My 2cents on Breastfeeding

Today I spent the day with about 50 breastfeeding experts and advocates from around the nation, including representatives from key US government agencies. As I sat and listened to the latest research, current community initiatives and strategies from lactation consultants; I found myself having to sit on my hands. While I am very much an advocate of breastfeeding and truly believe breast is best for our infants, there were a few things my colleagues were saying that I did not agree with 100%. There were staunch breastfeeding advocates and I did not want to get put out of the room, so I never went to the mic or raised my hand. Surprisingly, the MEN had the loudest voices in the room today.

So I would like share my two cents on the subject with all of you:

Breast is best! Research shows this is true and that the benefits of breastmilk are profound. Not to mention the unique bond that is established between mom and baby when they are skin to skin. In addition, there are great benefits for mom too. So new moms and moms-to-be, I urge you to learn about breastfeeding during pregnancy and do all that you can to not only initiate breastfeeding, but maintain it for at least 6 months.

Breastfeeding takes time, patience and support. Many people think, “oh it just comes naturally.” Uh NO, it does not. Even a lactation consultant will tell you this. Is it a natural and biological thing for moms? Yes, but I repeat, it takes time, patience and support. I have watched so many of my girlfriends struggle through tears, guilt and anxiety as they initiate breastfeeding and fail the first few times. They want to breastfeed but the overwhelming feeling of wanting to ensure their baby doesn’t starve, takes over.  So they begin to lean towards the solution of giving the baby formula.  I think lactation consultants in the hospital could offer different methods to breastfeeding, ways to soothe mom and more support. As a result, Mom, may not give up so quickly.

Dads’ support is key to breastfeeding. So many women find it difficult to breastfeed because they don’t have support from their partner. He may not understand the importance or significant benefits that breastfeeding has on the baby short and long term, as well as for mom. If Dad is not supportive, this can cause additional stress for mom as she focuses on trying to breastfeed. If she doesn’t have support at home, she will find it increasingly difficult to do it. On the other hand, if Dad is very supportive then great! But he should also not “browbeat” mom if she cannot breastfeed or is having difficulty breastfeeding. This will only make things worse and make her feel more guilty as well as anxious. So to my men, participate in learning about breastfeeding, be there for her and do everything possible to understand that this is not as easy as you may think.

Mom, it really is okay if you cannot breastfeed! SCREECH!! Nails going down a blackboard. The needle on a record player stopping! Yes, me, the SavvyHealthGirl said it! The breast advocates are going to shoot me! But, I never want any mother to ever believe that she is a bad or awful mother because she was not able to breastfeed her child. A woman goes through enough as it is over nine months of carrying a human being and then having to figure out what to do with it now that it’s out! So making her feel guilty because she didn’t produce enough milk, is cruel. Many of us were not breastfed and we were healthy, intelligent and well adjusted children.  Let me be clear, I am not saying not that you should not try to breastfeed, but if you try and are not able (for whatever reason) your baby can still be healthy. You will still be a good mom.

There are so many resources out there for moms on breastfeeding. I have listed some below. You can find out if your city has a Baby Friendly and/or a Breastfeeding Friendly Hospital. You can get also find out where lactation consultants are in your area who can help you ease into breastfeeding.

• http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/resources/guide.htm
• http://www.breastfeeding.com/
• http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/breastfeeding/breastfeedingmainpage.HTM
• http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/index.html
• http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/index.cfm
• http://www.breastfeeding.com/directory/lcdirectory.html