The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Baby’s Immune System with Breastfeeding

The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Baby’s Immune System with Breastfeeding

As a new mom, it’s common to feel a combined sense of excitement and nervousness when it comes to your baby. From the first moment you look into your little one’s eyes, there’s a feeling of concern about doing the right thing for your child. The question is, however, what are the “right” things?

With new motherhood comes a barrage of little decisions you’ll have to make. One of the first being whether or not you’d like to breastfeed your baby.

While this is a personal decision which affects every family and individual differently, deciding to nurse your baby can be one of the best choices you opt to make.

Not only does breastfeeding allow for closer bonding between mother and child, but it also builds up a baby’s immune system to keep them healthy fresh out of the womb and beyond.

The folks at MamaNatal, believe in the power of breastfeeding. Their goal, however, is not just to discuss the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby. It’s to teach moms how to breastfeed effectively, so that you can give your babies’ the nourishment and healthy foundation they need in the most natural way possible.

If you’re wondering how nursing your child can improve their chances of staying healthy, the experts at MamaNatal have all the information you need.

What is an immune system and how does it develop in babies?

The immune system is an intricate network of proteins and cells, that’s general function is to protect the body from infection. When foreign substances enter the body, they are identified by the white blood cells, which then produce the antibodies needed to help fight off the infection.

Unlike adults, babies do not have a healthy immune system when they are born. During the last three months of pregnancy (third trimester), the antibodies from the mother are passed to the placenta. In this stage, the level of immunity received by the baby depends on the mother’s own level. This exchange gives the baby a form of protection when they are born.

At birth, the baby’s gut can build a colony of bacteria passed unto them from the mother’s vagina, which contributes to their immunity. These examples of passive immunity, however, do not last long after birth.
After delivery, your child will continue to receive antibodies from exposure to different germs and bacteria. Another way of boosting their immune systems is by offering your child the powerful antibodies that come from colostrum and breast milk.

These antibodies will help prevent your child from getting sick and will reduce the amount of time it takes for them to feel better when they do catch colds and other symptoms.

Given the present COVID-19 pandemic we’re facing, it’s also worth noting that some scientific studies have determined that breastmilk might even help protect children from developing the coronavirus.

At the very least, it’s been determined that even if a mother has tested positive for COVID-19, the risk of passing it onto her child is extremely rare.

Facts about Breastfeeding

From bonding to long-term health benefits, there are so many great advantages that can come with choosing to breastfeed your child.

The following are important details that you should know about breastfeeding.
From bonding to long-term health benefits, there are so many great advantages that can come with choosing to breastfeed your child.

The following are important details that you should know about breastfeeding.

  • Breastfeeding promotes immunity and protects your babyWHO recommends breastfeeding within one hour after giving birth. To promote ideal growth and development, breastfeeding should continue up to two years.Babies typically consume 780ml to 200ml of milk each day from less than six months up to 18 months. It provides an estimated 29% of a baby’s daily intake of calories. Breast milk is considered to be personalized medicine. It helps decrease the risk of flu, colds, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and lung infections.

    If you are getting ready to breastfeed, make sure to download this free 74 page ‘Ultimate Guide to Breastfeeding’. This guide was developed with the knowledge of lactation consultants and it will answer your questions – promised!

  • Breastfeeding benefits mothersBreastfeeding does not only benefit babies, it helps you too! Here are some interesting facts you might not have known.
    WHO has suggested nursing can be considered a natural method of birth control within six months after birth! It also reduces risks of ovarian cancer, type II diabetes, and breast cancer.Psychologically, breastfeeding benefits the baby and the mother. While it helps in the cognitive and socio-emotional development of children, it also possesses significant effects on the mental health benefits for the mother. Research suggests that it benefits the overall mood, stress levels, and impact of a mother. Further, it helps in promoting happiness and slower recognition of anger which is beneficial for mothers in the postpartum stage.
  • Breastfeeding has long-term benefits.Continuing to breastfeed the child after six months also has health benefits according to medical studies. It lowers the chances that children will acquire childhood and adult illnesses. It protects from diseases such as leukaemia, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, obesity, and type I and II diabetes. Also, it helps prevent conditions, such as obesity, vision problems, and dental issues.It can also have a good impact on the child’s IQ. A study also noted that longer duration of breastfeeding results in less parent-rated behavioral problems in children.

Breastfeeding vs. Infant Formula

If you are still evaluating both options feel free to check out a previous article from MamaNatal titled: ‘Breastfeeding vs. Alternatives’. It will give you all the insights you need to make an informed decision.

Mothers (especially working moms) have difficulty deciding whether they will breastfeed or use formula for their infants. While some appreciate the cost savings of breastfeeding, others see it as an inconvenience, especially during working days and extended travel.

Breastfeeding is always good for babies. While the FDA ensures formulated milk is regulated to contain all the necessary nutrients found in breastmilk, infant formula substitutes don’t provide the individualized combinations found in a mother’s milk.

It’s also vital to understand that a baby’s system isn’t created to thrive off of the dehydrated cow’s milk substitutes, common in formula. It can have adverse effects and lead to various digestive issues, such as constipation, gas, and diarrhea. This is particularly true in babies who are born prematurely.

Here are the main differences between a mother’s milk and formulated milk:

Mother’s Milk

Infant Formula

Free
It’s free! Parents do not have to spend more money on expensive formulas to feed the child.

Convenience
The mother can leave the child anytime without worrying. The bottle can be provided by dad or other family members.

It has different tastes
The child can taste the various foods that are taken by the mother. It slowly introduces the flavors of hard food to babies. Through this, babies will easily accept solid foods when a parent presents it to them.

Flexibility
It provides less hassle on the part of the mother. This is good for on-the-go mothers.

Convenient
There is no need to wash bottles nor rush to a grocery store to buy milk. Feeding can be done in any setting.

Lesser frequency of feeding
Babies that are fed with formulas do not ask for milk too often. This is because the procedure is less digestible. Hence, feeding is less frequent compared to breastfeeding.

Promotes good IQ level
Studies show that breastfeeding promotes a higher IQ for babies.

Mothers do not have to worry about their diet.
Since the mother is not feeding the child directly from her breast, the mother can eat anything. She will not worry about food intake because it will not affect her baby in any way.

Bonding time for parent and child
When a mother is breastfeeding, a bond is created. The skin-to-skin contact enhances the emotional connection of the baby and the mother.

Has benefits for mothers
As it benefits the child, it also helps the mother physically, emotionally, and mentally

Eases digestion
The components of breastmilk are easily digested in the stomach of an infant.

Challenges that new moms may encounters during breastfeeding

Though breastfeeding has many benefits for the child and the mother, it can also create challenges. Below you will find a list of some of the most common issues and concerns.

Personal discomfort

When a new mom is already recovering from labor and delivery, it can be challenging to power through the discomfort that originates from breastfeeding in the first few days and weeks. It’s not uncommon to experience pain and tenderness on your nipples during the beginning phase of nursing.

Adjusting your posture and maintaining a good latch are imperative in tackling these physical pains. It’s also helpful to have a sound support system to help boost you up during the learning process.

Milk Supply

Several new moms are struggling with milk supply. While this can have many causes, including stress or dehydration, a woman’s diet or lack of nutritional supplements can typically cause problems

If you’re looking for natural ways to boost your milk supply, here are some nutrients / foods that have proven to be most effective:

  • Fenugreek
  • Blessed Thistle
  • Fennel Seed
  • Stinging Nettle
  • Red Raspberry Extract
  • Chamomile
  • Marshmallow Root

MamaNatal offers the only supplement that offers a combination of all of these ingredients AND key vitamins for you (mom) while breastfeeding.You can learn more here: bit.ly/mamanatal

Clogged Ducts & Mastitis

Clogged ducts are an unfortunate reality for several moms throughout their breastfeeding journey – especially during the first few months when your milk first comes in and your body is trying to figure out your child’s schedule and needs.

If you wake up feeling a tender spot on your breast or a small lump under the skin, these can be clear indicators of a clogged duct.

While your first instinct might be to leave the plugged duct alone and discontinue nursing on that side until the problem fixes itself, this is the worst mistake you can make.To help clear out the clog, it’s important to continue nursing and draining the infected breast as much as possible. You can also use massage to try and work the plug out manually.

It’s imperative to deal with clogged ducts as quickly as possible, before they become infected and turn into mastitis.

Mastitis is an infection of the breast that results in inflamed breast tissue. It can lead to difficult symptoms, such as aches, pains, and fever. In fact, it’s often mistaken for the flu.

In severe cases, you might require a prescription of antibiotics from the doctor to remedy the infection.

Large, Flat, or Inverted Nipples Causing Latch Problems

Nipples come in all sorts of various shapes and sizes. When a woman is struggling to achieve a good latch with her baby, she often looks to her nipples as the culprit.

Put your worries aside, though. Any nipple, no matter how large, flat, or inverted it may be, can be used to breastfeed a baby. Practice different holds and positions to see if those benefit the situation. If not, consider reaching out to a certified lactation consultant and ask for some tips on how to handle your latch issue.

Engorgement

Many women will recognize the sensation of waking up for the first time after their baby is born and realize their little one missed a feeding session. When this occurs, it can leave your breasts feeling tight, heavy, and painful – otherwise known as engorgement.

To keep from getting engorged, be sure to nurse frequently and allow your baby to empty your breasts at each session. If your baby starts naturally spacing out their session, using your pump can help prevent engorgement from occurring.

Just be cautious, when your breasts are left engorged for too long or too often, it can lead to the clogged ducts and mastitis previously mentioned.

If you are currently experiencing any of these challenges, or others, and would like to learn how other moms are overcoming them, make sure to join MamaNatal’s Facebook community ‘MamaNatal’s Community for New & Expecting Moms’.

And make sure to check out their recent video featuring community member Roxanne – a mom of 4.

Tips for Acceptable Breastfeeding Practices

Many medical experts believe that choosing to breastfeed your baby is an ideal way to keep them healthy and nourished after birth. Breast milk includes many different benefits for mom and baby, that formula does not possess.

Not only does breastfeeding promote cognitive, social, and emotional development in children, but it also helps boost their immune systems in the first weeks, months, and years of their lives.

It can be difficult, however, for new moms to get comfortable with the lactation process. If you’re hoping for a smooth transition into nursing your baby, the following tips can help you make the best of your experience:

  • Allow for plenty of skin-to-skin contact, immediately after birth. This experience can help regulate baby’s temperature and encourage them to begin nursing.
  • If your little one isn’t into nursing, try expressing some colostrum manually to help peak their interest. This will allow them to better smell the milk and put their focus on feeding.
  • Try to avoid baby items, such as pacifiers, sugar water, and formula in the first few weeks (unless medically necessary.) Baby needs the opportunity to suckle at your breast as much as possible. This not only allows them to perfect their latch, but it will also help boost your milk supply.
  • Find the most comfortable breastfeeding position prior to feeding your little one. It also helps to change up the holds and positions you use, especially in the first few weeks.
  • Watch and listen to your baby to make sure they are sucking and swallowing while nursing. If they fall asleep while drinking, it can help to give them a light tap on the cheek.
  • Let the baby empty all of the breast milk from one breast before offering the other.
  • Rest often, eat well-balanced meals, and remember that the infant needs to be fed around six times during a 24-hour period.
  • If you’re struggling to breastfeed, do not hesitate to consult with a certified lactation consultant about your issues.

How to determine if you have enough milk for your infant

  • Pay attention to whether your child settles and seems full after they nurse.
  • Pay attention to the number of wet diapers and bowel movements your baby has each day. By the end of the first week, after your milk comes in, you should notice approximately 6 – 8 wet diapers daily.
  • The infant’s stool may change from black to yellow mustard within a few days.
  • While your baby might lose some weight in the first day or so, they should start returning to their birth weight within the first two weeks.

Motherhood is not an easy job and choosing to breastfeed can make the experience seem like even more of a challenge. From sore nipples to leaking milk, there can be a plethora of obstacles that stem from having a breastfed child.
Despite this, however, breastfeeding is a luxury, which all mothers should take advantage of. It is the most remarkable form of nutrition for babies and is a priority for many new moms. Mothers are strong creatures willing to sacrifice their own comfort for the betterment of their children.

MamaNatal is here to help you make the most of your breastfeeding experience. Whether you’re searching for the perfect vitamin to address your milk supply issues or you need virtual sessions with lactation consultants.

Their lactation experts have even put together several downloadable free guides to breastfeeding to help ease your transition into nursing and guide you through the process.

Here’s the take-away

Breastfeeding is an essential tool for any new mom who wants to provide the top nutritional resources to their baby. When it comes to understanding the importance of breast milk and nursing, there are three important things it’s essential for you to remember.

1. Breastfeeding Offers an Abundant Number of Benefits

From mother/baby bonding to a reduced chance of developing conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer, it’s astounding to think about the number of different benefits that come from breastfeeding a child. And it’s not just benefits for the baby, we’re talking about.

New moms can find comfort in several ways in which nursing a child can positively impact their lives, including decreased chances of developing Postpartum Depression, faster weight loss after birth, and lower stress levels.

2. Breastfeeding is a Challenge

You might think that one of the advantages of breastfeeding is that it’s easy to do. On the contrary, however, it can be loaded with challenging moments and uncertainty.

Some of the most common problems nursing mothers face include nipple pain, low milk supply, discomfort while breastfeeding, engorgement, and stress. It’s important to remember, though – the positive advantages that come from breast milk outweigh the disadvantages you might be confronted with. Which leads us to take-away number 3…

3. The Lactation Experts at MamaNatal Can Help

Don’t feel like you’re on this breastfeeding journey alone. During your moments of frustration, uncertainty, and stress, a certified lactation consultant can be there to help ease the challenges you’re facing.

MamaNatal offers a wide array of beneficial resources, including downloadable guides, vitamins and supplements, and virtual consultations.

If you want to make the most of your breastfeeding experience and come out successful on the other side enlist the help of an expert like the ones at MamaNatal

Ahead Of The Game

 

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This little peanut is 7 months. For those that have followed along via social media and/or this blog, you’ve seen the progression from early pregnancy to birth to now 7 months old. All I can say is that she is hitting milestones earlier than we ever would have imagined. She started rolling at 3 1/2 months, holding her bottle at 5 months, sitting up at 6 months andshe’s now on the verge of crawling.

So, when people ask me if I’d recommend BabyPlus to my friends, my answer is a most certain yes! I LOVE what BabyPlus has done for my daughter. Not only has she been hitting milestones early, but she is the most calm and joyful baby I’ve ever met. If you want to hear from more parents who have used BabyPlus, visit our website. Have questions? Let us know!

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Holding Her Bottle

 

avalynholdingbottle

Well, this little peanut just started doing something new a few weeks back. I work full-time, so she goes to an in-home daycare during the day. Her care taker is truly amazing. I have never seen anyone who just loves kids the way she does. She is truly fulfilling her calling in life.

Anyway, she sends me texts and pictures throughout the day to keep me informed about what my little one is doing. So, the other day, I received this picture. Yes, miss Avalyn is holding her own bottle! Since she still nurses, I never get to bottle feed her and didn’t even know she was capable of doing this. At the time this picture was taken, she was not even 5 months old!

Once again, thanks BabyPlus. I definitely love what your product has done for my daughter. Learn more about this prenatal education system at babyplus.com.

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Two Pregnancy Must Haves

The two things that I think are essential for any pregnancy are BabyPlus

babyplus-prenatal-education-system

 

and the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth.

 

sleep-habit-book

Here’s why:

  1. BabyPlus. BabyPlus has done everything it claims to. I have such an easy baby. She latched right away and is a great eater to this day. She’s attentive, yet relaxed and very go-with-the-flow. She’s accomplished milestones earlier than most, which include rolling over at 3 1/2 months and sleeping 12 hours a night since she was 9 weeks old. She is honestly such an easy baby and I believe BabyPlus has played a huge part in that!
  2. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. This book has been a God-send. Seriously, we have followed it pretty closely and our daughter is the happiest baby you could ever meet. There have been times when she’s tried getting out of her sleep habits and we’ve followed the guide, and she’s back to normal the next day. I do recommend reading this while pregnant because you will actually retain the information. Don’t wait until you’ve already had your little one and your already sleep deprived.

Looking for that next perfect shower gift. The two mentioned above are definitely my recommendation!

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Babyplus In Exactly 200 Words

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I LOVE BabyPlus. I used this for my first pregnancy (and only one so far), and I will definitely use it for my next. My baby was born 23 days early and was so alert and responsive from birth. She latched right away and has been such a great eater ever since. I nurse her and she even takes bottles at any temperature at the sitter’s house.

Additionally, she is the best sleeper ever. She started sleeping through the night at 9 weeks and has continued to do so now, even at four months. I can put her down anywhere and she’ll go right to sleep. Plus, she sleeps great around any environments she’s in.

My BabyPlus baby rolled over at just 3 1/2 months old! She has also been very aware of her surroundings from the very beginning. She has great reflexes and was able to hold her head up right away. My pediatrician has been very impressed with the milestones she’s already reached at such an early age.

I absolutely LOVE this product and would definitely recommend it. I honestly feel bad telling everyone how awesome my baby is when they are struggling with theirs. Buy it!

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An Easy Baby Thanks To Babyplus

I feel bad even admitting this to most moms, but I truly do have the easiest baby in the world. And, I credit that to

BabyPlus. Sure, my husband and I are both really laid back, but I don’t believe I’d have such a good, calm, happy and alert baby without BabyPlus!

She is currently 14 weeks old (I can’t believe how the time flies) and she’s been a breeze so far! Not only is she incredibly adorable, but she is one of the most easy going babies I have ever been around. For those of you who aren’t familiar with BabyPlus, it is a patented education system shown to strengthen your baby’s cognitive development in many ways. With BabyPlus, your baby simply learns to differentiate between two natural sounds. It’s tailored to the prenatal developmental stages, leading to so many lifelong benefits!

Here are a few benefits of BabyPlus:

  •     More relaxed & alert at birth
  •     More readily nurse
  •     Display increased ability to self-soothe
  •     Are more interactive & responsive

Did I also mention that she could take a pacifier at 2 weeks old and keep it in. Plus, it didn’t affect her nursing at all. Thank you, BabyPlus!

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Sleepy Avalyn

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Alert Avalyn

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A Great Sleeper

ow I know that I’ve commented on this a few times, but I really cannot say it enough…thanks to BabyPlus, I have the best sleeper. My husband and I are pretty laid back people (although I do have my moments), but our daughter is a better sleeper than we could have ever imagined.

I used BabyPlus up until my due date. My daughter was 3 1/2 weeks early, so I was a little worried about not getting in the last two lessons of BabyPlus. However, that didn’t seem to have any negative effect. At 8 weeks, she started sleeping through the night (8-13 hours depending) and she’s still doing it at 13 weeks! I have friends that have 2-year-olds that don’t even sleep that long. Additionally, she will sleep anywhere and everywhere and doesn’t seem bothered by surroundings or noise.

From our first night at home, we put her in her crib in her own room. She didn’t seem to phased by it, so we kept that pattern. BabyPlus along with a book we read, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child: A Step-by-Step Program for a Good Night’s Sleepby Marc Weissbluth, we feel that we’ve given our daughter the best start possible.

To see what else BabyPlus can do for you, visit babyplus.com.

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First Photo Shoot

Okay, so there really isn’t much to share here except the cuteness of my child. Now I know every mom thinks their baby is the cutest thing in the world, and I’m no exception. I will say that I am already so proud of my little girl in so many ways. She brings such happiness to so many people and it’s incredible to see! Here’s a few pictures from her first photo shoot, I hope they make you smile too! I’m one happy BabyPlus momma!

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Her First Moments

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The first hour of your child’s life is a blur, yet the world also seems to completely stop in its tracks. I’ll never forget the first moments of my daughter’s life. I remember just being grateful to be done pushing, but also seeing Avalyn for the first time was unreal. I immediately looked and her and then looked at my husband. He was so proud and his eyes were filled with joyful tears. It was the best moment of my life (next to marrying him, of course).

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The hospital I delivered at, Community North in Indianapolis, requires an hour of skin-to-skin time, which was a huge blessing. After holding her, they cleaned her up and weighed her very quickly, then brought her over. Since I decided to nurse, they had be feed her within the first half hour of her life. And, she latched on right away. Never having done it before, I didn’t really know what I was doing, but my little bundle of joy led the way. The doctor and nurses couldn’t get over how quickly she latched on and how alert she was right at birth. I attribute this to BabyPlus. While I missed the last two lessons because Avalyn was 23 days early, I know that BabyPlus helped to make her the wonderful baby she is.

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Not only was she alert and latching right away, the doctor was also impressed with her next control and strength at her one week appointment! She was already hitting milestones much earlier than many babies that are a few weeks older than her. Since she was so early, they told me that she could have a few minor delays, but on the contrary, she was already ahead. I love BabyPlus and would recommend it to all of my friends. She is a great eater, great sleeper, super laid back and a very happy BabyPlus baby!

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How Much Should We Sleep?

In my household, with the start of the school year we begin adjusting to new schedules all over again. This year is particularly difficult because my daughters no longer attend the same school and the start times of their two buildings differ by 1 hour and 5 minutes.  We have the obvious issues of having to get to bed earlier for school and waking to an alarm in the morning, and our district is investigating is a bigger issue of the push to move school to a later start time for older students. It seemed like a good time to investigate the sleep needs of children in general.

The Sleep Aid Resource site posts the following table on the sleep needs of children and adults. Keep in mind that each child is different. I like this chart in particular because it outlines the sleep needs if you are pregnant as well. You are growing a little person after all. It is okay to feel that you might need a little more rest than before.

One of my daughters is a night owl who has no trouble waking in the morning. My other daughter has always and continues to need and want more sleep. As an infant she adapted to a sleep schedule with no difficulty (thanks BabyPlus!) and as a toddler and beyond she would sense her bedtime was passing and would ask or put herself to bed. She is still always the first asleep at a slumber party.

 

 

SLEEP CHART BY AGE

Age Total Sleep Needed Additional Notes
1-4 Weeks 15-16 Hours Newborns are developing their internal biological clocks
1-4 Months 14-15 Hours Regular sleeping patterns begin and longer night sleeping
4-12 Months 14-15 Hours Important to establish regular sleeping patterns at this time
1-3 Years 12-14 Hours Naps remain important to sleep health
3-6 Years 10-12 Hours Naps will become shorter
7-12 Years 10-11 Hours Bedtime gets later
12-18 Years 8-10 Hours Teens may need more sleep
Adults 7-8 Hours Times will greatly vary
Pregnant 8+ More sleep and naps may be needed

 

Young children (infant and toddlers)likely spend a large portion of their day asleep. If you have ever skipped naptime, you may believe that this plentiful sleep is greatly needed. You might find that with decreased sleep you have increased irritability in your little one. Once over tired it may take a little more work to get them calmed down to a point where they can fall asleep. I remember so many times thinking that something was wrong with my daughter as her behavior deteriorated, only to look minutes later and find her fast asleep.

Older children on the other hand have different issues to factor in. By this age they have more obligations to juggle such as school, extra-curricular activities, jobs and homework to name a few. The American Association of Pediatrics explains that the shift in the circadian rhythms of teenagers make it extremely difficult for them to fall asleep before 11 pm. This paired with early school start times makes it nearly impossible for a teen to achieve 8-10 hours of sleep per night. This is the basis for why on August 25, 2014 the AAP issued a policy statement encouraging middle and high schools to delay the start of classes until 8:30am or later.  If your local schools are currently considering changing their start times this just might have something to do with it.

Before you shrug off the issue of getting enough sleep, please note that according to the AAP chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to added risks of: becoming overweight, suffering depression, increased automobile accidents, lower grades, lower standardized test scores and lower quality of life.

If you would like to read more from the sources I sited, the links are below.

http://www.sleepaidresource.com/sleep-chart.html

http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/Let-Them-Sleep-AAP-Recommends-Delaying-Start-Times-of-Middle-and-High-Schools-to-Combat-Teen-Sleep-Deprivation.aspx

 

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