Because It’s Breastfeeding Week!
Breastfeeding is one of the most conservative topics and many people feel very shy to discuss and talk openly about it. Even during my pregnancy I was too shy to talk about it to any body. I hardly made any effort to search about it on the Internet but thankfully breastfeeding was discussed very well in my Lamaze class. I would still feel very shy to ask anything in class but my Lamaze instructor would make drawings on the board and explain everything in detail.
She made sure that husbands were present during the breastfeeding sessions covered by her as she used to say that they need to be educated more on this. She busted all the myths that we have regarding breastfeeding and that gave me a lot of confidence.
As Adi arrived, I knew I had to breastfeed and within few hours he was breastfeeding with the help of nurses who were very kind to come in the middle of the night and help us latch and teach me several positions in which to keep my baby. Therefore, though breastfeeding comes naturally to all mommies it’s very important to do the groundwork beforehand.
Reading on the Internet is not enough; talk to your doctor and if you are not comfortable with your doctor (because many doctors in India choose not to speak about it), talk about it exclusively with your Lamaze instructor. The other to-be mommies in your class will also be in the same position and will ask many questions, which will definitely help you. The important thing is that you have to be very motivated and you have to believe in yourself that you will breastfeed; your Lamaze instructor will help you with the exercises that will be helpful to boost the supply.
The place where you plan to give birth, your hospital I mean, needs to have pro-breastfeeding nurses, doctors and lactation consultants, and when everything works together, trust me nobody can stop you from breastfeeding.
Lastly, your family and your husband really need to be educated as well, as their support matters a lot when you plan to breastfeed.
I breastfed my baby from the time he was born till he started his solids with no formula ever in between. Yes you might say that I stay at home so it’s http://artsandhealth.ie/accutane/ easy for me but I know working moms who have exclusively breastfed, storing milk for the baby before they leave for work and handling everything perfectly.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding your baby?
Oh my God, if only I could list down all the benefits! Adi was a nice healthy baby with quite a good immunity, very less prone to cold and cough and other things. If you think formula feeding is easy, no it’s not! Waking up in the middle of the night, preparing milk, boiling the bottle vs breastfeeding in the comfort of your bed. You can imagine the difference right? Formula milk will burn your pocket too if you want the best brand.
Unless there are clinical reasons that you cannot breastfeed, you should breastfeed your child, and trust me you will feel proud of yourself. Yes, initial days might be difficult but it’s a learning curve and both the mommy and the baby will grow and learn to sync with each other. There are various myths spread about breastfeeding, like you should not give the first milk which is so wrong because the first milk called colostrum has to be given to the baby at any cost. I know there are many weird theories but too don’t give up after hearing those.
You have to be confident and sure of your decision. Breastfeeding is one of the best decisions I ever took for my child and I feel really happy that I did. Happy Breastfeeding Week!
I am Priyanka, full time mommy to a 2.4 year old Atharva. I’m very old school, I believe in breastfeeding, cloth diapers and natural birth. The last three years have a changed a lot in me, I feel very transformed as a person. I have known various sides of me in this process from pregnancy to motherhood. From cooking to sewing and many more, I have explored many creative activities and still exploring some more…who says being a mother takes away everything? I have gained a lot, learnt a lot. I like to share my stories and chat with mommies. I’m also a social media enthusiast and enjoy blogging at Dailydose.
