In our world today, things have evolved and changed to meet the rising demand and challenges. These changes occurred so rapidly, we had no time to stop and think, of both its benefits and dangers. Man has become self-centred and the bonds of humanity have gradually been eroded.
Breastfeeding is a valuable art threatened to be lost in the sands of time. It is a beautiful thing! In earlier times before the advent of urbanisation, women throughout history gave suckle to their children except on medical or health grounds. It brings joy to a mother to nourish a life and to see it radiate and grow bright and strong. This helped to keep these children alive and those who couldn’t be breastfed and a wet nurse wasn’t available, had a higher tendency to die young from illness or malnutrition. The use of bovine milk in feeding human children was also brought up; bovine milk is suited for cows while human milk, for humans.
Now, studies show that women who have discarded this art, have placed their kids on a higher pedestal of being obese, leaving them predisposed to diabetes, hypertension etc. It’s being advocated for, that women go back to breastfeeding their children instead of placing them on baby formula. You might ask why?
- According to studies, the first milk produced by a mother contains antibodies to help a child fight infections and diseases. It acts a child’s first vaccination. If this is to be manufactured, an ounce would go for $80!
Women in the earlier times engaged in breastfeeding and this helped their children survive even when hygiene and all was poor. Now imagine what a combination of hygiene, immunizations and breast milk would do for your kids!
- Studies have shown that children who have been formula fed have a high tendency to be obese and later develop diabetes. Obesity is one of the top ranking concerns in our today’s society.
Looking at the children in earlier centuries who were breastfed, they grew up strong, active and healthy. They weren’t obese! But as economic and scientific growth came, breastfeeding was gradually abandoned for baby formula and the obesity percentage steadily climbed up to where we are today.
- It has also been shown that breastfeeding helps a mother bond and love her child. It’s no magic! A breastfeeding mother can sing to her child offering relief and ease. She can study minute details of that child!
She gets to look into her baby’s eyes which they say are the windows to the soul and through this a lifelong bond can be formed.
It can also be generally seen that a child runs to his mother before any other person.
(This can also be achieved through bottle feeding but the totality of benefits outweighs it.)
There are so many other things we can learn from earlier times. In truth and in deed, We have grown but we can still learn a thing or two from the past!
Dark Tales of Understanding 