The Gift That Keeps On Giving!
Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with milk from a woman's breasts. Babies have a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk.
Sounds simple, uh? Although breast feeding is the most natural thing, it can be very intimidating to new mothers! Moms can feel nervous and anxiety over the most important thing to our new babies - feeding them! For a baby to survive he needs to eat, of course, and that's a big responsibility for a new mom.
Women are born with the natural instinct, but not the actual ability to breastfeed, and a baby is born with a natural rooting and nursing instinct, but not with automatic knowledge of how to properly receive nourishment from the breast. Mistakes are made, and mothers and babies will make adjustments along the way. However, without some prior information, many mothers are forced to yield to the pressures of their healthcare workers and family members that may not be very knowledgeable about breastfeeding either, and they may decide to discontinue their breastfeeding efforts before they really want to.
Your fears will be addressed here. You will find any and everything you would ever need to know about breastfeeding here! Nursing your baby is a gift that keeps on giving...it will benefit him/her the rest of their lives!
Sounds simple, uh? Although breast feeding is the most natural thing, it can be very intimidating to new mothers! Moms can feel nervous and anxiety over the most important thing to our new babies - feeding them! For a baby to survive he needs to eat, of course, and that's a big responsibility for a new mom.
Women are born with the natural instinct, but not the actual ability to breastfeed, and a baby is born with a natural rooting and nursing instinct, but not with automatic knowledge of how to properly receive nourishment from the breast. Mistakes are made, and mothers and babies will make adjustments along the way. However, without some prior information, many mothers are forced to yield to the pressures of their healthcare workers and family members that may not be very knowledgeable about breastfeeding either, and they may decide to discontinue their breastfeeding efforts before they really want to.
Your fears will be addressed here. You will find any and everything you would ever need to know about breastfeeding here! Nursing your baby is a gift that keeps on giving...it will benefit him/her the rest of their lives!
What does the AAP say?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusively breastfeeding your baby for the first 6 months. After six months, gradually introduce iron-enriched solid foods to complement the breast milk diet. It is further recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter, for as long as mutually desired
Before Birth
Get Informed
First off let me say that no amount of research or preparation will totally get you ready or be a substitution for the actual hands on er...or should I say breasts on experience! However, I will share my personal experience and those of other women I know and arm you with books and resources that will give you the confidence you need to have a successful breastfeeding experience!Most pregnant women learn everything they can about pregnancy and birth. We are prepared for just about any possiblity that could come our way. We google mucous plug as well as a hundred other words or phrases pertaining to pregnancy. We read all the pregnancy books and talk to all our girlfriends and family members that have been pregnant before us. We feel prepared for all things pregnancy related...but for some reason many women neglect learning or preparing for breast feeding. We hear that it is the most natural thing on earth so we assume it will, well...come naturally. In many cases this is true. However, as natural as nursing may be it takes some preparation.
So before you give birth to your little bundle of joy, arm yourself with good information that will help you make the wonderful bonding experience of nursing your new baby, the best one possible!
There are three main ways to get informed before birth: (1) Read informative books on the subject, (2) contact a lactation consultant, and (3) line up your support. To get started here are some excellent books on breastfeeding:
The Best Breastfeeding Books on the Web!
From the pros and the cons of breastfeeding, to when, where, and how to breastfeed in public, and feeling sexy in a nursing bra, to breastfeeding at the office, to the humorous side of breast feeding, you'll find it here!
The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised Edition
Buy while you are pregnant if you can, but add this to your reference library. This is a must have for every woman who plans on breastfeeding. If you only get one book on nursing, this is it!
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/09/2009) 
Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
By learning the seven basic principles in this book, mothers can dramatically increase their likelihood of success and make breastfeeding the enjoyable experience it should be.
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 12/09/2009)
Oh Yes You Can Breastfeed Twins! ...Plus More Tips for Simplifying Life with Twins
If you're expecting twins and you are afraid you won't produce enough milk for two or how to position for feeding two at once, you'll find the answers in this book.
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
If These Boobs Could Talk: A Little Humor to Pump Up the Breastfeeding Mom
This is a great book to give as a gift to an expecting mom you know that plans to nurse. Use humor to give the new mom to be a good laugh!
Amazon Price: $10.39 (as of 12/09/2009)
Mama Knows Breast: A Beginner's Guide to Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding may be natural, but it certainly isn't easy. A beginner's guide that's full of friendly, frank, and reassuring advice. Readers will discover essential information on breastfeeding techniques, baby holds, and medical conditions. They'll also learn the straight scoop on gnawing infants, unexpected leaks, ill-fitting clothes, and bewildered spouses.
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/09/2009)
Lactation Consultants
What is a Lactation Consultant? A lactation consultant is a healthcare provider recognized as an expert in the fields of human lactation and breastfeeding.
Find personal, professional help from a lactation consultant. A Lactation Consultant can be found in your local yellow pages and through your pediatrician.
Providing support to breastfeeding mothers for decades is the La Leche League. There is almost certainly a La Leche League group near you.
Find personal, professional help from a lactation consultant. A Lactation Consultant can be found in your local yellow pages and through your pediatrician.
Providing support to breastfeeding mothers for decades is the La Leche League. There is almost certainly a La Leche League group near you.
Line Up Your Support
If you get things in order before giving birth it will make things much easier for the first few weeks after bringing your new baby home. Here is a list of four things that will get you off to a great start with nursing your new baby:
Now we'll go into each of the above in a little more detail.
- If you don't have a pediatrician, choose one that supports breastfeeding.
- Joining a group of like-minded parents is a great way to add to your support network.
- Arrange a consultation with a Lactation Consultant a day or two after birth.
- Make sure you have someone to help out those first couple of weeks.
Now we'll go into each of the above in a little more detail.
Choosing a Pediatrician
All health professionals say they are supportive of breastfeeding. But many are supportive only when breastfeeding is going well, and some, not even then. As soon as breastfeeding, or anything in the life of the new mother is not perfect, too many advise weaning or supplementation. The following is a list of clues which help you judge whether the health professional is supportive of breastfeeding, at least supportive enough so that if there is trouble, s/he will make efforts to help you continue breastfeeding. So for this reason I think it is more important to rule out if your potential pediatrician is not supportive rather than them saying they are supportive.
How to know a health professional is not supportive:
How to know a health professional is not supportive:
- S/he gives you formula samples or formula company literature when you are pregnant, or after you have had the baby. These samples and literature are inducements to use the product, and their distribution is called marketing. There is no evidence that any particular formula is better or worse than any other for the normal baby. The literature or videos accompanying samples are a means of subtly and not so subtly undermining breastfeeding and glorifying formula. If you do not believe this, ask yourself why the formula companies are using cutthroat tactics to make sure that your doctor or hospital gives out their literature and samples and not other companies'? Should you not also wonder why the health professional is not marketing breastfeeding?
- S/he tells you that breastfeeding and bottle feeding are essentially the same. Most bottle fed babies grow up healthy and secure and not all breastfed babies grow up healthy and secure. But this does not mean that breastfeeding and bottle feeding are essentially the same. Infant formula is a rough approximation of what we knew several years ago about breastmilk which is in itself a rough approximation of something we are only beginning to get an inkling of and are constantly being surprised by. The differences have important health consequences. Certain elements in breastmilk are not in artificial baby milk (formula) even though we have known of their importance to the baby for several years-for example, antibodies and cells for protection of the baby against infection, and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for optimal development of the baby's vision and brain. And breastfeeding is not the same as bottle feeding, it is a whole different relationship. If you have been unable to breastfeed, that is unfortunate (though most times the problems could have been avoided), but to imply it is of no importance is patronizing and just plain wrong. A baby does not have to be breastfed to grow up happy, healthy and secure, but it is an advantage.
- S/he tells you that formula x is best. This usually means that s/he is listening too much to a particular formula representative. It may mean that her/his children tolerated this particular formula better than other formulas. It means that s/he has unsubstantiated prejudices.
- S/he tells you that it is not necessary to feed the baby immediately after the birth since you are (will be) tired and the baby is often not interested anyhow. It isn't necessary, but it is very helpful. Babies can nurse while the mother is lying down or sleeping, though most mothers do not want to sleep at a moment such as this. Babies do not always show an interest in feeding immediately, but this is not a reason to prevent them from having the opportunity. Many babies latch on in the hour or two after delivery, and this is the time which is most conducive to getting started well, but they can't do it if they are separated from their mothers. If you are getting the impression that the baby's getting weighed, eye drops and vitamin K injection have priority over establishing breastfeeding, you might wonder about someone's commitment to breastfeeding.
- S/he tells you that there is no such thing as nipple confusion and you should start giving bottles early to your baby to make sure that the baby accepts a bottle nipple. Why do you have to start giving bottles early if there is no such thing as nipple confusion? Arguing that there is no evidence for the existence of nipple confusion is putting the cart before the horse. It is the artificial nipple, which no mammal until man had ever used, and even man, not commonly before the end of the nineteenth century, which needs to be shown to be harmless. But the artificial nipple has not been proved harmless to breastfeeding. The health professional who assumes the artificial nipple is harmless is looking at the world as if bottle feeding, not breastfeeding, were the normal physiologic method of infant feeding. By the way, just because not all or perhaps even not most babies who get artificial nipples have trouble with breastfeeding, it does not follow that the early use of these things cannot cause problems for some babies. It is often a combination of factors, one of which could be the using of an artificial nipple, which add up to trouble.
- S/he tells you that you must stop breastfeeding because your are sick or your baby is sick, or because you will be taking medicine or you will have a medical test done. There are occasional, rare, situations when breastfeeding cannot continue, but often health professionals only assume that the mother cannot continue and often they are wrong. The health professional who is supportive of breastfeeding will make efforts to find out how to avoid interruption of breastfeeding (the information in white pages of the blue Compendium of Pharmaceutical Specialties is not a good reference-every drug is contraindicated according to it as the drug companies are more interested in their liability than in the interests of mothers and babies). When a mother must take medicine, the health professional will try to use medication which does not require the mother to stop breastfeeding. (In fact, very few medications require the mother to stop breastfeeding). It is extremely uncommon for there to be only one medication which can be used for a particular problem. If the first choice of the health professional is a medication which requires you to stop breastfeeding, you have a right to be concerned that s/he has not really thought about the importance of breastfeeding.
- S/he is surprised to learn that your 6 month old is still breastfeeding. Many health professionals believe that babies should be continued on artificial baby milk for at least nine months and even twelve months, but at the same time seem to believe that breastmilk and breastfeeding are unnecessary and even harmful if continued longer than six months. Why is the imitation better than the original? Shouldn't you wonder what this line of reasoning implies? In most of the world, breastfeeding to 2 or 3 years of age is common and normal.
- S/he tells you that there is no value in breastmilk after the baby is 6 months or older. Even if it were true, there is still value in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a unique interaction between two people in love even without the milk. But it is not true. Breastmilk is still milk, with fat, protein, calories, vitamins and the rest, and the antibodies and other elements which protect the baby against infections are still there, some in greater quantities than when the baby was younger.
- S/he tells you that you must never allow your baby to fall asleep at the breast. Why not? It is fine if a baby can also fall asleep without nursing, but one of the advantages of breastfeeding is that you have a handy way of putting your tired baby to sleep. Mothers around the world since the beginning of mammalian time have done just that. One of the great pleasures of parenthood is having a child fall asleep in your arms, feeling the warmth he gives off as sleep overcomes him. It is one of the pleasures of breastfeeding, both for the mother and probably also for the baby, when the baby falls asleep at the breast.
- S/he tells you that you should not stay in hospital to nurse your sick child because it is important you rest at home. It is important you rest, and the hospital which is supportive of breastfeeding will arrange it so that you can rest while you stay in the hospital to nurse your baby. Sick babies do not need breastfeeding less than a healthy baby, they need it more.
Joining Groups
Joining a group of like-minded parents is a great way to add to your support network. The information you receive and friends you make often carry over into helpful support during those early years of parenting. Here is a good place to start.
You can also usually find parent groups or classes at your local community center, hospital, or YMCA.
You can also usually find parent groups or classes at your local community center, hospital, or YMCA.
Make a Lactation Consultant Appointment
One of the smartest things you can do to ensure you get breastfeeding off to a great start is to arrange a consultation with a Lactation Consultant a day or two after birth. You may want to meet with her before birth as well. A Lactation Consultant is a specialist trained in helping mothers get breastfeeding right and solving problems should they occur. You can obtain the name of a Lactation Consultant from your local La Leche League or pediatrician's office.
Dole out the Duties
Have someone else take over all other household duties for the first several weeks after birth. Have husband, relatives, and friends take turns being "servant for a day". If you have older children, enlist the help of a neighborhood preteen as a "mothers helper" to entertain the children while you rest and concentrate on baby. Obviously this isn't always possible but it is very important you enlist as much help as possible. Maybe your mother or mother-in-law can help out. Take any and all help so you can devote your time to your new baby. This way you won't be worried or stressed about mundane household chores and can relax. If you are calm and relaxed it will make the breastfeeding experience much easier! New StickyNote
- Have someone make dinners ahead of time to freeze.
- Assign chores for family members.
- Have someone to run errands, like grocery shopping and taking siblings to school and extracurricular activities.
Let me count the ways...
There are many reasons to breastfeed. You may have many reasons for choosing to nurse your child because the benefits are plentiful for baby and you as well. Here are some benefits for you and your baby and the main reasons I chose to breastfeed:
Now lets take a more in depth look at these reasons.
- Breastfeeding attributed to fewer ear infections.
- Breastmilk helps protect babies from allergies.
- A Breastfed baby will be leaner.
- Breastfeeding will save you money.
- Want a scare, read formula labels.
- You'll be more relaxed.
- You'll lose weight faster.
- Breastfeeding is ecological.
- Higher I.Q.?
- The best reason of all, the bonding relationship between mother and child.
Now lets take a more in depth look at these reasons.
Otitis Media
Infection of the Middle Ear
Otitis Media is the most frequent diagnosis recorded for children who visit physicians for illness. Two out of three children under the age of 3 experience at least one episode of acute otitis media. An inner ear infection is the most common cause of hearing loss in children.As a young girl I had chronic ear infections. Mainly from the age of three years of age through my sixth year, and occasionally through elemtary school, I remember having many ear aches and how painful they were to me. So while researching breastfeeding and upon learning that breastfed children had fewer ear infections I was immediately sold! I could not bare the thought of my little boy suffering from ear infections! Here is what research has found:
It is well known that breastfeeding for at least the first 4 months of life is associated with few ear infections. There had been some controversy to whether it was the actual breastmilk itself, or in the manner a breastfed baby nurses compared to a bottle fed baby. It has been theorized that something about the way breast-fed infants nurse helps keep the ears' eustachian tubes functioning more effectively, protecting the ears against infection. But a new study of 315 infants who were fed breast milk from a bottle shows that these infants had fewer ear infections than infants who got formula from a bottle.
Conclusion: it's not just the mechanics of breast feeding but something in the breast milk itself that helps protect against ear infections, says the medical journal Infectious Diseases in Children. So knowing first hand how horrible it is to suffer from ear infections I would do anything if it meant saving my son from that pain!
Check this out.
Protected From Allergies
Food allergies are thought to begin when foreign proteins enter the bloodstream through the walls of the baby's intestines, causing sometimes mild, and sometimes life-threatening reactions. Breastmilk has several different immunoglobulins that help to protect against allergies. The most abundant immunoglobulin, IgA, binds to the foreign proteins, preventing them from passing through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream and causing allergic reactions. By the time the baby is 6 to 9 months old, s/he has begun to produce IgA on his own, but until this time breastmilk is his only source of this wondrous substance.
Leaner For Life
Today there is so much talk about the obesity epidemic with our children, that finding out that you could help your child to be lean and stay lean the rest of their lives, would be great! Well research shows you can do just that if you breastfeed!
Dubbed the DARLING study (Davis Area Research on Lactation, Infant Nutrition, and Growth), the investigation found that the two groups showed similar weight gain during the first three months, but that the weight-for-length scores were higher for formula-fed infants between four and 18 months, suggesting that breastfed babies were leaner. The breastfed infants averaged 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) less weight gain during the first 12 months.
This suggests that growth chart norms, which are based on formula-fed infants, and put together by formula manufacturers, may themselves be "overweight." Dr. Heinig of the DARLING studies says, "We've been able to show that breastfed babies are normal weight and artificially fed babies are overweight."
Breastfed babies are leaner during the time when a lifetime supply of fat cells are laid down, which helps explain why breastfed babies may tend to be leaner throughout their lifetimes.
Dubbed the DARLING study (Davis Area Research on Lactation, Infant Nutrition, and Growth), the investigation found that the two groups showed similar weight gain during the first three months, but that the weight-for-length scores were higher for formula-fed infants between four and 18 months, suggesting that breastfed babies were leaner. The breastfed infants averaged 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) less weight gain during the first 12 months.
This suggests that growth chart norms, which are based on formula-fed infants, and put together by formula manufacturers, may themselves be "overweight." Dr. Heinig of the DARLING studies says, "We've been able to show that breastfed babies are normal weight and artificially fed babies are overweight."
Breastfed babies are leaner during the time when a lifetime supply of fat cells are laid down, which helps explain why breastfed babies may tend to be leaner throughout their lifetimes.
Save Money
If you were to calculate the costs of formula, bottles, nipples, liners and misc. utensils, you'll realize the costs add up quickly. It is estimated to cost approximately $2,000.00 for formula and supplies during infancy not to mention our tax dollars. It was reported that the US government spends over $600 million a year to provide formula for its WIC (Women, Infants and Children) supplemental food program. WIC actually provides free infant formula to 37% of all infants born in the USA. Free to the mothers, but of course the formula companies are getting their $600 million.Just consider that a quite superior product (breastfeeding) is available at no cost, and considering the millions of infants being fed in the USA at any one time, this is, at the very least, a real waste of our GNP. You can get a more in depth breakdown here at the most recent policy statement.
Think about it this way, say you put the $2,000.00 you could save by breastfeeding, and place it in your child's bank account or trust fund, at say 9% interest, you'll have over $10,000.00. See your breastfeeding could help pay for your child's college education. Heck, maybe you could take a trip to the Bahamas when they leave home! :)
What's In The Formula?
"Enzymatically hydrolyzed reduced minerals, whey protein concentrate, palm olein, soy, coconut, high-oleic safflower oils, lactose, maltodextrin, patoassium citrate, calcium phosphate, calcium chloride, salt, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide, soy lecithin, mono and diglycerides, inositol, choline bitartrate
sodium ascorbate, alpha tocophyeryl acetate, naicinamide, calcum pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, folic acid, phylloquinone, biotin, vitamin D3, vitamin B12, taurine,
L-carnitine"
That's What's In Formula!
Okay, let's go over some of these ingredients. First we'll talk about whey, one of the main ingredients in almost all formulas, is a waste by-product of producing certain dairy products, particularly cheeses. Aren't you glad that the manufacturers now have a profitable way to dispose of their former waste products?
Palm, coconut and safflower oils are some of the least expensive oils, and are used in many snack foods, such as movie theatre popcorn.
Now if knowing some of the ingredients in baby formula isn't enough to scare you here is another thing to consider: It may not always be available! Disasters can hit at almost anytime. There can be any number of natural (or unnatural) disasters like a hurricane or flood that could isolate you from getting formula.
No one hopes to find themselves in a desperate situation, but knowing you can take care of your child when an emergency hits can help you and your infant survive." So if you breastfeed, your baby won't go hungry. Human milk will always be there!
sodium ascorbate, alpha tocophyeryl acetate, naicinamide, calcum pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, folic acid, phylloquinone, biotin, vitamin D3, vitamin B12, taurine,
L-carnitine"
That's What's In Formula!
Okay, let's go over some of these ingredients. First we'll talk about whey, one of the main ingredients in almost all formulas, is a waste by-product of producing certain dairy products, particularly cheeses. Aren't you glad that the manufacturers now have a profitable way to dispose of their former waste products?
Palm, coconut and safflower oils are some of the least expensive oils, and are used in many snack foods, such as movie theatre popcorn.
Now if knowing some of the ingredients in baby formula isn't enough to scare you here is another thing to consider: It may not always be available! Disasters can hit at almost anytime. There can be any number of natural (or unnatural) disasters like a hurricane or flood that could isolate you from getting formula.
No one hopes to find themselves in a desperate situation, but knowing you can take care of your child when an emergency hits can help you and your infant survive." So if you breastfeed, your baby won't go hungry. Human milk will always be there!
Sit Back and Relax
The act of breastfeeding itself is a calming act. Sitting or lying down several times a day while you are snuggling a secure, comfortable baby is sure to make even a hyperactive person slow down. But the most high-strung of us may need nature's other little benefit...the drugs.
Yes, you heard correctly, drugs! During the breastfeeding process your brain will manufacture chemicals that will calm you, give you a feeling of well-being and promote maternal behavior. Your baby's sucking stimulates nerve endings in the areolae, which send messages to your hypothalamus and pituitary gland (in your brain, causing them to start releasing oxytocin and prolactin, breastfeeding hormones that will begin to calm and relax you.
Yes, you heard correctly, drugs! During the breastfeeding process your brain will manufacture chemicals that will calm you, give you a feeling of well-being and promote maternal behavior. Your baby's sucking stimulates nerve endings in the areolae, which send messages to your hypothalamus and pituitary gland (in your brain, causing them to start releasing oxytocin and prolactin, breastfeeding hormones that will begin to calm and relax you.
Lose Weight Faster!
Breastfeeding burns calories. Over 600 calories a day for breastfeeding women who don't supplement with formula. 600 calories! That's like getting two hours of aerobic exercise each day. A study published in the Journal of American Dietician Association shows breastfeeding melting off inches around your hips and buttocks. Mothers who breastfed exclusively or partially had significantly larger reductions in hip circumference and were less above their prepregnancy weights at 1 month postpartum than mothers who fed formula exclusively.
See breastfeeding even has benefits purely for mom! You can get your pre-pregnancy body back quicker!
See breastfeeding even has benefits purely for mom! You can get your pre-pregnancy body back quicker!
Think Green
Breastfeeding is environmentally friendly!
Breastmilk may look white, but actually, it is as "green" as can be. The ecological consequences of cloth vs. disposable diapers are debated routinely, yet they are small potatoes compared to the consequences of the breast vs. formula decision. Breastmilk is one of the few foodstuffs produced and delivered to the consumer without any pollution, unnecessary packaging or waste, whereas the production, shipping, and preparation of formula and bottles requires large amounts of water, fuel, glass, plastic and rubber--and produces significant amounts of garbage. Higher I.Q.?
Remember I said that these were some of the reasons I decided to breastfeed? In 2002, while pregnant I started researching and finding out everything I could about breastfeeding. One of the main reasons I knew it was what I had to do was all the information I found on how a breastfed baby would have a higher I.Q. I was sold on this bit of information more than any of my other findings. What mother doesn't want to have a child with a high I.Q.?
Now for the reason I listed this reason with a question mark: It seems now the studies show that there may not be any correlation between breastfeediong and a higher I.Q. The Research shows the advantageous effects of breastfeeding are not just because of the nutrients in breast milk, but positive parenting skills also play a role. Study authors write mothers who breastfed tend to be better educated, and so they may be more likely to do stimulating activities for their children.
So it still can make you feel good about your decision. It means you, the mother, is intelligent and will make wise decisions as far as your child is concerned, like choosing to breastfeed!
Now for the reason I listed this reason with a question mark: It seems now the studies show that there may not be any correlation between breastfeediong and a higher I.Q. The Research shows the advantageous effects of breastfeeding are not just because of the nutrients in breast milk, but positive parenting skills also play a role. Study authors write mothers who breastfed tend to be better educated, and so they may be more likely to do stimulating activities for their children.
So it still can make you feel good about your decision. It means you, the mother, is intelligent and will make wise decisions as far as your child is concerned, like choosing to breastfeed!
The Best Reason of All
A Bonding Relationship
It is hard to explain to someone whose never breastfed what the experience is like. I just know there is no other feeling like it! By breastfeeding you create a bond between you and your baby like no other. I'm not sure if it's the act of giving nourishment of yourself to your infant or holding your baby so close with skin on skin contact for extended periods of time. I feel that it's both. I can speak from personal experience that it is such a closeness that I truly would hate to see any new mother miss out on!
More Reasons To Breastfeed
Here are more reasons I will briefly mention, to breastfeed:
There are more reasons to breastfeed and I'm sure scientists and researchers will in time discover even more.
- MS Protection - Breast milk may provide protection from Multiple Sclerosis.
- Breastfeeding Protects Against Leukemia - Study finds the longer babies breastfeed, the lower their risk of leukemia
- Your child is less likely to die from SIDS - Some studies have indicated that breastfeeding is protective against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Breast Cancer - Among both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, risk of breast cancer decrease with increasing duration of lifetime lactation experience although the effect was consistently stronger for premenopausal women.
- Respiratory Syncytical Virus (RSV) - Breastfeeding was associated with a lower incidence of RSV infection during the first year of life.
- Enhances Vaccine Response - The antibody levels of immunized infants were significantly higher in the breastfed than the formula-fed group. These findings are strong evidence that breastfeeding enhances the active humoral immune response in the first year of life.
There are more reasons to breastfeed and I'm sure scientists and researchers will in time discover even more.
My Personal Experience
While pregnant, I read everything I could about breastfeeding. I even took a breastfeeding class. As I said earlier research is key to a successful breastfeeding experience! Now, having said that, I will tell you that all the research and preparation I did, still didn't completely prepare me for the reality of breastfeeding. I will share with you my personal experience with breastfeeding my son. Warning! This is not for the squemish! Remember every woman is different. Many women have no trouble at all with breastfeeding. This was my journey to feeding my son. I'm a stubborn woman and I had made my mind up that I was going to do this, no matter what it took. And I did it! I know you can too!So I would like to share with you my experience, and possibly help you to make the decision to breastfeed your baby. You can read my story here.
Reasons Why You May NOT Be Able To Breastfeed
Now, after all the reasons I've given for breastfeeding(and I'm sure it's obvious how pro-breastfeeding I am), there are situations where it is not in the best interest for you or your baby. Some of the more common complications that prevent women from breastfeeding include:
You can consult your doctor to see if breastfeeding is right for you. And if you cannot breastfeed, don't beat yourself up. Just hold and cuddle your baby as closely and as often as possible!
- Kidney disease, cardiac disease, or severe anemia
- Chronic medical conditions that require medications that may pass into the breast milk.
- HIV or AIDS can be transmitted through breast milk
- Drug abusers should obviously not breastfeed their children. Drugs can be transmitted through the breast milk.
- Certain breast surgeries will also affect your ability to breastfeed your infant.
You can consult your doctor to see if breastfeeding is right for you. And if you cannot breastfeed, don't beat yourself up. Just hold and cuddle your baby as closely and as often as possible!
Now That You Have Decided To Breastfeed
What's The Next Step?
So you've made the decision to breastfeed your baby? Okay the first step is to nurse him/her as soon as possible after delivery! At least try, because it make take a couple of attempts for you baby to latch on properly. And politely request to see a lactation consultant before leaving the hospital! I cannot stress this enough! It can make a big difference in breastfeeding success. One thing you will need to know and experiment with is breastfeeding positions. Simply put, how do you hold your baby while feeding him/her? First get comfortable by finding a chair or sofa with good support for your back and use a footstool, this will help keep pressure off your low back. Position your baby tummy to tummy. This way his/her mouth is facing your nipple. Use a pillow to raise your baby to breast level. Position him so that his nose is facing your nipple, that way he has to reach up slightly to grasp your nipple. Here is a list of different holds while nursing:
To see pictures and a detailed description of these holds go here
- Cradle Hold - This position is probably one you are most familiar with, being that most images you see of breastfeeding are of this position.
- Side-Lying Hold - A great position if you need rest or sore post delivery.
- Football Hold (clutch hold) - This position is good for mothers who have had a Cesarean delivery because the weight of the baby is not pressing against your abdomen.
- Cross-Cradle Hold - This is one of the preferred positions when your baby is a newborn
To see pictures and a detailed description of these holds go here
Why would/did you choose to breastfeed?
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Tips, Hints and Advice
Feed your baby often! Frequent breast-feeding sessions help stimulate your breasts to produce milk. And the sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you'll need to soothe a frantic baby.
Let your baby set the pace! Let your baby nurse from the first breast thoroughly, until the breast feels soft - often about 15 minutes. Then try burping the baby. After that, offer the second breast. If your baby's still hungry, he or she will latch on.
Take care of your nipples! After each feeding, it's okay to let the milk dry naturally on your nipple. To keep your nipples dry between feedings, change bra pads often. And remember when you bathe, keep soap, shampoo and other cleansers away from your nipples. If your nipples are dry or cracked, try an ointment containing lanolin. Rubbing olive oil or expressed milk on your nipples may help, too.
Make healthy choices! Make healthy choices with your diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Drink lots of water. Get as much rest as possible. Don't smoke and don't take medications without your doctors okay.
Be patient! If breast-feeding is tougher than you expected, don't get to get discouraged. It's okay to have a slow start. As you and your baby get to know each other, breast-feeding will begin to feel more natural. If you are having difficulty, ask a lactation consultant or your baby's doctor for help. Especially if every feeding is painful or your baby isn't gaining weight. Although your nipples may be tender for the first few weeks, breast-feeding shouldn't hurt. If you haven't worked with a lactation consultant, ask your baby's doctor for a referral or check with the obstetrics department at a local hospital. Early support is often the key to breast-feeding success. Remember, don't beat yourself up.
How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk! You can't measure the amount of milk your baby is getting if you're nursing. But that is okay, you can ask yourself these questions:
Let your baby set the pace! Let your baby nurse from the first breast thoroughly, until the breast feels soft - often about 15 minutes. Then try burping the baby. After that, offer the second breast. If your baby's still hungry, he or she will latch on.
Take care of your nipples! After each feeding, it's okay to let the milk dry naturally on your nipple. To keep your nipples dry between feedings, change bra pads often. And remember when you bathe, keep soap, shampoo and other cleansers away from your nipples. If your nipples are dry or cracked, try an ointment containing lanolin. Rubbing olive oil or expressed milk on your nipples may help, too.
Make healthy choices! Make healthy choices with your diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Drink lots of water. Get as much rest as possible. Don't smoke and don't take medications without your doctors okay.
Be patient! If breast-feeding is tougher than you expected, don't get to get discouraged. It's okay to have a slow start. As you and your baby get to know each other, breast-feeding will begin to feel more natural. If you are having difficulty, ask a lactation consultant or your baby's doctor for help. Especially if every feeding is painful or your baby isn't gaining weight. Although your nipples may be tender for the first few weeks, breast-feeding shouldn't hurt. If you haven't worked with a lactation consultant, ask your baby's doctor for a referral or check with the obstetrics department at a local hospital. Early support is often the key to breast-feeding success. Remember, don't beat yourself up.
How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk! You can't measure the amount of milk your baby is getting if you're nursing. But that is okay, you can ask yourself these questions:
- Is my baby gaining weight? Steady weight gain is the most reliable sign your baby is getting enough to eat.
- How do my breasts feel? When your baby is latched on successfully, you'll feel a gentle pulling sensation on your breast - rather than a pinching or biting sensation on your nipple. Your breasts may feel firm or full before the feeding, and softer or emptier afterward. If breast-feeding hurts, ask for help. Your baby's doctor may offer suggestions, and many hospitals have lactation consultants on staff.
- What about my baby's diapers? For the first few weeks, expect your baby to have six to eight wet diapers a day. A wet diaper will weigh about the same as a dry disposable diaper filled with 2 to 4 tablespoons of water. Also expect regular bowel movements - often three or more a day. The stool will be dark and sticky for the first few days, eventually becoming seedy, loose and golden yellow.
- How often does my baby breast-feed? Most newborns breast-feed eight to 12 times a day - about every two to three hours. Within two to three months, your baby may begin to go longer between feedings.
Breastfeeding in Public
It is common knowledge (and also supported by all lactation consultants) that nursing mothers should breastfeed approximately every two hours. It's very difficult to be a parent without going out in public - there are always errands to run, but more importantly, a mother shouldn't just stop living, and live like a hermit until her baby is weaned from the breast. She needs and should go out in public! A nursing mother who needs to feed her child will inevitability have to feed in public. Frequent feeding prevents painful and possibly serious complications such as plugged ducts, mastitis and insufficient milk supply. It is therefore very distressing that so many mothers meet with resistance when breastfeeding in public.
Most women who choose to breastfeed in public meet with resistance. Chalk it up to our culture's sexual taboos. It is important to realize that public breastfeeding taboo stems from the sexual associations attached to breasts. We need to understand that women nursing their babies is NOT sexual! It is the most natural thing in the world, and is feeding (providing nutrients) to our children. And as you've read above breastfeeding has so many healthy benefits for both baby and mother. Because breasts are perceived as sexual objects, many women are discouraged from feeding in public. They fear that people will see the motherly instinct of breastfeeding sexually, rather than as an act of nurturing.
One way to change our cultural public breastfeeding taboo is to remind the public what breasts are really meant for. Don't be afraid to breastfeed in public. There are many nursing bras and nursing shirts that allow for discreet feeding. You can also use a nursing privacy drape. These drapes are so discreet, they even have a built-in shoulder weight so baby can't pull it down! They also fold easily into a purse or diaper bag.
Remember mothers, it is legal to breastfeed in public and in fact legislature on the topic of breastfeeding in the US is pretty proactive. Check to see the current status of your state's breastfeeding laws.
Most women who choose to breastfeed in public meet with resistance. Chalk it up to our culture's sexual taboos. It is important to realize that public breastfeeding taboo stems from the sexual associations attached to breasts. We need to understand that women nursing their babies is NOT sexual! It is the most natural thing in the world, and is feeding (providing nutrients) to our children. And as you've read above breastfeeding has so many healthy benefits for both baby and mother. Because breasts are perceived as sexual objects, many women are discouraged from feeding in public. They fear that people will see the motherly instinct of breastfeeding sexually, rather than as an act of nurturing.
One way to change our cultural public breastfeeding taboo is to remind the public what breasts are really meant for. Don't be afraid to breastfeed in public. There are many nursing bras and nursing shirts that allow for discreet feeding. You can also use a nursing privacy drape. These drapes are so discreet, they even have a built-in shoulder weight so baby can't pull it down! They also fold easily into a purse or diaper bag.
Remember mothers, it is legal to breastfeed in public and in fact legislature on the topic of breastfeeding in the US is pretty proactive. Check to see the current status of your state's breastfeeding laws.
Let The World Know
I've searched the web over for the coolest pro-nursing/breastfeeding advocacy t-shirts and more. If you breastfeed you'll love these awesome designs! Here are some of my findings:
Breastfeeding Advocacy Products
Show Your Support
Best Thing In Life... Women's V-Neck T-Shirt
This 'Best Thing In Life...'design is perfect for expecting moms and new moms that plan on breastfeeding! There are so many health benefits to breastfeeding and this design will show your advocacy!
Price: 22.99
I Am Addicted To Breast Milk Infant Creeper
I Am Addicted To Breast Milk; great onesie for your breastfed baby to wear and show the world you breastfeed!
Price: 17.99
I Breastfeed My Baby Women's V-Neck T-Shirt
I Breastfeed My Baby is a design that tells it like it is. Let the world know the great choice you made for your baby!
Price: 25.99
Express Yourself Breastfeeding Women's Light T-Shi
Express Yourself Breastfeeding t-shirts and gifts. This unusual breast pump design is a unique gift for a mother-to-be or woman who is breastfeeding. Please check out all our breastfeeding products
Price: 17.99
Thanks For The Mammaries Infant Creeper
Thanks For The Mammaries breastfeeding clothing for mom, dad and baby, too! This funny breastfeeding design can be worn by every member of the family. This is a humorous tribute to the loving efforts of women who choose to breastfeed.
Price: 11.99
Two Jugs Women's V-Neck T-Shirt
They say 'Breast is Best' when it comes to milk, so if your breastfeeding your baby, grab one of our Two Jugs t-shirts and let everyone know!
Price: 21.99
BREASTFEED ~ Bib
Support breastfeeding with a sense of humor! There's gold in them thar hills! Like it? Check out our other designs at Life's Ambitions.
Price: 12.99
100% Natural Boobie Juice ~ Infant Bodysuit
Support Breastfeeding! Great for mom & baby! These designs are a witty take on breastfeeding. My toddler son was unable to say 'milk' but easily said 'juice'. It was a short time later in our family that 'boobie juice' became the common reference for breast milk.
Price: 13.99
The Milking Machine Women's V-Neck T-Shirt
Price: 21.99
Breast feeding is best feeding Tote Bag
A colorful cartoon of a woman nursing her baby with the slogan Breastfeeding is best feeding.
Price: 16.99
Some great breastfeeding necessities
Once you've decided to breastfeed you may find some of these products invaluable!
Medela New Pump in Style Original Breast Pump
The best investment you can make! The Medela Breast Pump truly made it possible for me to continue to breastfeed my son!
Amazon Price: (as of 12/09/2009)
Ameda Nipple Shield 17216
The Nipple Shield permits the flow of breast milk while providing a larger surface for the baby to latch on to. Can make breastfeeding go much easier.
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
VIVA! Breastfeeding Pillow, 2007 iParenting Best Product Award Winner, Mom Invented
Breastfeeding is one of the most important gifts you can give your Baby. Proper positioning is a key to successful Breastfeeding. Good latch-on can be achieved by having your baby somewhat elevated. But this is not always easy - many women experience stress & pain in their back & shoulders due to improper posture. A good Breastfeeding or Nursing Pillow provides back support so Mom does not hunch forward. Makes breastfeeding more comfortable for you and your baby.
Amazon Price: $35.00 (as of 12/09/2009)
Milk Bands Breastfeeding Reminder Bracelet - Blue
Nursing bracelet provides infant?s feeding information on one wrist * Eliminates the need of a nursing journal, safety pins, or stickers * Flip the bracelet inside-out, reminds the mother which breast to use next. * Included on each bracelet are buttons used to record the time and duration of feedings * May be used on either wrist Colors will vary and selection is random.
Amazon Price: $4.97 (as of 12/09/2009)
The First Years - Lanolin Disposable Breast Pads 30 ct.
These disposable breast pads are lightly treated with lanolin to offer soothing comfort and to help prevent dry and sore nipples. Hypo-allergenic Lanolin is applied to pad center. Non-slip backing helps prevent slippage.
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
Busy Baby Wrap Nursing Cover - Color Black
This nursing cover is made of generous amounts of high quality, washable 100% cotton. They have been pre-laundered, so no worries about shrinkage. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, enabling infant to nurse comfortably without overheating, yet opaque ensuring complete privacy while nursing. The Busy Baby Wrap was not only designed to give nursing mothers a new chic, modern look, but to give modest layering to cover your entire upper body to build nursing confidence. No more fussing with blankets that your infant can pull down or wearing unattractive nursing clothes.
Amazon Price: $34.88 (as of 12/09/2009)
Great Buys on Maternity Wear
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Blog Posts from Google on Breastfeeding
- Aruban Breastfeeding Mamas: Counseling the nursing mother with ...
- Mom : My sister tried to breastfeed her baby when it was born, but she didn't have enough milk. My m...
- carolcoxclassroom: Breastfeeding: Benefits for the Mother
- Saving money by breastfeeding can probably save you thousands of dollars per year. If you do decide...
- Two of a kind, working on a full house: Medela Bamboo Nursing ...
- I try to always use a nursing cover, but any extra coverage makes me feel more confident in my decis...
- More Muslim, Christian, and Sikh mothers stop breastfeeding early ...
- Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing...
I would love your feedback!
Are you pregnant and plan to breastfeed or breastfed before or maybe you would just be so kind as to let me know what you think of my lens?
submit
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Reply
- rydigga rydigga Jan 6, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
- Very comprehensive, great lens.
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Reply
- momsherbs momsherbs Sep 6, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
- Great lens. I breast fed all 4 of my children. I will have to link your lens to my site:
www.squidoo.com/healthystart4children
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Reply
- Mortira Mortira Sep 1, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
- You have a lot of great information for new parents! It wasn't so long ago that hospitals wanted to force formula within hours of birth. Thank goodness they've come to their senses! When it's possible, breastfeeding is the way to go!
5 big stars!
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Reply
- Christene Christene Aug 25, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
- Blessed by a SquidAngel
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Reply
- Dr_Joe Dr_Joe Aug 11, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
- Very informative.
Great lens. Rated it 5 stars.
Feel free to visit Women's Health | Sexual Health | Health Screening
because a healthy body is an investment.
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Reply
- Jewelsofawe Jewelsofawe Aug 11, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
- I breasfed and went to la leche league. Cool lens!
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- steve866 steve866 Jun 12, 2008 @ 6:16 pm
- Wow, excellent lens, my wife is 3 months pregnant. I will show her this beautiful article!
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- herbie66 herbie66 Jun 12, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
- Welcome to the 'Pregnancy and Baby' Group
( http://www.squidoo.com/groups/pregnancy-baby )
5 stars for your great lens that will certainly help many mothers to be!
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Reply
- herbie66 herbie66 Jun 11, 2008 @ 9:30 am
- Welcome to the Pregnancy and Baby Group!
( http://www.squidoo.com/groups/pregnancy-baby )
We're proud to have you. A lens of your quality get's 5 stars and is now also favoured!
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Reply
- TheRatRaceRebel TheRatRaceRebel May 26, 2008 @ 9:22 am
- I breast fed both of my children. My daughter until she was 3 (much to the chagrin of my Mother who was a strong advocate of bottles) It was absolutely the best experience for me and my kids.
People would ask me how I found the time to do it... And I'd look at them with there bottles to wash and sterilize, formula to shop for and mix and extra laundry from all the spit up bottle fed babies do and just laugh.
This lens is 5 stars all the way. I'll be sending my expectant friends this way.
Wishing you all the best,
ShellyB
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by DonnaChaffins
Hello my name is Donna I have a 5 year old son and I can still see the benefits of breastfeeding him. I truly believe that nursing your child is the g... (more)
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