The bond that develops between a breastfed baby and its mother is parallel to the strong bond between the moon and the stars. The solid connection of a breastfed baby to its mother becomes very noticeable as the child grows. The child is more calm, obedient, tapped into his/her mother's thoughts (almost telepathic) and more intelligent -- than the child fed powdered milk out of a can.
It is very important for ALL mothers to breastfeed their children if possible. There is nothing better than natural warm milk from a mother. It is the BEST nutritional choice if a mother is healthy. Breast milk is known to contain essential long-chain fatty acids and a chemical called insulin-like growth factor, which alone could be responsible for boosting intelligence and strengthening the bond between mother and child. Not only that, breast milk helps infants fight off meningitis, asthma, obesity, SIDS, allergies, asthma, ear infections, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. However, breastfeeding not only benefits the child, but also the mother. How so?
Breastfeeding helps shrink the uterus, which greatly aids nursing moms to return to their pre-pregnancy shape and weight quicker. It also burns calories and helps lower the risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer. When a mother gives birth, her body is not only able to provide nourishment to her baby, but is also designed to be its own personal medicine cabinet. Breast milk is the best and most natural food you can give a child, and applying it sparingly on a baby's head, eye or skin will eliminate cradle cap, acne, rashes, dryness, and even eye infections.
As you can see, there are many POSITIVE perks for feeding your babies natural breast milk. However, there are certain instances in which mothers should NOT breastfeed.
If a mother is severely depressed, under a lot of stress, or just a mess -- she should not breastfeed. Mothers that breastfeed should be physically and mentally HEALTHY. Internal anxieties, physical illness, fears, stress, emotional turmoil, and mental problems CAN get passed onto your child through breast milk. Just because the umbilical chord has long been cut, does not mean a magnetic chord has not appeared in its place. Naturally, a magnetic chord will always exist between a child and its mother, but when you breastfeed, your breast pumps out all your mental anguish into your breast milk -- just as a funnel is used to fill a car with gas. If that funnel is dirty, so will be the gas -- and depending on the content that is mixed with the gas -- the car may run into problems. Or, if a car requests only premium gas and you give it regular gas, it may not run as efficient. Breast milk runs the same way. Always make sure your milk is PREMIUM. Why would any mother want to pass on her emotional and mental problems onto an innocent child? And if a mother is not healthy, your milk will lack the positive nutrients your child NEEDS.
You are what you eat applies to breast milk. You child grows into a reflection of the condition you were in when you were feeding him/her with your body. So please be smart about it. As for men, the perks for you are good and plenty. Not only will your woman develop bigger breasts and you will save a lot of money on powdered formulas, but she and your child will become way more healthier going this route -- than by the artificial way. No way is ever better than the natural way. If you get breast implants, you can still breastfeed and strengthen the sacred bond between you and your child. The beautiful health benefits for you and your baby are plenty and worth the patience needed at the beginning. It takes 3-5 days before milk starts coming in. Most women give up quickly because they do not know it takes awhile to see more than an ounce. Stick with it. Get a breast pump and use it while you watch a movie. Yet keep in mind that when a baby extracts milk from your breast, they are able to draw out more milk than a pump, so not be discouraged if you cannot extract much. Your use of a pump simply works to trigger and keep a constant supply of milk flowing, and to provide a supply when you are too busy to breastfeed.
Fenugreek is known to increase your breast milk supply. However, nothing works greater than seaweed soup. I've included the recipe at the bottom. Not only does it taste delicious and work wonders, but it also cleans your blood and supports optimal brain function.
And lastly, as far as mothers choosing formula over breast milk, it is a personal choice that is to be respected. Many women cannot produce breast milk for medical or work reasons. But do remember, that natural breast milk is COMPLEX and cannot be imitated. Formula companies have been trying for years. -- Suzy Kassem
(6/12/12)
SEAWEED SOUP RECIPE
FOR INCREASING BREAST MILK PRODUCTION
(4 SERVINGS)
- 2 TEASPOONS OF SESAME OIL
- 1 TEASPOON MINCED GARLIC
- 1 PACKAGE OF DRIED SEAWEED (1 OUNCE)
- 6 CUPS ORGANIC CHICKEN BROTH OR VEGETABLE BROTH
- SEA SALT OR SOY SAUCE, (PINCHES /DROPS TO SEASON ACCORDING TO YOUR TASTE)
1. Soak seaweed for 2 hours until soft. Drain and rinse very well. Keep rinsing to remove any dirt.
2. Combine EVERYTHING (except salt or soy sauce) into a big pot and wait for it to boil. Then lower the heat and allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
3. Add and adjust some sea salt or soy sauce according to your taste, serve and enjoy!
*If you shop for seaweed at a health foods store, buy 1 package of nori seaweed. If you get the seaweed at an Asian market, ask for 1 package of seaweed for soup.
