Benefits of Breastfeeding

I chose research the benefits of breastfeeding.  I exclusively breastfed my son for seven months just so that he can receive all the nutrients.  Breastfeeding is not only good for baby but also for the mom.  This helps reduce the risk of breast cancer in women, ovarian cancer, as well as postpartum depression.  Breast milk has antibodies in that helps strengthen the babies immune system.  Breast milk also has been proven to lower the risks of ear infections, stomach viruses, as well as respiratory infections.  Also, this aids in strengthening the bond between mom and new baby.  I absolutely loved breastfeeding my son.  It help create a bond that cannot be broken.  The look that he gave me during feedings is something I will never forget!

Breastfeeding in other countries in a sense is more beneficial to the infant.  Especially in countries were clean water is hard to find.  If the baby is breastfed in these countries, then their life expectancy is higher, than those who are not.  Also, families may be unable to afford formula, which in returns yields a malnourished child. 

Here in the states, the mother is encouraged to breastfeed the baby exclusively for the first month, or at least the first few days so the baby can receive colostrum.  However, in Sierra Leone women believe that colostrum produces a poison toxin, and often stop breastfeeding early.  In return, babies are introduced to solid foods way too early.  Sierra Leona also has some of the highest infant mortality rates, and lowest exclusively breastfed baby rates in the world.  If you are interested more in this topic, I will post two links below for you all to view!

http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/breastfeeding.html
http://www.incultureparent.com/2012/03/breastfeeding-around-the-world#slide6

Birth of My Son

Around this time last year I was blessed with my first and only child.  It's funny because we are currently planning his birthday party, and me or his dad cannot wrap our minds around the fact that our sweet boy will be turning one on January 21.  I can still remember the day we found out we were having a baby to the day he was born.

I had a lot of support from my family, friends, sorority sisters, and fraternity brothers.  I had to be induced at 40 weeks because my little monster wasn't quite ready to come.  I had a little over 20 people waiting with me throughout the entire process.  I had to have an unplanned cesarean section at the last minute due to my baby being to big.  I was beyond scared, but I had a lot of support to get me through this.

I was very sedated and I could not wait to meet my little boy.  After the surgery had been performed, I was completely out of it.  I do not remember much that first night.  My recovery was not the best experience.  I experienced postpartum depression for about 8 weeks.  However, once I made it past that I now know there isn't any obstacle that I cannot overcome.  

My son was breastfed so immediately a bond was formed between us.  He is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I thank God for my little blessing.  I was surrounded by love throughout my entire pregnancy, and still am today.  My son has a very strong circle that loves and care for him so much, and I am blessed to have such great family, friends, and sorority sisters that treat him like he is family.

I researched babies born in South Africa.  Babies are both born in and out of hospitals, but the one thing that both delivery methods have in common is the babies being abandoned by the mothers due to Child Welfare.  I learned that the worst city for child abandonment is Cape Town.