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Milk(ing) Does a Body Good

By Amie E. Feliccitti

Women have them. We’ve all caught our men looking at sets of them bouncing on by in the mall (as we roll our eyes in disgust). But, what are they really for? A couple of years ago, other than looking perky, not too much. There was the whole 60’s revolution way back when, but growing up in the late 70’s, early 80’s and 90’s gave cause for formula. Somewhere along the line breastfeeding became taboo; an unknown phenomenon proliferated only by those stereo-typed under a shroud of hippie mojoe. Today, though, breastfeeding is back in full swing. Many moms are climbing aboard the oh au natural wagon and are forgoing the bottle. For those of you still on the fence about this retro-new-again fad, here are some things you should know:

1. Breastfeeding is immensely rewarding. You won’t believe how much you will bond with your child through breastfeeding. Before you do it, you can not understand how much pride you’ll have knowing you’ve given your child something only you can offer.
2. Breastfeeding minimizes ear infections. How many pregnant moms are warned about ear aches and nights of walking the halls with a screaming child? Guess what? Breastfeeding, because of proper positioning and antibodies you pass on, is like a full metal jacket protecting your child against ear infections. It is commonplace for a breastfed child to live out his infancy ear infection free.
3. Thousand dollar orthodontist bills may be obliterated via breastfeeding. Did you know that breastfeeding is evolutionarily designed to help a child’s mouth develop properly? As teeth grow into a child’s mouth, those breastfeed are naturally encouraged to come in straight. If the first set of teeth comes in properly it may help to encourage the second set to grow in straight as well. (Note to moms: pacifiers and overuse of suction sippy cups can undo this perk!)
4. Your child will be healthier. When you breastfeed your child you pass on your antibodies. Since you have a better-developed immune system, your child benefits from adult level antibodies (in addition to his own) which help him fight off illness.
5. Breastfeeding fights obesity. Did you know your child’s pediatrician has separate growth charts for bottle and breastfed children? Did you know bottle-fed children tend to weigh more right from the start? When you breastfeed your child it allows him to eat at his own pace. There are no pre-measured amounts determined ahead of time by an adult. Your child eats when he is hungry and stops when he is full. Your child learns to regulate better how much he wants at one sitting. This sets up positive eating habits for life.
6. You will lose weight. Enormous amounts of calories are burned when you breastfeed. If you want to be back to your pre-pregnancy weight (or even less), breastfeed. This doesn’t give you license to gorge on junk food, but it does help burn fat with a quickness.
7. Breastfeeding has weird perks. For example, did you know that your own breast milk will cure a pink eye infection? Or, if you suffer a breakout or desire a clear complexion, breast milk rubbed on your skin will help lead to beautiful skin. True story.

In essence, Breastfeeding is the formula for success!

Amie E. Feliccitti is a Philadelphia native, with a degree from Chestnut Hill College in Early and Elementary Education. Currently she is working at Drexel University College of Medicine with third and fourth year medical students. She is a wife and also the mother of Tara Lynn, age three.