Breastfeeding: Latching onto the Future of Pediatric Health
By: Nora Hartfeil
Updated: January 2, 2013
At five days old, baby Aniyah Grace has only known one, very strict diet--breast milk.
"I think it's the best thing for you and your baby. It offers a great bonding experience", says mother, Kristen Carter.
Having breastfed before, Carter says she has noticed health benefits for both her and her baby.
"There's the benefit of me actually losing the weight faster. I just gave birth four days ago, and my stomach has gone down tremendously", Carter tells us.
Dr. Ogdee, of Abilene Regional Medical Center, says he's seeing more and more women like Carter wanting to make breastfeeding a top priority.
"There's about 80 to 90% breastfeeding, and we have huge population that's pushing it, and now the medical community has finally backed it, with all the benefits of breastfeeding", explains Dr. Ogdee.
While doctors don't discourage the use of formula, many seem to be pulling back on the Similac.
"Years ago, women thought about just doing a bottle feed and not messing with breastfeeding, but that's really changing.The benefits to the baby are decreasing the chance of asthma and decreasing stomach problems", says Dr. Ogdee.
Besides the numerous health benefits, doctors say many women are turning to breastfeeding just for the cost factor.
"It's convenient and I don't have to worry about putting money aside for it", Carter tells us.
"It's cheap, it's right there and ready to go and it's what the baby needs", Dr. Ogdee explains.
Though there are mothers who simply can't produce milk for their baby, doctors want every new mother to latch on to the idea that while searching for the best options, the first place she should look is down.
Now, hospitals are still giving out formula to mothers who struggle with nursing, or for whatever reason, decide not to. But lactation consultants are available to help educate and instruct new moms with the breastfeeding process.
"I think it's the best thing for you and your baby. It offers a great bonding experience", says mother, Kristen Carter.
Having breastfed before, Carter says she has noticed health benefits for both her and her baby.
"There's the benefit of me actually losing the weight faster. I just gave birth four days ago, and my stomach has gone down tremendously", Carter tells us.
Dr. Ogdee, of Abilene Regional Medical Center, says he's seeing more and more women like Carter wanting to make breastfeeding a top priority.
"There's about 80 to 90% breastfeeding, and we have huge population that's pushing it, and now the medical community has finally backed it, with all the benefits of breastfeeding", explains Dr. Ogdee.
While doctors don't discourage the use of formula, many seem to be pulling back on the Similac.
"Years ago, women thought about just doing a bottle feed and not messing with breastfeeding, but that's really changing.The benefits to the baby are decreasing the chance of asthma and decreasing stomach problems", says Dr. Ogdee.
Besides the numerous health benefits, doctors say many women are turning to breastfeeding just for the cost factor.
"It's convenient and I don't have to worry about putting money aside for it", Carter tells us.
"It's cheap, it's right there and ready to go and it's what the baby needs", Dr. Ogdee explains.
Though there are mothers who simply can't produce milk for their baby, doctors want every new mother to latch on to the idea that while searching for the best options, the first place she should look is down.
Now, hospitals are still giving out formula to mothers who struggle with nursing, or for whatever reason, decide not to. But lactation consultants are available to help educate and instruct new moms with the breastfeeding process.
