In honor of the Calgary Breastfeeding Challenge Oct 3rd at Eau Claire, 11am…….
Breastfeeding does not often come “naturally” to a new mom, as we think it should. In fact, I remember myself being an upset new mom because I was in pain due to engorged breasts and had a baby not latching properly (and now my ‘baby’ is 2 years old, and still nursing!). But breast milk IS the most natural food for your baby.
(And to note, I am not writing this to make moms who are formula feeding feel guilty. There is enough guilt we already put on ourselves being moms, and formula is certainly an adequate alternative.)
On to the benefits of breastfeeding:
1) Cost: Formula can cost thousands of dollars a year. Breastmilk is free.
2) Convenience: No bottles or nipples to sterilize. No formula to measure, mix and pack. Your baby has access to warm milk anywhere the two of you are – no “hooter hider” required!
3) Health of Mom: Breast feeding moms have a decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis. The longer you breastfeed, the better. Breastfeeding a newborn also causes the mother’s uterus to contact faster leading to quicker recovery and less postpartum bleeding. And potentially the benefit you are concerned with most at present: breast feeding may help postpartum weight loss for mom!
4) Health of Baby: Breastmilk provides changing antibodies, which may account for the decreased risk of ear infections, asthma, and perhaps some viruses and allergies in breastfed babies. The benefits of breastmilk have even been shown to extend into adulthood by decreasing risks of obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
5) Breastmilk changes to meet the growing needs of your baby: Depending on the baby’s age, the proportion of fat, carb, protein and water change to meet their nutritional needs best.
6) Bonding: Breastfeeding allows quiet relaxing time to bond . Endorphins are release in the mom – this is the “love” hormone and can help mom de-stress (or get back to sleep!). Of course you can also bond with bottle-fed babes. Just cuddle them while they feed, rather than “propping” up the bottle with some new-fangled device.
7) Environmental: No processing, packaging, shipping, advertising and waste from formula manufacturing.
Easier to digest: Breast milk is easier to digest for the baby. Leading to another benefit well-known to most moms: better smelling baby poos!
If you are having difficulties breastfeeding, ask your doctor for a referral to a lactation consultant, look up a private Lactation Consultant or contact your local La Leche League (http://www.lllc.ca/).
