Men Speak out for Breastfeeding!
Amid speculation that rocker Paul McCartney claimed his estranged wife Heather's breasts belonged to him, most men realize that breastfeeding serves a higher purpose!
It is no doubt that the female breast has become a sex object in our culture. Somehow the many advantages to mother and baby of breastfeeding have been lost.
Paul McCartney is quoted from court papers as saying that he did not want his then wife, Heather, to breastfeed because "they are my breasts." This statement is an alarming wake-up call that our culture may not value the primary reason breasts were made.
Sadly, I don't believe that Paul's comments are unique. It is only reinforced every time we pick up a magazine. My husband recently picked up an ad that was selling local real estate. In the middle of the ad, was a beautiful woman with most of her breasts exposed. We couldn't help but wonder what a woman's breasts had to do with selling property.
Even though there is a beauty in our wonderfully-made female bodies, the sad reality is that the female breast has been reduced to simply fulfilling sexual pleasures or public viewing instead of the higher purpose that it was designed for which is feeding and comforting our babies.
For the record, here are only a few of the ways that breastfeeding benefits our babies and mothers:
For Babies
- Colostrum (first milk) is loaded with good bacteria to protect the baby's digestive system.
- Breastmilk and colostrum contain antibodies to protect babies from illnesses, some of those include ear infections, upper respiratory infections and allergies.
- Breastmilk is more easily-digested than breastmilk substitutes.
- Breastmilk has been shown to increase IQ's, especially in pre-term babies.
- Breastmilk is loaded with endorphins after a woman gives birth naturally, giving them both a lovely sense of well-being.
- Breastmilk is specifically designed for a baby's needs at each stage of life. For example, a woman's breasts will automatically produce breastmilk with a higher content of protein if her baby comes too early.
- Breastmilk also acts as protection against immune diseases such as Crohn's, celiac sprue and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
- All breastfed babies spend more time in "quiet alert" state, which is the best time for early learning.
- The motor skills required for breastfeeding helps oral development.
- Eliminating the use of a bottle reduces tooth decay.
- Breastfed babies gain weight more quickly than babies who receive breastmilk substitutes.
For Mothers
- Breastfeeding uses up 500 calories a day - it can be the best and easiest diet you will ever have!
- Breastfeeding causes the release of oxytocin (the "love" hormone), which helps to relax a mother each time she feeds her baby.
- Breastfeeding at least 18 months over the course of her life, a woman can reduce her chance of developing breast cancer by 50%.
- See this article for a complete list of breastfeeding benefits for mothers.
Not to mention that breastmilk is always there, always the right temperature and saves families money!
For more information about breastfeeding benefits, check out this great article written by two doctors in the Medical Reporter.
Dads Speak Out
I wanted to share my husband's perspective on this issue since I think that it may speak to men and women alike who are concerned, like Paul McCartney, that breastfeeding will get in the way of intimacy.
"The big picture is the health of your baby and your wife. Whatever sacrifices men might have to make are minimal. I don't recall that breastfeeding had any negative impact on our intimacy. "
Chris Lane, father of two breastfed daughters.
Review the complete list of breastfeeding articles.
What are your thoughts about breastfeeding and intimacy? Share them with us.
