The Benefits of Breast Feeding

I recently received a correspondence from an RN who expressed disappointment that the Baby Instructions DVD series does not address breast feeding. 
 She wrote:  Breast fed babies are healthier, spend less time in the hospital in the first 2 years of life, experience fewer infections, develop  fewer allergies, and research has shown to age 8 (and I am sure beyond that age as we continue the research) have higher IQ’s than the formula fed infants.  

This blog is dedicated to her and will provide information on the importance of breast feeding.
Breast milk is best for baby with its benefits extending beyond nutrition.  Breast milk contains all the vitamins and nutrients that a baby needs in the first 6 months of life as well as disease fighting substances that protect a baby from illness.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life.
Scientific studies have proven that breast fed babies have decreased instances of stomach viruses, respiratory illness, and ear infections. When breast fed babies do present with these illnesses the severity and duration of symptoms are decreased as compared to formula fed babies.
A research study that included over 17,000 infants followed over a period of 6.5 years indicated that breastfeeding improves cognitive development.

Preterm infants with extremely low birth weight who received breast milk shortly after birth improved their mental development scores at 18 months when compared with preterm infants who weren't given breast milk. In a later study, researchers found that the higher scores held at 30 months, and that the babies who received breast milk were also less likely to be hospitalized again because of respiratory infections.

A  long-term study of children who were breastfed showed that breastfeeding reduces food allergies at least through adolescence. Protection from allergies is one of the most important benefits of breastfeeding. The incidence of cow's milk allergies is up to seven times greater in babies who are fed artificial baby milk instead of human milk.

While breast feeding is natural it is not always a process that goes smoothly initially. Don’t be discouraged if you experience some challenges.  Consult with a lactation specialist if you need help or support.

On a personal note, I had difficulty nursing my first baby 21 years ago.  I was young and inexperienced at the time and would not have been successful if it had not been for the help of my sister in law.  If you are having any difficulties seek out people that can support you as you learn about the joy the beauty of nursing your baby.

The Importance of Play

Play is an essential part of your baby's development. Play in the first year is how your baby will learn about his world and his body. Your baby will learn from the toys your provide for him, but more importantly your baby will learn from exploration. When he touches, squeezes, pushes and pulls items he is learning about his world. When your baby moves his arms and kicks his feet, he is learning about his body.  In this early stage of development your baby will rely on his senses: touch, sight, smell, taste and hearing, to make sense of the new world he has arrived in. Exploration and play are an essential part of this development. Promote play fullness and desire to play by creating many social opportunities with face time, smiling, and cooing conversations. Allow for plenty of movement opportunities for physical development and provide multiple age appropriate items for your baby to reach for, grab, mouth, and touch. All of your baby's development will be enhanced through play.

Your Infant's Grasp and Hand Manipulation Skill Development

Understanding your infant's grasp pattern development and abilities will help you to know what  toys and items your baby is ready to explore with.  Your newborn's grasp is controlled by his involuntary grasp reflex pattern. Your baby will grasp any small item placed in his hand and will continue to hold on to that item without a real awareness that anything is in his hand. It's a good idea to stimulate this grasp response by encouraging your baby to hold your finger while you shake his hand and by providing ring like toys and rattles for your baby to hold. This involuntary response will help prepare your baby for the next stage of purposeful grasp which should happen at about 3 months.  Your baby will start to control and understand that something has been placed in his hand even though he is not yet reaching for items himself. At 5 months, your baby can reach and grasp items independently. By 7 months old your baby will be able to reach and grasp items with his full hand and will explore these items with his mouth and eyes. At this point your baby has developed the ability to grasp items voluntarily as well as release these items to let them fall when he wishes.  It is around this time, when your baby can hold items in each hand, that he will begin to problem solve how to retrieve a third desired item if both of his hands are occupied. At 9 months your baby should begin to pass small items from one hand to the other. With this new found hand manipulation skill your baby will begin to actively engage with toys and items in his environment.