Jalynn Reeter English 101 Argumentative Essay December 5, 2016
Breastfeeding: The Milk of Knowledge What does having a better IQ score, fighting a stomach virus, and lessening a chance of an ear infection all have in common? (Cha par. 1). The answer is quite simple: breast milk. If infants are breastfed, the child would have a stronger intelligence and better immune system than non-breastfed child. There are times when breast milk cannot be an option, and that is when purchased formula becomes a helpful resource. Those who are able mothers expecting children should breastfeed instead of using store-bought formula because of the health benefits, the advantages, and the cost. Breastfeeding has many nutritional benefits for both the mother and the child. The alternative, formula, does have health benefits such as if the mother has health concerns or is taking a potentially harmful medication, the mother may not be able to breastfeed. In that case, the store-bought formula becomes a good option. With that in mind, there are greater benefits for children receiving breast milk, and the mothers receive benefits as well. One study, researchers found, states that breastfeeding prevents breast cancer deaths in around 20,000 mother's (Johnson par. 12 ). Breastfeeding is a healthy way for the mother to lose weight from the pregnancy. Studies confirm that breastfeeding has been associated with lowering rates of obesity and has been known to help mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster (“Discovering the Benefits” par. 2). For the baby, breastfeeding has a multitude of advantages over formula.As well as helping the mother with cancer and weight loss, according to Africa News Service, “... breastfed babies often have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, rates of obesity, and type-2diabetes” (“Discovering the Benefits” par. 12). There is a wide range of health benefits such as improvement in the child’s immunity, development, and growth. According to Breastfeeding - Natural Is the Best, breast milk has the best mix of nutrients that can be easily digested such as vitamins, proteins, and fat (“Breastfeeding - Natural Is Best” par. 4). Overall, there are many more health benefits with breastfeeding over formula. The simple advantages of breastfeeding outway the involved disadvantages. Breastfeeding is a big commitment for mothers. They have to take the time to learn the right way, and deal with the ache and soreness of their breast during and after the feedings. Being mindful of that, bonding is a big part of your babies first time out in the world. They need to feel the closeness of each other's skin touching to get the feeling of security to help the bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding stimulates a hormone called oxytocin in the mother that stimulates the development of a stronger bond between mother and child (“Breastfeeding - Natural Is Best” par. 8; Epstein par. 14). When the child is hungry, mothers that are breastfeeding can simply go and feed the infant. Mothers using formula have to measure out the correct amount, mix, and heat to the right temperature before being able to feed the hungry child. Breastfeeding - Natural Is Best says, the mother’s breast milk changes to meet the babies needs, without the need to heat, mix, or clean and sterilize the bottles and teats (“Breastfeeding - Natural Is Best” par. 7). Another advantage is when the mother is around breast milk is likely always available to the infant. There are laws for breastfeeding in public, and many places surprisingly do not allow mothers to breastfeed in the open. While some places are now removing that law, many people believe that mothers should be able to feed their babies whenever they are hungry at any place and time. When getting the breast milk whenever and wherever, babies determine the amount they consume at each time. Altogether, there are many more advantages than disadvantages for breast milk over formula. Breastfeeding is the most effective and least expensive way to feed an infant. Mothers who use formula do not always have to be the one feeding the baby. This helps mothers with their schedules and not needing to find somewhere in public to nurse. Remembering there is nothing that can truly compare to the effects breastfeeding has on children for the cost being little to nothing. UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Geeta Rao Gupta says, “Breastfeeding is a baby’s ‘first immunization’ and the most effective and inexpensive life-saver ever” (qtd. in “Breastfeeding Is the Cheapest” par. 2). Gupta says “first immunization” because the breast milk has countless health benefits. There are many costs involved in taking care of a child, and if there is a way to get free food, mothers need to take advantage of that for as long as possible. Breast milk is also able to be frozen. While mothers can feed right from the breast, they can also pump to get the milk and then store it in either the fridge or freezer for when it is needed. Contemporary Pediatrics says, “The analysis showed that if 90% of US families compiled with medical recommendations to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, the savings could amount to $13 billion a year…” (qtd. in Burke par. 3). That 13 billions dollars includes not only formula but supplies a mother needs to feed an infant. Formula itself is expensive, but once a parent adds the bottles and nipples parents can save plenty of money. Undoubtedly, breast milk is the better choice for baby, and is also the cheapest option. Breast milk could help a child receive a higher IQ score, fight a stomach virus, and lessen the chance of an ear infection (Cha par. 1). There can be times when breastfeeding is not the best option but a majority of the time it is. Mothers who are able to breastfeed should or at least use their own pumped breast milk for their children instead of feeding them boughten formula because of the health benefits, the advantages, and the cost.
Works Cited "Breastfeeding - Natural Is Best [column]." Africa News Service 3 Aug. 2015: n. pag. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 20 Nov. 2016. "Breastfeeding Is the Cheapest and Most Effective Life-Saver in History - Unicef." Africa News Service 1 Aug. 2013: n. pag. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 27 Nov. 2016. Burke, Michael G. "Suboptimal Breastfeeding Leads to Excess Costs, Deaths." Contemporary Pediatrics June 2010: 14. Student Resources in Context. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. Cha, Ariana Eunjung. "Two More Reasons to Breastfeed: It May Reduce Moms' Cancer and Diabetes Risk." The Washington Post 27 Nov. 2015: n. pag. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 20 Nov. 2016. "Discovering the Benefits of Breastfeeding [column]." Africa News Service 27 Aug. 2012: n. pag. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 27 Nov. 2016. Epstein, Bruce. "Expecting a Baby? Consider Breast-feeding." The St. Petersburg Times [St. Petersburg, FL] 2 Aug. 2000: 3D. Student Resources in Context. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. Johnson, Carolyn Y. "Headlines May Overstate Benefits of Breastfeeding." The Washington Post 23 Feb. 2016: n. pag. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 26 Nov. 2016.