age had a six-fold increase in the odds of being obese at age 3. There are plenty of other obstacles in life that increase the risk of obesity. Introducing solid food too soon should not be one of them. So, I decided to write a short piece on why breastfeeding doesn't suck.
Numerous studies have shown the benefits of breastfeeding. Infants who are breast fed have a decreased risk of developing eczema, asthma, and allergies. Breastfeeding enhances immune function and infants who are breastfed have a decreased risk of illnesses and infections. But that's not all...Breastfed infants have been shown to have greater intelligence - higher IQ, greater cognitive development, and greater social development. They have better dental health, decreased risk of developing diabetes and a decreased risk of cancer. For all of you skeptics out there, click here to check out a website that has sources (from peer reviewed medical journals) for all of the above information.
Breastfeeding also has some benefits for mothers who breastfeed. Moms who breastfeed have a decreased risk of developing cancer (breast, ovarian, endometrial, uterine), better emotional health (less anxiety), and a decreased risk of developing osteoporosis.
So to all of you early food interventionists and anti-breastfeeding groupies out there, I have two words for you: SUCK IT !
No comments:
Post a Comment