Im seeing a lot on social media lately about breastfeeding, some very negative comments which got me thinking back to when I was beastfeeding my babies.
Long before I was even pregnant I had decided that when I would have children that I would breastfeed. I think breastfeeding is entirely unto the Mother. She is the one that has to go through all of the pain, emotions, sleepless nights etc, so no one should be judged for not breastfeeding their baby as its a complete personal decision. Some women have extremely difficult births and they simply just cannot endure anymore physical, emotional pain and that is totally up the Mother.
I personally chose to breastfeed both my babies and I’m happy I did. I breastfed Xavier for 3 months. Arabella I could only bread feed for 6 weeks which really upset me, I was very emotional, My milk supply was very low and she was a hungry baby, after 6 weeks my milk began to dry up, I remember sitting at home crying, asking myself why? why did this happen so quickly 🙁 although I was in a lot of pain I wanted to continue to breastfeed for as long as I could. Im happy that I could even get 6 weeks as I know a lot of women find it very difficult to breastfeed so I feel grateful that I got this long with my babies.
As I’m seeing this topic a lot on social media it got me thinking back to my breastfeeding days, It was a very challenging time, its not easy breastfeeding, its sore, tiring draining, emotional, The process is so emotional, not only are you trying to get back to normal after having your baby but your emotions are all over the place, you lack in sleep, your feeding around the clock when ever baby is hungry, there are no set times with breastfeeding you are literally working around the baby.
I remember when I was in public I would get the looks, the stares, the snide remarks………….EXCUSE ME for giving my child life…… Sometimes I think people are too quick to judge, we go through horrific labours to deliver and bring life into the world, we then try to give them the best possible start in life by breastfeeding and we get judged when in public???????? Are we suppose to lock ourselves in our house for the first 6 months just so we can feed out baby? I remember most of the looks I would get would be from women??? How strange is that? As a woman I find this to be the most beautiful and precious thing you can do for your baby, so why should we be judged?
breastfeeding is the the most natural act any Mother can do for her baby? Its difficult enough when you are in public and your baby will not latch on, or take your breast?? people looking at you like you should be at home in private???? Absolutely NOT…. I used to get really stressed and upset when people would be looking at me, it made me really uncomfortable and sad inside, especially when the baby wouldn’t latch on this would kill me, I would be thinning OMG please just latch on….. the reason the baby wouldn’t latch on was because he was stressed obviously because I was stressed, babies sense things and they can sense when their mother is uncomfortable. This can be so upsetting for a woman for a mother, I remember there were times I was so stressed and I would go into the bathroom? How WONG is this? no Mother should feel like she should leave her table and go to a toilet to feed her baby………
Breastfeeding give a baby life, its a personal decision and something every new Mother has to contemplate when her baby arrives, so we should not be judged on how and where we feed our children.
Looking back on my situation, it makes me angry that I allowed other peoples opinions bother me, if I was to ever have another child again I would breastfed but I would do it a lot differently, I would not let anyone else’s opinion or judgment get to me, I would feel a lot more comfortable and definitely not leave a public place to find a quiet place to feed my baby.
These people who give those snide looks and remarks, they’re the ones who should feel uncomfortable that they cannot accept human nature and adapt to society.
Whether we chose to bottle feed our baby or breastfeed, www ill love our baby and care for them in the best possible way, we have two options when it comes to feeding our baby and there is no right or wrong one we just make a personal decision.
If you are considering breastfeeding here is some valuable information that you might find useful, this is our knowledge base section where you will find all you need to know about breastfeeding.
THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
Deciding to breast feed your new born baby can mean better health for your child and you both now and later on. Breastfeeding has many benefits for babies and their mothers and it is possible for you to breastfeed anywhere without heating up bottles or worrying about sterilising equipment. Breast milk provides all the nourishment your baby wants for the first six months of his life, reduces his chances of developing infections like ailments and gastroenteritis like eczema and respiratory infections. It may also lower his risk of developing childhood leukaemia and it definitely reduces your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
Infant formula can never duplicate the ideal composition of breast milk. Most formulas are made from cow’s milk and don’t comprise the immunity- boosting antibodies that are found in breast milk.
One significant advantage is that breast milk is always ready, is the perfect temperature and changes to meet with baby’s needs. In cold climates, human milk contains more fat, whereas in warm climates, more water. In some situation, a medical professional might advises you to give oral rehydration therapy or additional fluids. However, for mild illnesses, breast milk is good. If your infant is premature, or unwell and in hospital ( for instance, in the neonatal component or special care baby unit), breast milk is still best for your own baby. You may be requested to express some milk and can be shown how to try this.
HELPS WITH BONDING
The skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeds gives you a physical connection with your baby and stimulates hormones that help with breastfeeding. It also provides protection, warmth and comfort for babies. Skin-to-skin encourages a growing affection between the two of you that will continue to play an important role in your infant’s growth for a long time. When you breastfeed your infant, you’re guaranteed to hold your infant close regularly. Your infant will react to the heat of your touch.
HOW DOES BREASTFEEDING HELP YOUR BABY?
Human milk contains enzymes, hormones, and immunoglobulins. These play a critical role that cannot be duplicated. Medical benefits of breastfeeding for infants contain less risk of: _ Stomach upsets.
- Ear infections
- Eczema and Asthma
- High blood pressure later in life
BREASTFED BABIES ALSO HAVE:
- Better mouth growth.
- Straighter teeth and mouth formation
ADVANTAGES FOR MUM:
Post birth:
- Breastfeeding helps the womb to contract and return to normal. So, postnatal blood loss is decreased by breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can assist you to lose pregnancy weight faster
- Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can help you lose pregnancy weight quicker
Long term: Girls who breastfeed may have less risk of:
- Developing breast and Ovarian cancer
- Developing type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
If you are considering breastfeeding your baby, Personally I highly recommend it, it is so beautiful and a great thing we can do for our babies.
Check out http://www.pregnancyandbaby.ie for everything you need while pregnancy and when baby arrives, lots of tips & tricks 🙂
Love
Emma