8 REASONS WHY MOTHERS DO AND DO NOT BREASTFEED
Food for thought:
Even though it seems weird for mothers to eat/preserve their breast milk or placenta, it is considered normal. Many mothers are instantly attached to their baby from the moment they find out that they are pregnant. The feeling of holding your baby for the first time right as they enter the world, is indescribable. Eating/preserving your breast milk or placenta are one of the things that expresses our love and attachment for becoming a new mom.
That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. Isaiah 66.8
8 Quick Reasons Why It's Beneficial For Mothers To Breastfeed
The Facts:
Most mothers breastfeed because there are so many benefits. Breastfeeding helps you and your baby in so many ways, we ought to be thankful. Here are 8 facts of why breastfeeding is beneficial.
Breastfeeding is a gift from God; therefore it is natural for a baby to drink from their mother's breast and the best milk to give your baby.
Mothers build a special connection with their baby while breastfeeding.
You can feed your baby on the go without having to worry about packing bottles into your bag.
Breast milk is made up of nutrients from the mother's blood stream; it consists of protein, sugar, water, and fat.
Babies have a lower risk of obesity.
Mothers have a lower risk of breast cancer.
Mothers need about 500 calories to produce breast milk, which is why breastfeeding helps mothers lose weight so fast.
Breastfeeding aids general growth and development for your baby.
8 Quick Reasons Why Mothers Do Not Breastfeed
Some mothers are unable to breastfeed their baby and have to use formula instead. However, some mothers who feed their baby formula, can sometimes be a personal preference. Here are 8 facts on why some mothers use formula instead:
Milk flow is not enough; the mother has trouble producing milk. "Milkmakers" and "Yogi" are lactation teas which help mothers boost their milk supply. (Check with a lactation consultant or doctor before purchasing any lactation teas).
The baby prefers bottle over breast. (The baby refuses to latch onto the nipple).
Having a baby via surrogate or adoption makes breastfeeding not an option.
It is more convenient to know exactly how much food your baby is getting, so mothers prefer to use formula.
You can have beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.
You can take breaks and let someone else feed the baby.
Pumping several 5 oz bottles a day can be very exhausting and time consuming.
The mother's personal preference is to use formula instead, especially to avoid droopy breasts and sore nipples.
It is not the end of the world if you feed your baby formula. Just make sure you are comfortable and do your research when choosing a brand. (I personally liked enfamil because it is the closest to breastmilk when it comes to nutrients). Breastfeeding is best; but if you can't go the natural route, it's great that we have other options. Doing what's best for you and your baby is what parenting is all about and don't let others discourage you on your parenting style.
My story:
I breastfed for 16 months. After my son turned one, my friends and family were tired of seeing me breastfeed my baby. They kept asking me "when are you going to stop?" My original plan was to breastfeed until my son turned one, but my son wasn't ready to stop at one years old. My son had only four teeth in at the time, so the biting wasn't a problem. (However it did hurt when he bit me that one time). It is harder than you think to stop breastfeeding. My son has been used to the breast for so long. He grew so fast when he only had breast milk for 3 months. Plus, I lost 10 pounds in just a few weeks after birth. It was hard to transition out of the breast, especially when there is a special connection between you and your baby while nursing.
I loved breastfeeding my son and I didn't let anyone discourage me or get to my head about how long I should breastfeed. Four months after my son turned one, he eventually got tired of the breast. Plus, my milk flow was decreasing significantly around that time anyway. It eventually became useless to breastfeed and so it became the perfect time to stop breastfeeding. (See, just wait for the right time; don't let anyone discourage you). I am so happy my son loved breastfeeding and I truly enjoyed the experience. It was worth the 16 months. It is recommended to breastfeed 6 months to 1 year, but do what's best for you.
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