Friday, August 3, 2012

Supporting women in breastfeeding

The Manger
I was not breastfed... at all. Whether I turned out okay is questionable.  :)

One thing I hate to hear is "I wasn't breastfed and I'm fine." Here's the thing, one point of data (you, me, or even US) is not significant in the realm of it all. The fact is we know what we do about the drawbacks of a baby not getting breast milk.

Breastfeeding is best for pretty much ALL babies and for mom's health. Of course a happy parent is a better parent for the most part (but of course you can be happy and spend no time with your kid too!), that's where balance comes in.

But, it seems, most of what I hear from people who didn't want to even TRY to breastfeed relates to some sort of fear. Fear of cracked nipples (had it at first with my daughter, got some lanolin and was set!), or baby being attached to them (come on, they were attached INSIDE you for the past 9ish months... so a few more months? ENJOY IT!)...

Breast milk  requires no midnight runs to the store, no bottles to sterilize and always at the right temperature (of course moms who use donor milk, are awesome too! And those who pump for other babies... YOU ROCK!) :)

For moms who want to breastfeed, they need support! I truly believe that the more awareness out there, the more success moms will have. If a mom is having difficulties with any sort of parenting, and if they want to vent, someone is always there to say then "well then don't do it!" - For breastfeeding let's change that!

When a mom is struggling, let's SUPPER her and say... "let's see what we can do to help", for whatever it is! Nursing, co-sleeping, the right stroller even!

And partners... you can support a breastfeeding mom by getting her water, a pillow or nursing wedge... and saying "you can do this and I support you" - find her a lactation consultant or friends whose wives nursed... Find her support... You will want to bond with baby too, we know! More on how partners can support in breastfeeding, tomorrow :)

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