s" (Dermer 1). In addition, Dermer states that "breast milk enhances structural development of the eye and allows growth and development of baby's brain and central nervous system(2). Recent studies show higher IQ scores for breast fed children, directly correlated with the length of time they were breast fed. Aside from the nutritional, physical, and mental advantages of breast feeding, the breast fed baby tends to be happier and more confident. Obvious are the breast feeding advantages to the infant, but what aboutfor the mother? When a mother breast feeds her baby, they bond. The skin-to-skin contact and interaction promotes bonding and enhances understanding and acceptance. A study from a developing country found that when breast feeding rates were increased among mothers with a significant abandonment rate, fewer of these mothers abandoned their babies. Breast feeding also encourages feelings of peace, satisfaction, relaxation, and closeness. Immediately after birth, the baby's sucking causes repeated bursts of oxy-toxin to be released which in turn contracts the uterus. This protects the mother from postpartum hemorrhaging as well as helping the uterus to return to its normal size, which ultimately aides the mother in returning to her pre-pregnancy weight. Mothers who breast feed are at a lower risk for breast cancer. Eisenburg tells us that "women nursing for a lifetime total of two years lower their risk before menopause by forty percent. Nursing for six years lowers their risk before menopause by sixty-six percent, and seven years of nursing lowers the risk of breast cancer throughout a woman's lifetime to almost zero"(55). Breast feeding also lowers the risk of other cancers such as ovarian and uterine cancers. On a lighter note, let us not forget God's natural breast augmentation which enhances the breasts appearance far more deftly than any surgeon's hand. "Breast feeding exclusively, without solids or supplem...
