Why Do I Breastfeed?

12 May 2012 Leave a comment

by cross2000varga in Breastfeeding Tags: , , , , , ,

There are numerous reasons to breastfeed obviously.  I stopped to think for a moment though and asked myself the question “why did I breastfeed?”  I think for me the main reason was because I felt that it was the best thing for my baby.  God designed my body and made my milk especially for my baby and I knew it was the best thing for them and I was very determined that no matter what we were going to do this!  I have a bit of a stubborn streak in me (ok if you ask my husband he would say more than a bit) and I won’t easily take no for an answer when a challenge is presented to me.  Though we have faced rough patches I have loved nursing my babies and am very proud to have exclusively breastfed 4 babies to at least 12 months old or more.

There were several other reasons as well that led to my decision to breastfeed.  For one thing my breasts were always handy when the baby got hungry.  All I had to do was lift up my shirt and, viola, there the milk was already mixed and warm and ready for baby!  I liked this very much because I am a little lazy and mixing and washing bottles was not at all appealing to me.

Another major factor in the decision to breastfeed was the price of formula.  It was just not in our budget at the time.  I know that programs like WIC can provide you with formula if you need it (even a little if you breastfeed too), but it was just something I didn’t want to start.

Breastfeeding has also been a great calming tool as well.  If your baby gets hurt or doesn’t feel well, often a few minutes at the breast can make everything all better.  Something about the act of nursing releases calming chemicals (which is why we both often fall asleep together while nursing too I guess).

Breast milk also has antibodies in it that help keep your infant healthier which is a major plus.  A sick baby is miserable for all parties.  Some studies suggest that it also reduces your risk of getting breast cancer too.

I asked my husband the question and he said that husbands like it too because it makes our boobs nice and big!  Although on the flip side they are mostly hands off though due to the risk of being shot with milk!  Real sexy.

One of the best things about nursing though is looking down at that precious gift from God and feeling their tiny body pressed up against yours and knowing that they are a part of you and feeling the bond grow between the two of you.  It’s an awesome thing.  I just love my babies.

Breastfeeding Fathers

04 Apr 2012 Leave a comment

by cross2000varga in Breastfeeding Tags: , , , , , , ,

I wanted to talk to the daddies today.  While I’m sure I don’t have very many male readers I’m sure you moms will be glad to pass this info along.  Breastfeeding is hard for dads too.  For one thing the breasts that used to be his now are off-limits and belong to the baby.  The next problem is that they feel sort of helpless since there is not much they can do to participate.  There’s not a whole lot they can do during those midnight feedings or is there?  I wanted to share a few ideas about how a dad can help with breastfeeding.

Change the baby’s diaper.  Newborns poop a lot!  (Especially breast-fed ones!)  They will need to have their diaper changed almost every feeding.  It is very helpful to a sore and exhausted mom to have this task taken care of by someone else.  Then all she has to worry about is feeding the baby and hopefully go back to sleep.

Walk with the baby when the feeding is done.  If the baby is having trouble going back to sleep after a middle of the night feeding it is such a wonderful thing for a wiped-out mom to hear dad say “here, let me walk with the baby while you sleep.”  Hallelujah!!!  I’m telling you that there is something about the ‘daddy shoulder’ that works to put babies to sleep.  No it won’t always work and sometimes you will both need to tag team being up with the baby to keep your sanity, but a little break after the feeding is very welcome.

Check on mom to see if she needs anything.  As I’ve mentioned before breastfeeding makes you very thirsty and hungry.  While she is pinned down feeding the baby checking to see if there is anything that she needs or would make her more comfortable is always a great help.

Don’t hate me, but if dads would help out with the household chores it will remove a ton of stress from a nursing mom.  Just a load of laundry or dishes will help tremendously.  It is hard sometimes sitting there, pinned down while nursing with thoughts running through your head of everything that needs to be done that you can’t get to because you are pinned down!!  (It’s our crazy women brains.  We can’t help it!  We don’t have an off switch like men do.)  I know that it may not seem like a big deal, but it is to her and it can make a world of difference in the atmosphere of your home.

Feed the baby.  After the first few weeks mom can pump some milk and dad can get to enjoy the bond of feeding the baby.  Or if you are supplementing some with formula, which I’ve known several moms who have used breast milk and formula and have not had a problem.  I do suggest pumping and giving bottles occasionally when nursing has been established.  Somewhere between 2-4 weeks I think is a good time.  This will give mom a little more freedom to go and do things without always having a tag along.  I never gave the baby a bottle.  If it got a bottle, dad gave it so as not to confuse it.  That’s just how we did it.  Dad – bottle, mom – boob.

Rub her feet.  This will score some major brownie points (at least in my book it would!).  If mom isn’t fond of this maybe try singing to her or reading her a book or whatever might bring her pleasure while the baby is feeding that is not too invasive for baby.

Dad, if you will try to do some of these things you will be your wife’s hero.  Your help now I’m sure will be rewarded later (if you know what I mean!).  Talk to your wife.  Ask her if there is any way that you can help her with breastfeeding.  Ask her if there is any kind of support that you can give to help her to breastfeed.  My husband always supported me in my desire to breastfeed even when we hit rough patches and he’s probably part of what helped me to stay strong.  Remember new moms are very sensitive and need gentleness, help and support even though sometimes our pride keeps us from asking for it.  Take care of mom and baby for me and enjoy the ride!