I was breast feed, so naturally I wanted to do the same for my children. Why wouldn't I want to do what's best for my baby, right? I was a little nervous at first and only set a goal to be able to bf my daughter for 6 months. Well, I reached that goal and soared past it!
In the beginning it was trying. I had some idea of what I was doing and I did take the class at the hospital but actually doing it was different. I was in labor for 22 hours and then had to have a c-section, she was delivered at 6:13pm and I was in recovery for, what seemed like forever, I didn't get to hold her or bf until the wee hours of the next morning. I was awakened to feed her and left with no help! I asked for it, but the nurse on staff really wasn't much help. The next day however was better. The lactation consultant came in and took over, after positioning me and my baby she had her nursing right away, it was great. Then we went home. I think at one point my baby and I were both crying. Luckily my mom stepped in and helped us, and we were back to nursing again. Even though it took us a few times to get bf down pat, we did and it was the best thing I could do for my baby!
I recently got to return the help, not to my mom of course but to my sister, who delivered her baby boy in January. Like me she had help in the hospital, but once home it wasn't going as well. I remember sitting at her house with company over and her trying to bf under a blanket. I finally said come on let's go into your bedroom, where you are more comfortable, and we did. I calmed my nephew down and her, and we tried again, LATCH!! I am so proud of her today, she is still bf her now 6 1/2 month old son, and he's a wiggler, but they are both happy and healthy!
As you may know I now have a baby boy too, and I bf him. I wasn't really nervous like I was with my daughter but wondered how it would go. PERFECT, I can't express to you enough, how EASY he was/is!! He was also delivered via C-section, so I still didn't get to nurse him right away, but within few hours. I was ecstatic when he latched on for the first time, with no problems at all. I remember telling the nurse when she came to check on me that this baby knows what he is doing, and she said well, you do too!! She was right, I am so much more comfortable this time around. I don't stress or worry about, where I'm going to bf or if it's in public. I have a great nursing cover that gives me plenty of privacy! I even have a travel bf pillow I keep I the car for on the go feedings!
A great website to go to if you have any concerns or questions is http://www.breastfeeding.com/, they have answers to FAQ's and instructional video's to watch too.
Some Facts
- In 28 countries, more than half of infants are exclusively breastfed.
- Breastfeeding transfer human habits but cow and formula milk will transfer nothing.
- Breast milk is hand-down the best food for your baby. It even changes as your baby grows!
- You can dye your hair or get a perm if you like. This will in no way affect you breastfeeding your baby. I just might make mommy feel better…which is good for everyone!!!
- Most women actually produce more milk than they really need to!
- Recent studies show that babies who are exclusively breastfed for 6 months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses. They may also be less likely to develop childhood obesity.
- Breastfeeding delays the return of menstrual periods and may aid in spacing pregnancies.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
- Breastfeeding creates a strong bond between mother and child.
- Breastfeeding mothers have increased self-esteem.
It is a GREAT experience! I recommend to all mothers! Happy Thursday, the weekend is almost here!
Thank you for posting. If anyone is wondering, I am the sister! Like she said I am still breastfeeding and I wouldn't change it for the world. One I save tons of money instead of buying formula and two it gives me extra bonding time with my son. As Carissa said my son is a wiggler and doesn't stay still even when he is eating. I was vey sore all the time at first and frustrated. It would have been much easier to give up, but I stuck with it and I am happy I did. My son started out in the 10th percentile in weight when he waws born and was up to the 50th percentile at his 4 month check up! I think me breastfeeding helped him get the nutrition he needed to gain weight and be extra healthy! So, in conclusion....breastfeeding is the natural way to feed and nourish your baby. I strongly recommend it to every new mom to try it out and hopefully you will stick with it! Thanks Carissa for helping me and encouraging me to keep going. Love you!
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