Breastfeeding and Self-Regulation

A new study has come out about how breastfeeding directly from the breast helps infants learn to self-regulate their food intake. This skill is very important for a lifetime, as it is the brain's way of saying "stop eating now- you have had enough to eat", thus reducing overeating and obesity.

It is very interesting- because the article pointed out that breast milk changes from feeding to feeding and even in the middle of a feeding, so an infant learns the cue of how much he/she needs and un-latches from the breast when finished. When bottle feeding, it is easier for adults to fall into the trap of "finish your bottle", when in fact, the infant may have already given the cue that he/she is finished. That is the good news, if you pump and/or feed your baby formula, you can still be sure and encourage the self-regulation, you just need to be aware and pay close attention to your baby and the signs that he/she is finished and not be tempted to make him/her take more. (www.msn.com)

From MSN- the bottom line of this new research: "Feeding directly from the breast should be your first choice, if possible," she said. "If it's not, be aware that you don't overfeed. Pay attention to the signs your baby gives you. Babies are born with the ability to self-regulate their milk intake." (www.msn.com)

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