Breast Feeding For A Healthy Child

Dear Karl,  

I was very excited to find your site with so much information on the topics that are of particular interest to me.

I have many health problems, but I rarely go to the doctor. I have hypothyroidism and thats the only thing I'm having a doctor treat (in conjunction with my naturopath). I know that the majority of my problems stem from diet, but I'm finding that sugar hurdle a difficult one to overcome.

I would like to request that you add more information on your website on breastfeeding.

It's a very, very important first step for the future health of your child, and is additionally incredibly beneficial for the mother. I feel that the health benefits to the mother are often overlooked when discussing breastfeeding. It drastically reduces the incidence of breast cancer (especially when used ecologically-nursing at least 2 years) and also reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

A woman's body is designed to nurse after having a child, and I personally believe that you can throw your hormones severely out of whack if you don't follow the bodies basic cycle of life.

Many times when an article regarding breastfeeding is printed, the author puts a negative spin on it. Recently there was an article regarding the West Nile Virus. In it the author reported that a mother contracted West Nile Virus via a blood transfusion. She was nursing her baby and a blood test revealed the baby had WNV as well.

However, the baby was not ill! The article dwelled on the *fact* that the virus transferred via the breast milk, rather than focusing on the idea that breastfeeding prevented the baby from getting ill.

The breast milk was fighting the infection for her, and saving her body from the stress of having to fight an infection by itself.

I have been amazed to find how many naturopaths don't advocate breastfeeding very strongly, thinking that there are alternatives that while not being the best are certainly not detrimental. I feel that breastfeeding is the only choice I have, and if and only if that option is not available will I use a substitute. Its heartening to know that for this short while at least, my children are getting the perfect food.

Sally