Breast Feeding 2
Breast Feeding 2
Breast Feeding 2
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From the moment of conception to the moment of death, a person experiences no other
longest period of physical connection with any person other than one’s own mother. According to
www.en.worldstat.info, the people of the Philippines have a life expectancy of 71.7 years (2011
est.) at birth. Taking this into account, a Filipino would be spending 0.01% of their life inside their
mother’s womb physically connected. Such a small percentage may seem insignificant. However,
if one would think that they were connected to another person for almost a year, without even a
minute or even the tiniest second of being apart, it wouldn’t be so insignificant. For nine months,
everything the infant needed is given automatically through the umbilical cord. Ergo, the infant’s
life support in the womb is that connection of the umbilical cord. However, after the delivery of
the child, this life support in the womb is cut and the child has now the ability to live without it
and in turn different needs. Perhaps, the most important action to be able to provide the child’s
Previous researches on the matter of breastfeeding have shown much concern for the
physical effects that breastfeeding may have on the child, not so much realizing that such an action
as breastfeeding would also have an effect on the psychological development of the child.
Certainly, a new baby needs warmth, security, love and protection (Greenspan, 1983). This
includes protection in terms of overall physical, medical and nutritional care as well as protection
from negative emotional experiences. Second, an infant requites emotional constancy. Third, the
infant requires the opportunity for what may be called “phase-specific experiences” as he or she
grows and develops. Each part of infancy involves new developmental task that requires support
from parents and other key caregivers. The third requirement is to be experienced by the child as
he or she goes through life. However, all three have one thing in common that is breastfeeding can
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know of its benefits, not only for the child but for the mother as well. Mothers replace a much
greater asset with a more inferior product, though also man-made, is quite different from the
natural product produced really within a woman’s body. In the study of Davim, Enders and Da
months; that breast milk is rich and precious and that it prevents
disease, both in the mother and the baby. In addition, they reported
avoid giving the baby, such as tea, water, and pacifiers, among
As can be deduced from the previous statements, breastfeeding has a tendency to be ignored by a
majority of people. However, those that do know of the mechanisms of breastfeeding hold it of
high regard. All cannot be blamed on the notion of not knowing of the benefits of breastfeeding.
Others partake in ignorance as such not paying mind to said benefits and still turning to formula
Though formula milk may be able to replace the physical benefits that breast milk provides,
it cannot cover the psychological aspect that comes along with breastfeeding.
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ignored. Therefore, this paper aims to show that breastfeeding increases maternal care, reduces
chances of illnesses, and decreases oral fixation thereby contributing to the child’s emotional
stability. Unlike the past studies wherein only the physical aspects of breastfeeding was shown,
this will focus on how these physical aspects affect the psychological development of the child.
Displaying a connection between increase of maternal care, decrease of chances of illnesses and
oral fixation to aiding emotional stability, pointing out that from infancy there is the possibility of
greatly affecting future situations. As emotional stability will play a vital role in deciding one’s
actions, one cannot hope to be ever childish and just sit and whine and complain forever. In lieu
with this, it is important to see the benefits that will be gained personally by the mothers that will
be nurturing a child. So as to show that though disadvantageous at the time, breastfeeding can be
turned to an advantageous weapon that has effects that will last over the passing of time of both
II. Body
autonomy, emotional development, intelligence, and future outcomes(Narvaez, 2011). Breast milk
comes from the secretion of the mammary glands in the female body. Breastfeeding, used
interchangeable with nursing, is often only seen as a way to feed one’s child. It can only be done
by lactating mothers, otherwise, the mammary glands will not be able to produce milk. According
to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement on Breastfeeding, women who
don’t have health problems should exclusively breastfeed their infants for at least the first six
months of life. The AAP suggests that women try to breastfeed for the first 12 months of life
because of the benefits to both the mother and baby. Normally when a woman is pregnant, her
milk ducts become enlarged and filled with colostrums, the clear fluid that precedes milk (Mosher,
1983). These events are triggered by the hormone prolactin which is secreted by the pituitary gland.
After the baby is born, its sucking stimulates the nerves leading to the pituitary gland which
continues to secrete prolactin leading to the manufacture of milk. Ergo, the sucking of the baby
In a study of Pickering, Granoff, Erickson, et.al. (1998) comprised of 311 who completed
the study, its aim was to find out whether breast milk added to formula milk would enhance the
development of the immune system. The participants were divided into three groups each given a
different specification of milk to feed to their child. The results are as follows:
“Infants who breastfed had significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers to polio virus
than either formula-fed group (1:346 vs 1:169 and 1:192 in the Control and Nucleotide groups,
specific and non-specific factors that have long-term consequences for early metabolism and
the development of disease (Oddy, 2002). Human milk enhances the immature immunologic
system of the neonate and strengthens host defense mechanisms against infective and other foreign
agents. Some things that can explain the enhancement of the immune system by the breast milk
are those that are not found in the formula milk - hormones, growth factors and colony stimulating
The act of breastfeeding, itself, is not to be disregarded. It’s as equally important the breast
milk itself, not only on the context that the breast milk would not be produced without the act of
breastfeeding, but breastfeeding serves also as a connector between the mother and the child which
The world’s oldest and still most widely practiced form of birth regulation is breast-
feeding(Parent’s Digest, 1984). Though this is doubted by the normal people of Western culture,
it is still deemed true by nutritional professionals who know of breastfeeding’s effect on both
health and birth intervals in past cultures around the globe. The spacing of babies is a simply a
also a side-effect of natural mothering. As such, this should be like saying that breastfeeding should
be done as a natural course of action to after delivery care for the child.
Problem arises when the mother, is in fact a working one. After the birth, they cannot stay
cooped up in the house and just take care of the child. Opinions of professionals in the field of
child development differ on when is the best time for a working mother to go back to work after
delivery. One suggested that a woman should return to her job within the first two months after
her baby is born so that the infant does not become fully involved with her and can instead become
attached to the substitute caregiver (Greenspan, 1983). Others say that in no time will separation
be for the baby’s best interest. In such cases, one should consider that how the mother feels about
herself, her baby and her family is crucially important to the emotional milieu in which that baby
“Breast milk is the best for babies up to two years and beyond.” This statement can be seen
throughout commercials of some (if not most) milk and diaper companies such as Nido, Drypers,
etc. However, this statement failed to mention that mothers also benefit from breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding moms get a lot out of feeding their child. One such example would be the confidence
moms get during an infant’s early days. A new mom might still have feelings of uncertainties like
how to hold a new-born baby or how to change a baby’s diaper. These feelings of uncertainties
make a new mom insecure about themselves. This is why breastfeeding is important for new
moms. Breastfeeding gives the mom a feeling of being the only one capable of feeding their child.
As such, it makes them more confident and more capable of taking care of the infant in the long
run. Aside from the confidence mothers get from breastfeeding their kids, breastfeeding can also
Breastfed babies are less likely to get sick so this will mean fewer illnesses for the baby and more
income for the family. Breastfeeding is also free. Breastfeeding moms don’t have to spend money
to buy formula milk, bottles, and waste time preparing the milk. In the U.S. in 2005, many mothers
have started to breastfeed their children however only 42% remain to continue after six months.
Considering the improved health outcomes for the infants alone, the U.S. could save about $13
billion each year on medical costs if 90 percent of women nursed their infants exclusively for the
first six months, according to an analysis by led by Melissa Bartick (2010). And that sum says
nothing of the money that might be saved on health costs for mothers if they breastfed, which
Bartick estimates would be "significant." Breast milk has everything a mom needs. Through
breastfeeding, moms are able to save money, time, and are able to bond with their babies.
newborn and infant (Jackson & Nazar, 2006). Human breast milk also contains numerous
protective factors against infectious disease and may influence immune system development, as
noted in previous studies of infant response to vaccination and thymus gland development. Breast
milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby's immune system
(Koutras, 1989). Countless previous studies have shown the different chemical workings of breast
milk and its effects on the development of the immune system of the child. There is evidence of
ongoing protection against illness due to protective influences on the immune system mediated via
human milk (Oddy, 2002). If the immune system development is significantly improved with the
facilitate pathogenesis of many chronic diseases later in life (Jackson & Nazar).
Now, delving into the psychological side of the matter, according to Freud’s stages of
psychosexual development, the first stage is the oral stage. The oral stage starts from the moment
of birth to around a year after life. The erogenous zone in this stage is an infant’s mouth. During
the oral stage, the infant’s main source of interaction occurs through the mouth. The rooting and
examples stated have common qualities, they are both for the use of the mouth. This is the first
stage in Freud’s psychosexual stages because it focuses on the mouth, which the infant needs to
survive. The use of the mouth during the oral stage is emphasized because it is a must that the
infant learn breastfeeding. Through breastfeeding, the infant is provided with the essential
nutrients needed to maintain good and proper health. This gives the infant a sense of safety because
the infant is entirely dependent on the caretaker who is responsible for feeding the child. This is
why oral fixation plays a big role in an infant’s emotional stability because it develops the child’s
Emotional Stability
Overall physical health has an effect on a person’s outlook in life. There is a physical
connection between what the mind is thinking and those parts of the brain that control bodily
functions. According to Charles Goodstein, MD, clinical professor of psychiatry, New York
University School of Medicine in New York City, and president of the Psychoanalytic Association
of New York, the brain is intimately connected to our endocrine system, which secretes hormones
or chemicals that can have a powerful influence on your emotional health. “Thoughts and feelings
as they are generated within the mind [can influence] the outpouring of hormones from the
endocrine system, which in effect control much of what goes on within the body,” says Dr.
Goodstein. Having a healthy body come the greater chances of having a healthy mind. Since stress
from worrisome illnesses do not worry the mind, it comes to it that being protected from illnesses
nagging feeling can be a hindrance in day to day life as it will cause the person to be highly irritable.
Annoyance of wanting something but not knowing what it is you want. This can cause the person
to dwell in aggressive actions and further disrupt emotional stability. However, with a well
breastfed child, the chances of such occurring are lower for the oral needs of the child are fulfilled
Emotional stability comes from having a balance internally due to balancing external
factors entering ones territory, so how one handles oneself in different situations is quite important.
This is based on how one was taught as a child, as such, maternal care is a crucial component in
the matter. Guidance through childhood is key to having a more emotionally stable future, for how
can one communicate with others if not taught how to. Children who do not have such maternal
care are more likely to end up with psychological problems such as depression, aggression and
anxiety. Breastfeeding has been said to fulfill an infant’s emotional needs. All babies need to be
held. Studies have shown that premature babies are more likely to die if they are not held or
stroked. There is no more comforting feeling for an infant of any age than being held close and
cuddled while breastfeeding. While many bottle-feeding parents are aware of the importance of
cradling their babies while offering the bottle, some are not. Even for parents with good intentions,
there is always the temptation to prop up a bottle next to the child, or, when the baby is a little
older, to let the child hold his/her own bottle and sit alone. This is emotionally unsatisfying to
baby, and can be dangerous physically. An unsupervised child can choke. Also, propping up
III. Conclusion
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something more inferior, formula milk. Thinking of the longetivity of the time spent within the
womb, the mother would prefer to give a much better, if not the best, supplement to her child.
However, some mothers are not to blame for their indifference towards breastfeeding. As they see
it much more than a liability, a hassle, rather than viewing it for what it is, an asset. Though many
people only hold of regard the physical assets of breastfeeding, the psychological side must be
considered as well. Seeing as the mind and body are connected, it is for the better that both can be
developed. The viewpoint of mothers who do not practice breastfeeding is quite understandable.
However, if they were to be aware of the difference of something natural as compared to something
man-made to replace it, it would make quite a difference. However, the aim of this paper is not to
inform mothers of what they should do for their child, but to make people know that something so
far in the past as breastfeeding holds ground to what one can become in the future. Divulging not
only the quite cliché-ly researched physical benefits of breastfeeding but also opening up the
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As one can see the clear connections of how physical effects of breastfeeding also serve an
underlying psychological effect, there opens up the intrigue of just how much can such a past event
of breastfeeding be of further psychological influence. Breastfeeding has not only been shown as
of benefit to the child but for the mother as well. Due to it being a natural process, there is actually
a need for breastfeeding in the least, and of course where else should it go but to the one who needs
The given emphasis on the physical aspect of breastfeeding is not for not. The benefits it
gives to the immune system of the child is quite astounding, as much as, being able to out-boost
formulated milk in terms of producing anti-bodies. Data support the hypothesis that delayed or
impaired maturation of the immune system early in life can result in immune dysfunction later in
life, leading to, e.g., allergy or atopy (Rabet, Vos, Boehm & Garssen, 2008). With that said, the
As can be seen from previous paragraphs, breastfeeding holds a lot of benefits not only to
the child but as well as to the mother. Sad to say, that many women are ignorant of the benefits
that this naturally occurring process can give. It prevents breast cancer for the mothers, gives her
child the nutrition he/she needs for free, and gives them a closer connection to their child. This
could be because of the fact that education does not give this much emphasis or because nurses or
doctors do not tell the mother of how important breastfeeding is to the child and to a lesser extent,
to themselves.
places. In the Republic of Belarus, an experimental intervention was made to increase the duration
in which breastfeeding was given thus gave them the results of decreased risk of gastrointestinal
tract infection and atopic eczema in the first year of life. These result provide a solid scientific
underpinning for the future interventions to promote breastfeeding (Kramer, Chalmers, Hodnett,
et.al., 2001). Lest people forget that given a more healthy chance in life also gives a better chance
one is born. Along this path is the great marking that when breastfed, it will lead to a better chance
at emotional stability in the future therefore being able to handle oneself both internally and
externally.
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To further delve into the benefits of breastfeeding to the emotional stability of the child by
Adding more research surveys that show the actions done to promote prolonged
breastfeeding
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Known for its great benefits to the health of the child, and know surfaced the information
that it can also benefit the mother in a way; A great act the forms the bonds of mother and child
even further, a physical interaction that gives psychological effects that will last, a long-past event
that has a great influence in the long-run of the future, neglected and replaces for artificial means
unknown that when done so it is but a great loss. Such is the value of breastfeeding.
IV. References
(2002). The impact of breastmilk on infant and child health. Breastfeeding Review : Professional
Bartick, M., and Reinhold, A. (2010). The burden of suboptimal breastfeeding in the United States:
Davim, R.B., Enders, B.C., and Da Silva, R.R. (2010). Mothers' feelings about breastfeeding their
Jackson, K.M., and Nazar, A.M. (2006). Breastfeeding, the immune response, and long-term
Koutras, A.K. (1989). Fecal secretory immunoglobulin a in breast milk vs. formula feeding in
Kramar, M.S., Chalmers, B., Hodnett, E.D., et.al. (2001). Promotion of breastfeeding intervention
trial (probit)a randomized trial in the Republic of Belarus. The Journal of the American
Narvaez, D. (2010). The tremendous benefits of doing what is normal: breastfeeding. Moral
Landscapes.
Newcomb P.A., Storer B.E., Longnecker M.P., et al. (1994). Lactation and a reduced risk of
Newman, J., and Pitman, T. (2006). The ultimate breastfeeding book of answers. New York, NY:
Oddy, W.H. (2001). Breastfeeding protects against illness and infection in infants and children: a
Oddy, W.H. (2002). The impact of breastmilk on infant and child health. Breastfeeding Review :
Pickering, L.K., Granoff, D.M., Erickson, J.R., et.al. (1998). Modulation of the immune system by
human milk and infant formula containing nucleotides. Pedriatics, 101, 242-249.
Rabet, L.M., Vos, A.P., Boehm, G. And Garssen, J. (2008). Breastfeeding and its role in early
development of the immune system in infants: Consequence for health later in life. The
Stern, D.N. (2002). The first relationship. London, England: Harvard University Press.
Wang Y.S., Wu, S.Y. (1996). The effect of exclusive breastfeeding on development and incidence