Argument Paper Breastfeeding
ugMadison Beberg
Professor Clay
ENG 201
February 21, 2013
Breast Milk for Babies
In today’s society, breastfeeding has been a controversial issue. This could be because people tend to form opinions before learning facts. After studying facts about breastfeeding, it is obvious that breast milk is the best choice of food to feed an infant. According to Centers for Disease Control and Preventions article, “Breastfeeding Report Card 2012 United States”, “74.6% of mothers breastfeed their babies right out of the hospital.” That means about 25% of mothers use some other supplement to feed their infant. Other supplements, such as formula however, do not contain the natural ingredients that are found within breast milk that help with proper development. Breast milk provides short and long term benefits for an infant. Breast milk provides necessary nutrients, prevents illnesses, and provides psychological benefits for an infant. Breast milk contains many proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins that additional sources of milk supplements do not supply. An infant needs these nutrients to grow and develop. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “There are two classes of proteins found in human milk, whey and casein.” These proteins work together to provide an infant with quick and easy digestion. Lactoferrin is also a protein found in breast milk and it helps inhibit the growth of iron dependent bacteria. The iron dependent bacterium produces defense mechanisms to protect the respiratory tract and the lungs. Breast milk also contains fats that are essential for an infant’s nutritional needs. These fats are necessary for brain development and are a main calorie source for an infant.
Lactose is a carbohydrate found in breast milk that is essential to help improve the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Without lactose an infant would not be able to properly absorb nutrients. The amount of vitamins is breast milk is due to the amount of
Professor Clay
ENG 201
February 21, 2013
Breast Milk for Babies
In today’s society, breastfeeding has been a controversial issue. This could be because people tend to form opinions before learning facts. After studying facts about breastfeeding, it is obvious that breast milk is the best choice of food to feed an infant. According to Centers for Disease Control and Preventions article, “Breastfeeding Report Card 2012 United States”, “74.6% of mothers breastfeed their babies right out of the hospital.” That means about 25% of mothers use some other supplement to feed their infant. Other supplements, such as formula however, do not contain the natural ingredients that are found within breast milk that help with proper development. Breast milk provides short and long term benefits for an infant. Breast milk provides necessary nutrients, prevents illnesses, and provides psychological benefits for an infant. Breast milk contains many proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins that additional sources of milk supplements do not supply. An infant needs these nutrients to grow and develop. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “There are two classes of proteins found in human milk, whey and casein.” These proteins work together to provide an infant with quick and easy digestion. Lactoferrin is also a protein found in breast milk and it helps inhibit the growth of iron dependent bacteria. The iron dependent bacterium produces defense mechanisms to protect the respiratory tract and the lungs. Breast milk also contains fats that are essential for an infant’s nutritional needs. These fats are necessary for brain development and are a main calorie source for an infant.
Lactose is a carbohydrate found in breast milk that is essential to help improve the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Without lactose an infant would not be able to properly absorb nutrients. The amount of vitamins is breast milk is due to the amount of
Cited: “Breastfeeding Report Card 2012, United States.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22. Jan. 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. “Breastmilk Is Best for Your Baby! Learn Why!” Benefits of Breastmilk. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. "How Breastfeeding Benefits You and Your Baby." BabyCenter. BabyCenter, L.C.C. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. Sears. "How Human Milk Protects Babies From Illness." Ask Dr. Sears®.Web. 20 Feb. 2013. Sears. “Seven Ways Breastfeeding Benefits Mother.” Ask Dr. Sears®. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. "What’s in Breast Milk?" American Pregnancy Association. Jan. 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. Williams, Rebecca. "Human Milk for Human Infants." About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.