This week is World Breastfeeding Week 2009. Organizations around the world are taking part in efforts to draw attention to the importance of breastfeeding, which can save so many children’s lives, especially during emergency situations such as wars and natural disasters. Breastfeeding can be a life saving intervention and protection is greatest for the youngest infants. Even in non-emergency settings, non-breastfed babies under 2 months of age are six times more likely to die. Breast milk provides all the nutrition, water, and even antibodies that a baby needs in its first year of life. Educating women and helping to support them in breastfeeding results in healthier children and improves a mother’s capacity to cope in case of emergencies. [via WBW 2oo9]
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Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
August 5th, 2009 at 7:14 am
I’m fine with breastfeeding, but do it in the privacy of your own home. If you’re out in public find a quiet spot away from other people so you can tend your child in private and not have other people gawking at you. Basically, I don’t want to see you breastfeeding, and many others don’t either.
August 5th, 2009 at 8:23 am
I am 64 now and I still love breast feeding. Besides I have witnessed women feeding their infants without making a “show” of it by simply using a light shawl or something to cover. Today women prefer abortion then more sex so it is a moot point.
August 5th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I breast fed both of my sons for 1.3 years each. ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE!
However, I’m modest & dont want anybody seeing my privates & so just slip the babe under your shirt and nobody can even tell its happening. I have had a few people say negative things to my family members as to why i would choose to nurse my baby at the pizza parlor when we were all eating dinner—our response—its dinner time! they couldnt see a damn thing but just the idea unnerved people. Considering their closemindedness, it didnt affect me—EVER! Milk comes in a pregnant womans breasts during childbirth for a reason people. It is exactly what a baby needs to ward off most illness. Cheap and easy—yea–i said ez. It was simple for me–my boys just latched on and nursed their little hearts out. Woman CAN nurse if they really want to—even when nipples are sore in the beginning–ull get over it. think of the baby and not yourself. I have gone p to women i see nursing and tell them i support them in their decsison to do so whenever and wherever! It makes them smile! Now as for exposing exposing yourself all over the place while doing it—it isnt necessary and be considerate of other people who may feel uncomfortable seeing your naked breasts regardless of what u are doing with them. cover up—and nurse away!
August 5th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I nursed both of my girls, but kept myself covered in public. People need to realize just how beneficial nursing is for their children. Don’t do for yourself. Do it for them- or at least keep an open mind.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:04 am
I am all for breastfeeding. Women can do it if they want to. Not only is it the best thing for the baby, but it doesn’t cost anything. God made us this way for a reason. I have 6 healthy, wonderful children, ranging in age from 20yrs old to 2mo old that have benefited from breast milk. My youngest is still nursing. Women also benefit from breastfeeding as well. Nursing helps the uterus contract back to is regular shape after giving birth. You have less risk of breast cancer, and you lose your wieght more quickly. People just need to realize and accept that breastfeeding is a natural occurence. It is going to happen and everyone needs to suppport the women who do it. Of course, you can do it anywhere, even in public,and it should be allowed. You just carry a light shawl or recieving blanket to cover yourself. Then you let your little one nurse to their hearts content. Also, for those who work or won’t do the public thing, well there is something called a breast pump. Like I said, women can do it if they want to. It’s the greatest gift you can give your child. I wouldn’t change that I did it with my children, and we are all very close from it. I hope more women try and succeed. Yea breastfeeding moms! You are doing great! God bless you all.
August 6th, 2009 at 7:02 am
I am happy to receive this message from right health,i wish i would have known for the breast feeding week erlier before it has started,so that we the youth can do campaigns to educate the the people in our community.We have so many believes in our cultures whereby women live to breastfeed there children at tender age and other myths of concerning health of women especially young women.
Continue to educate the people am delighted for the message my regards returns to the organization as am expecting more information .
Thanks from Rolland Lusioli
Voluteer
Youth Department