95% of mothers attempted breastfeeding in 2001: survey
-
SINGAPORE : More women in Singapore are trying to breastfeed compared to more than 20 years ago.
In 2001, a total of 95 percent of mothers attempted breastfeeding, 30 percent higher than in 1980, according to a National Breastfeeding Survey by the Health Promotion Board.
The survey polled more than 2,000 Singaporean mothers in eight restructured and private hospitals two months after their delivery, and again six months later.
84 percent said they attempted to breastfeed as breast milk was healthier for their babies.
On average, the mothers breastfed for 13 weeks; 72 percent breastfed at one month, with about half continuing to do so at two months.
But the prevalence dropped to 21 percent by the time the babies were six months old.
Reasons cited for stopping breastfeeding include work-related factors such as facilities at work not conducive for breastfeeding, insufficient breast milk and the baby preferring formula milk. - CNA
Em... Words are sensored -
Who prefers their gal to feed their child?
Me +1
-
me is pro br3ast-feeding
can save some money on gu hi hoon
and it's healthier for both mom and child....... -
Ya... Wait, I look at today's ST Health... Got article on it...Originally posted by FireIce:me is pro br3ast-feeding
can save some money on gu hi hoon
and it's healthier for both mom and child....... -
Why breast milk is best
It's free
A 900g tin formula milk usually cost about $20, and the newborn can go through more than a tin a month.
It's clean
As milk comes straight from the mother's breasts, there is no need to fear germs or dirt on bottle teats and sterilising equipnent.
Healthier babies
Breast milk contains live antibodies which help to protect the baby from respiratory and intestinal illnesses.
Just after a mother gives birth is when breast milk - at that stage called colostrum - is the ultimate weapon against illness.
The creamy yellowish milk is packed with goodies to boost the newborn's immunity and protect his intenstines.
After that, breast milk also helps to protect the baby from allegy - induced ailments like asthma and eczema.
Higher IQ
DHA or decosahexaenoic acid is crucial for brain development. Most formula milk nowadays are DHA - fortified. Still, they are not as good as breast milk for those brain cells.
Said Health Promotion Board nutritionist Benjamin Lee: "While infant formula milk can be supplemented to contain the same nutrients as breast milk, infants who drink formula milk do not receive the health and psychological benefits of breastfed infants.
"These benefits may have a role in developing intelligence too."
Moreover, breast milk contains brain - building elements like choline, iron and omega - 3 fatty acids... - Straits Times "Mind Your Body" 02-03-05 -
Less chance of obesity
Because breast milk contains nutrients in just the right amount for the baby, and less fat, it contributes to optimal growth.
Civil servant Susan Lee, 30, who is still breastfeeding her two - year - old daughter, said that while her child was not as chubby as formula - fed babies, she was extremely lean and strong.
"She did not look huge, but she had density, not fat."
Her daughter started walking while holding onto furniture at seven months. Breastfed babies are also less likely to become obese later in life.
Convenience
No need to lug around cumbersome bottles, milk powder and sterilising equipment.
Ms Rebecca Chin, 26, the membership coordinator of the Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group, has travelled to Hong Kong and Australia with her 18 - month - old son, all the while nursing him by simply lifting her T - shirt.
"People were amazed at how little I carried on these trips, even though I had a baby with me," she said.
Buffet Spread
According to website medicalreporter.health.org: "Mother's own milk changes during a feeding from thirst - quenching to hunger - satisfying, and comes in a variety of flavour as mother's diet varies. Its composition changes as the baby grows to meet baby's changing nutritional needs."
Towards the end of a feed, for instance, breast milk has more fat content, so the baby will feel full. A mother who travels to a cold country will also produce milk with more fat for baby... -
Bonding with mum
As breastfeeding involves a good 15 minutes of close skin and eye contact, breastfed babies are usually very close to their mothers.
Ms Alicia Loh, 29, a researcher who is breastfeeding her one - year - old son, said: "I don't see my son in the day, he gets expressed milk in a bottle. But he really looks forward to direct feeding in the morning and night, when I'm not working. It's a special time for us."
Protects mother
It's not just babies who benefit from breastfeeding. Dr W.C.Cheng, founder of Thomson Medical Centre, said that for every baby a woman breastfeeds, and the longer she does so, she is increasingly protected from breast cancer. -
Sorry to say this...being pro-br3astfeeding is good..but never ever condemn those women who can't do it.
I really hate those pple who condemn others just because they are able to bf.
But agree, bf is good for baby, saves loads of money, help build immunity systems, etc.
However formula is not so bad either if your gal can't bf.
**Don't get the misconception. -
Too many benefits...