Many people are not aware that the first food they ever ate as an infant was and still is vital to their health. Some are just now finding out how very important this "first food" is the hard way, as their bodies were not given this magnificent nourishment in their starting year of life. Doctors and scientists coined the term "liquid gold" for breast milk, because of the amazing qualities it possesses. Breastfeeding is exceptionally valuable to both mothers and babies because of the bonding experience and the health benefits they can receive. (First 5 LA, 2007)

While some mothers find the process of breastfeeding to be an exhausting chore, nursing a child is definitely something that must be learned. Women in recent history viewed this as a reclusive burden of motherhood and was oppressive to their rights, thus nursing was therefore shunned by popular culture. Just as women became more liberated and began working instead of staying at home, formula became the primary way to feed newborns and infants.

What they were unaware of was that breastfeeding while trying at times, is a potent substance that cannot be replicated or manufactured by any company, no matter how significant the technology. Babies come away from the nursing experience with possibly higher IQs, better chances to fight certain cancers, get less ear infections, and may be the missing link as to why some individuals have a propensity to become obese and develop diabetes and allergies according to the Nemours Foundation (2008). Gregory Soukoup (2007) of the La Leche League website states that, "a large body of recent research suggests that breastfeeding will significantly reduce and prevent children from becoming overweight and lessen their chances of becoming overweight adults." Clearly, breast milk is not something to ignore as our culture did in the past.

The bonding between mother and baby is definitely one of the most extraordinary phenomena women enjoy while nursing. A baby gets to snuggle into his or her mother and feel comforted and protected; she gets to watch her little one eat as she cradles him or her against her breast. Not only does the act help a mother develop patience and unconditional love because of the tediousness of the task, but also the skin-to-skin contact is comforting and intimate.

Babies born prematurely are by in large the ones who benefit the most from this close contact; their immune systems are bolstered by the antibody rich colostrum (the almost blue-tinted milk that women produce during the beginning of lactation). Doctors also urge parents of preemies to touch and caress their babies gently; studies have shown that preemies who experience this physical contact improve more rapidly in their overall physical and emotional condition. (Nemours Foundation, 2008)

Amazingly, women can in turn be protected from some types of diseases, such as breast and ovarian cancers. What is also known to be less prevalent in women who have nursed is osteoporosis and high-levels of cholesterol. Obviously, nursing is held in much higher regard by the general medical population with the knowledge that it can potentially protect mothers from many illnesses. There also appears that some women have had better results with weight loss after birth, as this is easier to accomplish due to the calories during the process. She may even experience amenorrhea, which is the absence of a menstrual period while she breastfeeds.

Nursing is absolutely free, as it is already known, which saves the mother and her family a considerable amount of money. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a family may save up $1200 for the first year of a baby's life if she chooses to breastfeed. Another thing to take into consideration is that bottles and the accessories, sterilizing, potential contamination and heating and mixing milk is completely unnecessary for a nursing mom. (Sears, 2006)

Even after the negative perception of breastfeeding spurred by formula companies and the women's liberation movement, the modern mother is aware of this highly treasured milk. However, what she decides to do with it is entirely her choice. Women nowadays have become enlightened to the benefits of breastfeeding, and while formula has remained a popular choice for infant feeding, nursing has begun to return to its rightful glory days. Many mothers feel a sense of empowerment in knowing that something her body made is giving her baby exclusive nourishment, which is perfect for her child alone. According to a breastfeeding website, bonding can be difficult for some parents, especially those who have newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Despite the rewards of nursing, it is not without its complications, naturally, since mothers as well as their newborns are learning at the same time. Breastfeeding can be painful, tiring, and aggravating. When a mother decides she wants to go into public, she may meet some opposition, as some people in western culture frown on such an act. While the sight hardly draws any attention in many other countries, some people in today's society find this act almost grotesque. Harsh feelings may come from a wide variety of people, even the father, who may feel nervous that someone may take a peek at his partner's breast. Moms also experience their own embarrassment or bashfulness at the idea of public nursing, and with the intimidation of the community, many women are turned off from this important feeding technique. Public buildings have taken steps to ensure that women who have made this decision for their babies are accommodated, but this is not always available everywhere. Some moms find themselves breastfeeding in bathroom stalls or in their vehicles. With this in mind, it is no wonder that most mothers stay home instead of going out and this can lead to isolation. (Nemours Foundation, 2008)

Parents and doctors continue to discover the fantastic benefits of nursing over the years, and some believe this "liquid gold" may help fight diseases that formerly puzzled professionals. Breast milk may seem to affect only mothers and babies, but in reality a breastfeeding mom is doing a favor for everyone. If more babies are breastfed, even for the first three months of life, there will be less people struggling with illnesses and weight problems. A hope is that one day, nursing will become the normal and adequate way to feed an infant, as our culture will recognize this intimate form of nourishment as the best first food anyone can ask for. (Williams, 2005)

"A woman's breast milk has a unique composition of nutrients, enzymes, growth factors, hormones, and immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the risk of a wide range of illnesses for a child well beyond infancy. Essentially, it is like "liquid gold" for a growing baby." (First 5 LA, 2007)

References:

[No author]. (August 20, 2007). Breastfeeding Series: Banked Breast Milk: Giving Babies Liquid Gold. First 5 LA website. Retrieved August 1, 2008, from http://www.first5la.org/articles/breastfeeding-series-banked-breast-milk-giving-babies-liquid-gold

[No author]. (1995-2008). Bonding With Your Baby. The Nemours Foundation. Retrieved July 13, 2008, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/kh_articles/article_61110_3.html

Sears, W. & Sears, M. (2006). 7 Benefits Breastfeeding Mothers. Dr. Jim Sears website. Retrieved July 23, 2008, from http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020700.asp

Soukoup, Sr., G. J. (January-March 2007). Preventing Childhood Obesity: How Breastfeeding Can Help. LEAVEN, Vol. 43, No. 1. Retrieved July 13, 2008, http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJanFebMar07p2.html

Williams, R. D. (February 2005). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. AAP Policy, Vol. 115, No. 2, pp. 496-506. Retrieved July 13, 2008, from http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496