Expectant and new mothers are usually met with a dilemma as to whether to utilize formula feeding or breastfeeding as the preferred choice of nutrition for their babies. However, research has shown that breast milk has immense nutritional value for the infants. However, it is vital to note that breastfeeding might not be a possible thing for all the women. The suitability of the act depends on several factors including lifestyle, comfort levels, and particular medical situations. Several health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), American Medical Association (AMA), and the Academic Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all recommend breastfeeding as the ideal way of nutrition for the child. Breastfeeding, unlike formula feeding, has additional benefits such as fighting infections, enabling child-mother bonding, and is easily digested, and as such, it is the ideal mode of nutrition for the infant. (“Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding, n.d”).
Logical Reasoning (Logos)
According to the AAP, babies should receive exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. It can continue for the next twelve months so long as both the mother and the child are willing. Evidence has pointed out that breastfeeding is helpful in fighting infections and other undesirable conditions. During the process of breastfeeding, the mother passes her antibodies to the child thus boosting his or her immune system. Studies have also revealed that the breastfed children are less likely to have infections as opposed to the formula-fed infants (“Why is Breastfeeding Important for your Baby,” 2015)? The breast milk, therefore, reduces the baby's chances of getting infections such as diarrhea, ear diseases, respiratory infections, and meningitis amongst others. The milk also protects the infants from asthma, allergies, obesity, diabetes, and the sudden death syndrome.
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Another reason why breastfeeding is an ideal practice for children is that it has nutritional value and is easy for digestion. Many regard it as the perfect food for the infant's digestive system due to its primary components including lactose, fat, and proteins. Studies have illustrated that breastfed infants have fewer difficulties with digestion as compared with their counterparts on formula feeding (“Importance of Breastfeeding, 2013”). Breast milk is easily digested, and the babies have little chances of experiencing constipation or diarrhea. The milk has natural vitamins and minerals required by the newborn. However, an exception to this is vitamin D, which according to AAP; babies should receive supplements from the second month after birth. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) use the breast milk as a template for the commercial production of formula milk. However, the commercial formulas have had difficulties matching the exact composition of the breast milk. The reason to explain this is that milk is a living substance created by each mother and tailored for the infant, something that is difficult to do in the factories.
Emotional Appeal (Pathos)
Other than the scientific or logical reasons, breast milk is a suitable option because it is free. It does not require money for one to have it. It does not need additional things such as bottles or pumps that could incur costs on the mother. Furthermore, the breastfed children are less likely to fall sick, and as such, mothers will likely spend less on the treatment costs. Moreover, the parents will not have to buy alternative formula feedings or over-the-counter drugs because the children will show the desirable health. The parents will, therefore, exhibit happiness as they spend relatively less and the child also shows positive signs of health ("Breastfeeding, 2018"). Furthermore, the milk is conveniently found, and the child can receive it at any given the time of day.
The child does not only receive the milk as a benefit, but the action of breastfeeding enhances an emotional bond between the mother and the infant. The process involves nursing which occurs for a significant period. During this time, the baby feels the mother's heartbeat, scent, and warmth. The baby also receives a sense of physical presence. It, therefore, leads to a deep connection that can never be achieved by the use of formula feeding (“Importance of Breastfeeding” 2017). Breastfeeding is a valuable strategy in soothing the child especially if they have shown signs of distress. The closeness between the mother and the child should be encouraged because it gives the children a sense of relief and reassurance.
Ethical Reasoning
Some people associate breastfeeding with several beliefs that are as a result of ethical and cultural considerations. For instance, several quarters have associated breastfeeding with intelligence. They have intimated that children who exclusively depend on breastfeeding have a better IQ than children receiving formula feeding. Furthermore, the skin-to-skin contact during the procedure has cultural implications with many asserting that it improves emotional connection and imparts the desirable values on the part of the child.
Despite the positive effects associated with breast milk, there are several challenges related to the act. New mothers might have problems with their personal comfort such as latch-on pain and irritation on the nipples. However, with proper support, education, and practice, mothers can avoid this challenge. With the paradigm shift in the society where gender roles the traditional gender roles no longer stand, women have become more committed and as such, have difficulties with time and frequency of the breastfeeding procedure. In the beginning, the act requires commitment and time, which might not be possible especially if the mother is committed (“Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding,” n.d)
In conclusion, breastfeeding and breast milk are ideal for the baby in various ways including in terms of nutrition, availability, preventing infections, and convenience. It has scientific, social, and economic benefits all which combine to enhance the health of the child and ensure the deep connection between the mother and their child.
References
Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding (n.d) Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/breast-bottle-feeding.html
Breastfeeding, 2018 MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/breastfeeding.html
Importance of Breastfeeding, (2013) IBFAN, http://ibfan.org/Importance-of-Breastfeeding
Importance of Breastfeeding, (2017) https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/clinical-staff/maternity/nutrition/breastfeeding/importance
Why is Breastfeeding Important for your Baby? (2015) Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/breastfeeding/importance.htm
