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Discussion #1:
I am on the side that breastfeeding is the best way to feed a newborn. Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is when a mother feeds her baby through breast milk, which is usually directly from the woman’s breast. While it is a personal decision whether or not a mother will breastfeed her baby, there are various benefits for both the baby and mother if she decides to breastfeed. For the baby, breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for an infant. In order for a baby to grow, they need a mix of vitamins, proteins and fat which can be found in breastmilk. This perfect mix of ideal nutrients found within breastmilk help infants gain the right amount of weight as they grow rather than become overweight. Antibodies found within a mother’s breast milk can help their baby fight off certain bacteria and viruses. A baby’s risk of developing asthma or allergies are also decreased when a mother nurses their child. Babies who are breastfed for the first six months of their lives, without any formula, are also known to have less ear infections, respiratory illnesses, bouts of diarrhea and overall fewer hospitalizations or trips to the doctor. Some studies have also suggested that children who are breastfed are linked to having high IQ scores later in their childhood. Breastmilk has also been shown to be more easily digested compared to other infant formulas. Additionally, a mother will benefit from breastfeeding their baby. Breastfeeding aids mother’s in burning off extra calories which can help them lose their pregnancy weight. The hormone oxytocin is released when a mother is breastfeeding which helps their uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and can help decrease uterine bleeding following birth. Not only will your baby be more healthy when breastfed, but nursing also allows the baby and their mother to grow a closer bond. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/nursing-basics
Discussion #2: Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic within the United States. Nearly one-third of United States children are overweight or obese. And unfortunately, the childhood obesity rate is continuously rising each and every year. Childhood obesity is causing various negative effects within our children’s lives, including the increased risk for becoming sicker and dying earlier than usual. Medical complications are also associated with childhood obesity, such as Type-2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, hernias, and elevated cholesterol. Fast food is the main culprit in causing childhood obesity. As you drive down almost any road, there is most likely a McDonalds or Wendy’s serving fried, and fatty foods. Not only does fast food cause childhood obesity, but also portion sizes of the meals children eat should be accounted for. Children are essentially eating too much during meals. As said in the video, plates arrive with enough food to feed almost two to three people. Hamburgers have expanded by 23%, Mexican foods are 27% larger, soft drinks have increased 52% in their size, and snacks are almost 60% larger. Processed foods found in many of our pantries contain added sugars, fats and salt as well. In many cases, children are becoming obese due to their weight increasing much faster than their height. It is best to slow down the weight gain of the child in order for their height to catch up as the child grows. A few simple changes that we can promote and advocate for within the industry and ourselves include eating more healthy and well balanced meals, balancing the correct food portions and including exercise in our everyday lives. Another option are new innovative programs designed to aid the entire family in making more healthier lifestyle and dietary changes. Keeping a food journal to write down all of the foods you are consuming while also measuring each ingredient in your dishes can make a big impact on eating healthier.
Hi Deannah! It was very interesting to read your response on how breastfeeding is the better option compared to formula for infants and babies. Through my research I now also agree that breastfeeding is better for babies rather than formula. As you said, various formulas sold in department stores lack the essential nutrients babies need in order to grow up healthy. Not only does breast milk provide a variety of different essential nutrients that help infants grow, but breastfeeding can also aid a baby in fighting off certain diseases and bacteria. Infants are not the only ones who benefit from breastfeeding. I also found that when a mother nurses her baby after giving birth, it can actually help her lose pregnancy weight and decrease uterine bleeding following birth. All in all, great job on your discussion post regarding breastfeeding.
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