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Since March is national nutrition month, let's talk about one way of providing nutrition to our littlest kiddos: breastfeeding!
First, let me say that I know breastfeeding can be an emotional and sometimes controversial topic. But in my mind, the most important thing is that your baby is getting fed. Whatever that looks like in your home. I know from personal experience that things don't always work out as you maybe planned or hoped.
Since my son was born over two months early and spent 72 days in the NICU my breastfeeding journey was not at all what I expected. At times he had breastmilk, at times he had a combination of breastmilk and formula, and he also had a lot of formula only. I did what I could do. And that is okay.
I pumped until Parker was 6 months old because I really wanted to meet that 6-month goal. But by the end of that time, I dreaded pumping. I was low producing, so I would pump 6 - 8 times a day and only produce enough for one bottle. I tried all of the things people recommend: bars, teas, massage, power-pumping, etc. It was defeating at times. But my child got the nutrients he needed with a combination of breastmilk and formula.
I say all of this because I want you to know that whether you choose to breastfeed or if you decide that is not what is best for you and your family, it is all okay. Just feed your baby. :-)
Now for the information...
The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby:
lowers your baby's risk of certain diseases
helps build a strong immune system
helps brain growth and nervous system growth
lowers the risk of many sicknesses/conditions
reduced rates of hospitalization in breastfed babies
breastfed babies have fewer visits to the pediatrician's office
baby's eyes work better
The Nutritional Benefits of Breastfeeding:
the nutrients are better absorbed than those in formula
provides a unique and specific formula of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
helps your baby's digestive system grow
easy to digest
provide the right amount of fat, sugar, water, protein, and vitamins for your baby's development
promotes healthy weight gain in infants
changes to meet your baby's nutritional needs as your baby's needs change
naturally soothes baby
The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom:
lowers the risk of several types of cancer
lowers the risk of other diseases/conditions
helps you recover more quickly from childbirth
helps make you feel more connected with your baby
can (not always) promote faster weight loss after giving birth
Affordable
easy - don't need to prepare formula
can help you feel calm
So breastfeeding is awesome! And it is the best form of nutrition for a baby, but it is just not possible for many women for a large variety of reasons. So it is best to never judge how someone chooses to feed her child.
There are so many challenges to that make breastfeeding difficult for the recommended time (2 years). There will be a follow up next week with more information on challenges!
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