Supplying a baby with breast milk is the most natural thing in the world. Ideological discussions are therefore out of place. However, there are good medical and personal reasons for not nursing your child. How do I feed my child during the first months of my life? For thousands of years in all cultures, there was no question that every woman breast-feeds her own child, yet nowadays the feeding of babies has developed in to two different directions, moms who breastfeed and others who bottle feed.
No question: breastfeeding is one of the most natural acts of all. But is breastfeeding still the best way to start a human life? This question is justified in regards to the medical/scientific progress that has been made when it comes to baby formula make-ups and the rapidly changing lifestyles of young women and families,
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Breastmilk is tailored to the baby 's needs in terms of composition and fluid content, and supplies the necessary nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and enzymes especially in the first 6 months of life. In addition, there are antibodies against infectious diseases, the protection against allergies and later diseases such as diabetes.
The nursing mother also benefits physically. Breastfeeding reduces the energy consumption of around 600 calories a day, making it easier to lose weight after pregnancy. Women who have breastfed are also less likely to get cancer. And most importantly, breastfeeding has a positive effect on the mother-child relationship. Last but not least, the recommendations of institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) are to breastfeed for up to six months and then continue to give breast milk until the second year of age, if