Blog Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Blog - Essay Example 350). Therefore, breastfeeding is important to the health of the babies until they reach the recommended age for introduction of the artificial foods. However, it will be a surprise to find out that new studies show that breastfeeding might be associated with hyperbilirubinemia. Although the studies have not conclusively implicated breastfeeding to hyperbilirubinemia, considerable evidence indicates that feeding a baby on breast milk can cause the illness. Hyperbilirubinemia is an illness that causes the red blood cells in your body to breakdown, and release a substance known as bilirubin into the blood. Bilirubin refers to the yellow substance in the blood, and it is a by-product of the breakdown of haemoglobin contained in the red blood cells (Lindh 2010, p. 919). Haemoglobin supports the transportation of oxygen in the red blood cells. It is noteworthy that the liver breaks down the old red blood cells. The high levels of the bilirubin in the bloodstream cause the yellowing of the skin and the white parts of the eye. The condition that causes the eyes and skin to turn yellow is known as jaundice (Lindh 2010, p. 919). Although bilirubin does not affect the infants, the accumulation of the by-product can be toxic to your bodies. It is advisable for babies to receive treatment after their delivery. The accumulation of bilirubin is referred to as hyperbilirubinemia, which new studies have associated with breastfeeding in infants. Many pregnant mothers, friends, and family members do not know the issues surrounding breastfeeding as brought forth by the new studies. Similarly, the healthcare providers have limited knowledge regarding the negative realities of breastfeeding. Likewise, the popular lifestyle magazines have not captured the new facts as revealed by continued research on the breastfeeding. Specifically, the association of breastfeeding with the development of the