Reading a BBC news story today http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7867686.stm you would be forgiven for thinking that breast feeding is in someway unnatural!
The story highlights the plight of some ‘breast feed only’ babies (who’s numbers are rising in response to ‘breast is best’ campaign) who become badly dehydrated, and the plan to test how widespread this may be. However, it goes on to say that only 1% of mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months, and most have problems in the first few weeks, and supplement with formula.
My question is, why is this a priority to test, and can’t resources be better allocated on breastfeeding education and support for pregnant and nursing women, and advice on eating a better diet and drinking enough good quality water.
On the one hand, mothers are told ‘breast is best’, but if your baby is sick then formula is better, and if you do choose to breast feed exclusively then you better keep up with the weight chart (based on 1950 bottle fed babies!), or your baby will be classed as ‘not thriving’, and you will be hounded by the health visitor. I speak from my own experience with my son who is now 5 1/2 months, and very healthy.
Whilst breastfeeding is often difficult, for many reasons some physical, some emotional, looking after some of the foundations of a mothers health – nutrition and hydration can make a huge difference to the health of both mother and baby.
For tips and advice on how to eat and drink water for you and your babies health please see http://dcintegratedhealth.com/2008/03/04/the-nutrition-connection-part-2/
good lesson