Despite its nutritional benefits, there is still a cultural taboo surrounding br

Question

Despite its nutritional benefits, there is still a cultural taboo surrounding breastfeeding in our country. Breastfeeding in public often makes people uncomfortable and is even illegal in some states. You will be exploring these issues in more depth for this discussion.

In your initial post, address each of the following prompts:

Research and briefly explain at least three (3) reasons why women don’t or can’t breastfeed.

Examine current climate as it relates to breastfeeding. Is there social pressure to either breastfeed or not? What about breastfeeding in public places?

Make a case for how long (or if) a mother should breastfeed her infant. Justify your opinion with factual information on how breastfeeding impacts infant nutrition and growth during the first two years.

Be sure to cite all sources you use to answer these prompts.

Explanation / Answer

Three reasons why women don't or can't breastfeed

Climate (Current climate- not known from question):

Hot climate: When it is hot and sweaty climate: mothers have no choice but to nurse outdoors, look for a shady spot or a canopied area.

Cold Climate: For some women, it can seem like your supply is reduced in the cold, but there may be other bodily reactions at work. For instance, a colder body temperature can slow down the body's milk ejection reflex, making it difficult to get the milk out, according to La Leche League International

In the winter, they must always wear scarves or thicker tops to cover their upper body, should they get into cooler air.

Social Pressure: Women nowadays are being fed conflicting advice when it comes to breastfeeding. On the one hand we’re told that it’s the right thing to do, but then on the other we’re often shamed for feeding our children in public

New mothers (since 2011 reported in a study) facing increasing pressure to breastfeed — and for many women who try to breastfeed and fail, that pressure can be toxic, particularly for women who are already prone to anxiety or depression.

A common fear among women is that they will lose the shape of their breasts if the breastfeed.

Breast feed in public places:

1. Breastfeeding anywhere, public or private, is a woman’s legal right in 49 states (given on NCSL breastfeeding laws)

2. Taboo because breasts seen and depicted by media/ society at large as sex symbols. At the root of this social problem is the belief that women’s sexuality is dangerous and bad. Women's sexuality is framed as having the power to corrupt men and boys, and make them lose control. It should be hidden from public view, and only expressed when invited or coerced by a man.

Duration of breastfeed: Factual Data

Newborns take anywhere from 5 to 40 minutes (occasionally even longer) to nurse.

Most babies will breastfeed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, from their second or third day of life until they are three to six months old.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mother and baby desire. The World Health Organization recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.

The longer you nurse (giving little or no formula), the more profound and long-lasting the benefits.

Although experts believe breast milk is the best nutritional choice for infants, breastfeeding may not be possible for all women. ... For mothers who are unable to breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is a healthy alternative.

Advantages of breast milk for baby

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