Spiritual Benefits of BreastfeedingDuring pregnancy mother and embryo are physically and spiritually one - heart to heart, soul to soul. Baby evolves shielded inside the womb and the future mother has time to get prepared and establish a profound spiritual bond of love with the little one. Helpful in this case would be a true spiritual practice such as Love Prayer to God. Even after the baby is born and the umbilical cord discontinued the little one still totally depends upon the mom - for food, safety, love and care. Early separation from the mother is something practiced widely by young mothers in the modern Western world, without being aware of the full price such separation has. Material well-being and careers are put before well-being of the small children. Many mothers return to their full time jobs, as early as few weeks after the birth, just because they need money to pay for the inappropriate life style established earlier - mortgages for big houses, new cars etc., or go back to their careers pursuing higher social status and recognition. Such early separation may cause deep emotional trauma in the baby: being less love worthy or abandoned. This kind of traumas are extremely difficult to cure and the healing may take thousands of years if at all. On the other side, according to the Law of Karma, mothers may likely experience the same in their future incarnations. Truly loving mothers extend direct physical connection and keep their babies near their hearts as long as needed. Breastfeeding is the single most important act to satisfy nutritional and spiritual needs of the newbornBreast milk is the best food for infant supplying a perfect combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and fluids. These are easily digested and absorbed to fulfill the very intense growth and development needs of the newborn baby and the little child. No formula milk could substitute the unique ingredients of human milk because formulas are made from processed cow milk - the proteins of cow milk are different and hard to digest. Therefore some babies have tummy problems or develop allergic reaction and health problems for years. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of allergies such as atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma and and may protect the child from chronic stomach problems. Mother's milk feeding promotes significantly the growth and maturation of the baby's digestive system which is not accomplished until around 6 months of age. Mother milk carries immune factors which protect the baby from many different infections: gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infection, meningitis, ear infections and urinary tract infections. In addition mother milk contains the fatty acids essential for the development of the baby's nervous system and vision. Breastfeeding is also the most convenient method of feeding: mother's milk comes always fresh, delicious, naturally clean and warm. There is no preparation and it is always available and free. Lactation is also beneficial for the mother. The act of breastfeeding stimulates recovery of the womb and reduces the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancers, and endometrial carcinoma. Breastfeeding mother is happy giving plenty of love and the best nourishment to her baby and enjoys emotional and hormonal balance. Happy baby grows strong and healthy and is like a sunshine for the whole family. |