BreastFeeding
God of my father, who shall help you...
shall bless you with
blessings of the breast and womb. ~Genesis 49:25
Mother's milk is best for babies. Formula companies do their
best to try to replicate it's compostion and easy digestibility,
but they can never duplicate it. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that mothers should nurse their children for a minimum of one year. After that point, it is up to the mother and child to decide how much longer they would like to continue to enjoy the benefits and bonding that is provided.
Besides providing all of the essential ingredients that a baby needs, breastfeeding is also healthier for the mother. When a mother nurses her baby directly after the birth, this helps stimulate her body to expel the placenta and allows the uterous to contract, making hemorrhage less likely to occur. It also reduces the chance of breast cancer in both mother and child.
Nursing is not always easy. Like any relationship, it
takes time to get to know each other. Each baby comes equipped
with their own unique personality and it takes loving persistance
to develop some nursing partnerships. Reading and talking to others who have had success can be very encouraging.
I have found that nursing is easier when a mother follows the clues given to her by her child. This allows her to maintain an adequate supply and reduces the duration and frequency of breast infections. If you notice, the recommendation for thrush, mastitis and soreness include rest, adequate fluid intake and *frequent* nursing. It also makes for a happy, content child!
Sometimes, sadly, the two necessary paticipants are not enough.
A nursing mother and child often require the support and
encouragement of other family members, friends and even professionals. Developing a network or even finding one person who is easy to talk to and discuss concerns and joys can make a difference.
Here are some links that I have found encouraging.
To reach members in your area, call 1-800-La Leche
This site has wonderful information about how you can assist with the "Promotion of Mother's Milk" - hence the name ProMoM.
Great pictures of slings (baby carriers that provide easy breastfeeding access).
Dr. and Mrs. William Sears have put together an
informative booklet
that can be ordered when purchasing a sling.
I have found that a reliable book for breastfeeding information is
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League.
"The newborn baby only has three demands. They are warmth in the arms of his mother, food from her breasts and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three." -Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, father of the modern natural-birth movement.
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