This is a picture of “Lilly’s” first nursing session, approximately 5 minutes after her birth. I will always treasure this picture, as it was the beginning of our breastfeeding relationship.
As a breastfeeding mom, I am an avid supporter of breastfeeding. I have breastfed all 5 of my children, and I’m now nursing my 21 month old daughter. For me and my family, breastfeeding was the natural way to feed my infants. For my first child (I was an 18-year-old teen mom), it seemed like it was the easiest, fastest, cheapest, and most convenient way to feed my baby. Shortly after establishing a breastfeeding relationship with my first-born, I quickly learned the benefits went far beyond those items mentioned. Breast feeding forced me to stop everything I was doing, and spend 10 to 15 min every couple of hours, making a connection with my son. During that time I was able to relax, and spend some time getting to know him. I still remember the roundness of his cheeks as he nursed, his big brown eyes staring up at me with not a care in the world. I remember those moments when I would look down at him, and as if on que he would give me a big “boobie” grin! I remember how calm, and relaxed I felt during those moments. Breastfeeding, I soon found out, was not only good for him, but great for mommy too!
In addition, breastfeeding provided my children with so many health benefits. There were less issues with gas, they rarely spit up, and they had the immune system of “Super Man”! I remember so many conversations with friend’s, who would complain about having to miss work, or cancel appointments, because their kids were sick. Amazingly, my babies were hardly sick! As an example, my 21 month old daughter, has had a total of 2 fevers her entire life. She’s been on antibiotics, only once. She’s never had a stomach virus, and no illness that ever lasted longer than 2 or 3 days. Other than the one time that she needed antibiotics for a sinus infection (her first illness – she was 9 months old), she’s never had to go to the pediatrician for a sick visit. Ironically, in the 21 months since she has been born, I think I have been sick more than she has. The benefit that breastfeeding has on a baby’s immune system, is enough to convince me that breast is best.
I am a huge advocate of breastfeeding, and often provide encouragement and advice to friends and family who are on the fence. Breastfeeding has been such a positive experience for both me and my children, and I love to share our story. However, I am also extremely understanding of women who choose to formula feed. I understand the issues and why for some mom’s, breast is not necessarily best. I respect those mom’s and their decisions, after all, who am I to tell them what is best for them and their babies? This is a decision that is so personal, and one that can only be made by a mom and her partner. So why is it that the mayor and state representatives of New York city, feel like it is okay for them to interfere with such a personal decision?
Don’t get me wrong, as a breastfeeding mom I am all for hospitals supporting breastfeeding, by not distributing promotional formula to mothers who are nursing. I am all for having the hospital and it’s staff, be educated and supportive of mom’s who want to exclusively breastfeed. What I don’t agree with, is forcibly pushing new mom’s into doing something they do not want to do. I am against hospitals, at the direction of government officials, forcing mother’s to sit through what may sound more like a lecture about the benefits of breastfeeding, making new mom’s feel as though they are being judged, or being pressured into doing something that may ultimately, not be right for them and their families. It should be a mother’s choice to decide how she wants to feed her child, without being made to feel that their choice to feed infant formula is somehow bad for their baby. Last I checked, the FDA has approved baby formula, as a safe and effective substitute for breast milk. As a woman, I resent the fact that government officials feel that they have the right to interfere with the decisions that a mother makes for herself and her family.
Way to go!! I loved breastfeeding my babies… who are now 25, 21 and 5-1/2 (that half is very important to my daughter .. lol)
Me too! Thanks for the comment Carla. : )
I hear you! I’m a big fan of breastfeeding too! It’s easy, it’s cheap, it’s always at the right temperature, it adjusts itself to your baby’s needs, and you always have it with you! What can be better than that?!
It was easy for my second, but my first…. oy!
BF is definitely challenging, and different with each baby. Not only is it a personal decision, but sometimes it’s dictated by the needs of your baby.
You are absolutely right, when you say it adjust to your baby’s needs. That is one of the most amazing aspects of breastfeeding. The fact that a baby’s saliva can trigger certain changes within mom’s breast to make the milk exactly as baby needs it, is astonishing. It’s what our bodies were designed to do. The human body is amazing!
Great post! I also think breastfeeding is the way to go but agree that governments forcing mothers to listen to the benefits on breastfeeding once they have their child is ridiculous.
I agree, especially since forcing mother’s to breastfeed is pointless, if the issues that society has with breastfeeding are not addressed. Unfortunately, society is not always welcoming of breastfeeding moms, and sadly there are not enough resources for mom’s to turn to when breastfeeding questions or problems arise. Government agencies should focus more on changing society’s perspective on breastfeeding, and investing more into breastfeeding resources (such as lactation consultants) for moms. Until mother’s feel more supported in their breastfeeding journeys, initiatives like this will not work!
super post–when it come to these decisions -its a family one-so leave the gov out of it!
I agree completely. Thanks for your comment! : )
Great post. Breastfeeding and my first-born, just didn’t work out. When it came time to feed him, I cried and cried… So did he. It was simply MISERABLE! My BFF, a long-time advocate of breastfeeding gave me the kindest, most empathic advice ever, “If you don’t like it, quit.” You should be enjoying your son, not crying every time he needs to eat. Because she was so passionate about nursing, her words comforted me more than anyone else’s could have. Compassion. Acceptance. Love. Mommies need that more than condemnation and judgment!
You have a very wise friend! Thanks for sharing your story! : )
I loved breastfeeding my kids & it was the best option for me, but there are those don’t want to or can’t easily breastfeed, and for those, we don’t want to make them feel like they are a failure because they aren’t breastfeeding. Totally agree with you. We should provide education & support, but then let moms choose what’s best for them & their babies.
100% Agree! Thanks for your comment! : )
I nursed my first for 22 months and I’m planning to nurse my baby as long as she’s up for it. I’m a big, big believer in breastfeeding as it truly was the best for our family. But I totally agree with you – it’s not the government’s business to tell mamas how to feed their babies. As a big believer in small government this is just one more overreach. I do think we need to make sure mamas get all the information and support they can get, but don’t berate them if they choose to formula feed.
Agreed! Thanks so much for your comment! : )
very well said!!! breastfeeding is a personal choice… I personally choose to BF for as long as I could, and when I decided to stop it was for PERSONAL reasons, which, most importantly included my child!
Absolutely! There are many reasons why a mom chooses to not BF, and it’s a decision that none of us take lightly. Thanks for your comment! : )
I’m also a breastfeeding advocate. My daughter used to give me “boobie grins” too
. I loved the whole experience, and would gladly do it all over again. Yes, it nourishes not only the baby, but the mom as well.
I LOVE those “boobie grins”!!! Thanks for your comment! : )
I’m definitely with you on the breastfeeding. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the only way to go. I definitely don’t think it’s a good idea for anyone to try to force people to do or learn about something that they don’t want, but I do think that they should take action to encourage breastfeeding. So many people really don’t know enough about why breastfeeding is the better option and they just choose formula because it’s easier for them. Of course, there are always exceptions and some people do have better reasons for choosing formula, but a lot don’t. Seems like some creative geniuses out there should be able to come up with a way to help people understand the benefits without forcing anyone into anything or even just being too pushy
And for all those out there who already know the benefits, I’m over here virtually high fiving you!
Thanks for the high five and your comment! : )