Baby Parenting Guide

Do you think the effects of breast feeding are purely physiological?

Or do you think that a decent chunk of the overall health benefits of breast feeding are psychological? I think it's both.

Public Response to Do you think the effects of breast feeding are purely physiological?

1. I think its a combination of both. I like this question though.
2. Some of the good effects are definitely from being cuddled up with the mother, being rocked, having the mother sing or talk, etc. Breastfeeding also releases hormones into the mother's body which make her feel closer to the baby.
3. I am a firm believer that there is nothing in comparison to breast milk. We produce it naturally for a reason and believe that it cannot be reproduced. There are so many studies indicating its benefits in the shorterm and longterm to the baby. I am all about promoting breast feeding, but to each their own.
4. I agree its both, there's closeness, its relaxing for mom and baby, and of course the health benefits.
5. Not really, it is medical prov en that breast milk has more nutrients and is better for new Born's that chemical mix milk. is the best thing for a new born to 3 months, after that is 50 % good.
6. I think the benefits are there but I dont think breastfeeding alone is enough to ensure the benefits experts claim (asthma, allergies, less colds etc) I believe the womb has a major impact on the rest of their lives, what they are exposed to in there I believe has a much great impact then what we feed them once they are out.
7. physiological from the nutrients in breastmilk and psychological from bonding with mommy. I think it's crazy how strong our bond is. I'm sure it makes her feel secure being so close to mommy. When she falls or hurts herself, nothing can comfort her but me nursing her.
8. I never really thought about that. Good question. My mother bottle fed me, and breast fed my sister. I constantly had ear infections, and my sis was hardly ever sick. Coinsidence? Maybe?
9. i agree to both
10. I think, not necessarily. I mean, Yes breastfeeding encourages lots of physical touch and closeness; but many formula feeding moms have that same level of closeness when they feed their babies. I would say that the advantage there is that with breastfeeding, you are kind of forced to be close and touch the baby a lot; even when you have tons of things to do. Don't get me wrong it's just that when you have bottles it's very tempting sometimes to just let the baby feed himself (when he can hold the bottle) and you may not even notice but sometimes you are not touching or holding the baby as closely as you would with breastfeeding.
11. I think breast feeding is great for bonding, and I'm only somewhat convinced about the "heatlhier aspect" because my son is soley breastfed (except for being on solids now) and he gets colds and ear infections like crazy! My oldest daughter was formula fed and she got upper respiratoy infections that you wouldn't believe. My youngest girl was a combination or breast and formula, and she very rarely gets sick to this day! So I've had experience with kids getting sick both ways. But again, it's awesome for bonding! Plus it makes midnight feedings so much easier! lol
12. i think it is totaly healthy foe the baby... body and brain i nursed all 5 of mine and it is a wonderful bonding experience as well.