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It's TIME to Consider the Benefits of Breastfeeding
Friday, May 18, 2012
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 The provocative TIME Magazine cover picture of a mother breastfeeding her 3 year old with the statement “Are you MOM enough?” has triggered a lot of opinionated comments from both the media and the general public. That being said, the article is really about attachment parenting not just breastfeeding. It is unfortunate that TIME chose to only depict the breastfeeding part of attachment parenting on its cover. Hopefully, it will generate a more appropriate discussion about the benefits of “full term” breastfeeding.
Many mothers do breastfeed for years, but have been reluctant to admit to it because of public opinion here in the USA. Breastfeeding way beyond 2 years is well accepted in other countries, but most Americans have never been exposed to it and therefore have some pretty strong negative feelings about it.
“The average age at weaning ranges anywhere from six months to five years,” says Arthur Eidelman, MD, president of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. All major medical organizations recommend about six months of exclusive breastfeeding. Together with the World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics, and US Surgeon’s General Call to Action, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends that breastfeeding should be continued through infancy and beyond.
“Claims that breastfeeding beyond infancy is harmful to mother or infant have absolutely no medical or scientific basis,” says Dr. Eidelman. “Indeed, the more salient issue is the damage caused by modern practices of premature weaning.”
Breast milk contains nutrients and antibodies which support the immune system that are not present in formula or cow’s milk. Furthermore, breastfeeding is associated with reduced maternal risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart attack.
As controversial as the cover of TIME may be, hopefully Americans will be able to see past shock value and start to consider the true benefits of “full term” breastfeeding for both mother and child.
Source: http://www.bfmed.org/
How long are you planning to breastfeed your child? Share your thoughts with other moms.
Need to speak to a lactation consultant? Call Phyllis at 215-453-4594
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