Breastfeeding: Many Benefits for Mom and BabySummaryIf parents care so much about their child as they grow, it should start from conception. The benefits of breastfeeding are not always evident within the first year; many benefits last a lifetime. However, many parents are unaware of how good breast milk is for their child. These days, mothers blame their busy schedules and use it as an excuse to feed their babies formula. Breastfeeding not only benefits the baby, but also the mother. The benefits of breastfeeding are so numerous that mothers should never consider giving formula to their babies. Breastfeeding: nipple, breast and everything else Today, breasts have acquired the image of a sex symbol. Society forgets the main reason why women were blessed with breasts. Breasts were originally created to nourish and nurture offspring, commonly referred to as breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is more than just sucking a baby from a woman's breast. It is the natural way of feeding their offspring that women have used for centuries. Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to nourish a baby and automatically creates a special bond between a mother and her baby. The benefits of breastfeeding are all numerous, if there are benefits of formula feeding. History of Breastfeeding Between 1700 and 1600 BC, breastfeeding was the only option. If human offspring were not breastfed, like other mammals, they would not survive. There was no question as to, “Was the baby breastfed?” but: “Was the baby breastfed by his own mother, a relative, a friend or a wet nurse? A wet nurse was usually hired and employed to provide milk for babies born into wealthy families. A widespread adoption of breastfeeding for royalty and others born into high rank began during ...... middle of article ......, January/February). Helping new mothers feed their babies while breastfeeding is not an option. Pediatric Nursing, 27, 47-49.Greene MD, Alan. (1996, June). Benefits of breastfeeding. Retrieved March 11, 2003, from http://www.drgreene.com/21_552.htmlKelly. (February 1998). Should breastfeeding continue when mom is sick? Retrieved March 25, 2003, from http://www.kellymom.com/meds/mom-illness.htmlMichels, Dia L. (1998). Mother nature loves breast milk [sic]. Retrieved March 9, 2003, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/reading_room/mother_nature.htmlRatner MD, Adam. (2002, May). Common breastfeeding problems. Retrieved March 24, 2003, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002452.htmStuart-Macadam, Patricia & Dettwyler, Kathrine A. (Eds). (2002). History of breastfeeding. Retrieved March 23, 2003 from http://www.seldomfar.com/nurturing/bfhistory.htm