The reason I chose to breastfeed is very simple. As a nurse in the NICU I saw first-hand how beneficial breastmilk was. The amount of benefits are outstanding. Here are a few listed below.
Benefits for mom
Breastfeeding helps with weight loss, allowing mom’s to achieve their pre-pregnancy weight faster. Women who breastfeed are at lower risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. Breastfeeding creates a unique bond between mom and baby.
Benefits for baby
Breastmilk contains all the essential nutrients for a baby to thrive. It has a well balanced mixture of nutrients like fats, proteins and vitamins. Breast milk is also digested easier than formula. It contains antibodies allowing babies to fight off infections, viruses and bacteria, in other words it helps build a strong immune system. Common infections like ear, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections are lower in breastfed children.
The list is infinite. All things combined, is the reason why I wanted to breastfeeding.
Learning together
The start of our breastfeeding journey started off well as we were blessed with a swift delivery and a good first latch. As soon as TREY was born, we did skin to skin and we started nursing right away. We then met with a lactation consultant (LC) that same day. I can’t stress the importance of meeting with a LC while hospitalized. This first encounter can make or break your decision to initiate/continue breastfeeding.
Once home we continued nursing on demand, while using positions that were most comfortable for us shown by our LC. Two days post discharge we had our first doctor’s appointment and a follow up with our LC. I stress the importance of these recurrent encounters because support and knowledge are factors that can make a mom want to breastfeed. In my case it really worked out. I had knowledge about the benefits and incredible support from my family and our LC.
The other reason why I decided to nurse, is because it was FREE! That’s right I said it lol. Formula is expensive. The average family spends well over $1000 per month on formula. Yikes! Please understand that if things didn’t pan out the way they did OF COURSE we would have fed formula because a fed baby is best.
Other than health benefits and little to no cost one of the main reason for choosing to nurse was to give my son something no one else could. Everyone can change his diaper, hug him, play with him but only I can provide the nourishment that he needs. It may sound a little selfish but its the truth!
I understand that breastfeeding isn’t for everyone but here are a few pieces of advice I was given and learned along the way.
- Don’t do it alone! There are support groups, Facebook groups and support pretty much everywhere. Ask around, use your resources, talk to other mothers who have experience with breastfeeding.
- Consult a lactation consultant while you are in the hospital and thereafter. Ask all the questions, and make sure to you find someone in your community.
- Exclusively pumping is also a great way to feed your baby. Tons of women pump and feed via bottle. This method allows for flexibility as others can feed. This method would not have worked for me as I despise pumping lol.
- Educate your self and do some research. Just like anything else in life, knowledge is power. Know what positions are best for you and your breast size. Is this a good latch or not? What are the signs of mastitis? Are these flanges the right size? Once you do research you are better equipped to pursue breastfeeding or forgo the whole thing.
- Breastfeeding is HARD and it takes patience. Don’t give up, stay the course and ask for help.
- If people around you don’t support your decision to nurse, surround yourself with people who do.
A fed bay is ultimately best so whether you breastfeed of give formula, you have to do what’s best for your family. The journey may not be easy, blood sweat and tears may shed but its all worth it in the end.
Do you plan to breast or bottle feed? Exclusively pump or do both? Leave a comment below!
Tania Joline
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