Breastfeeding is a Gift

The ability to breastfeed your baby is a wonderful gift.  It benefits both yourself and  your baby. We can see this as a gift if we put aside our thoughts of soreness, chaffing and leaking. The benefits are amazing. When you nurse you are helping your body heal itself after birthing your baby. You are giving your baby the most complex and wonderful array of nutrients you could possibly give. You are giving the baby the sensory stimulation he needs for the best development, both emotionally and physically.

Breastfeeding is giving your baby the perfect start they need. You are helping the baby to be healthy, happy, and secure. I have read all kinds of research that tells us time and time again that nursing creates better health for our babies and for us. It is hard believe that anyone would want to bypass this experience. The bonding with baby and the comfort nursing is to baby simply can not be matched, especially if your baby has a tendency toward fussiness.

If you are thinking that breastfeeding is too bothersome  – try waking up in the middle of the night to heat a bottle! (Yes, I’ve done that when I needed to-plenty.)Ahhh, the glories of picking up your baby and feeding him - no sterilization required!  All you have to do is nurse your baby. It really is a miracle if you think about how God created our bodies to make milk perfectly suited for our baby right down to the baby’s age and developmental stages.

Some people are worried that they will not be able to nurse, that their milk may not let down, or that it will hurt. Some even worry that your baby will not learn how to latch on correctly. The main word here is worry – if you worry you will stress yourself into a situation that will make it harder for you and the baby, especially when it comes to let down. Just relax and you and the baby will be fine.

There are really very few situations that prevent you from nursing your baby. There are a few that do not have enough (or fatty enough) milk. This really is pretty rare. Most of the time, it takes knowledge on how to improve milk as well as patience! Sometimes it will take longer for a mother’s milk supply to build up than the typical 3-4 days. And, there can be problems with let down that makes it APPEAR as if you don’t have enough milk. DON’T GIVE UP! It will be worth hanging in there! I know because I am one of those that have let down issues and my poor babies do get hungry! I can not tell you the reason other than hormones…my areola swells and the milk won’t pass. But, never fear…with consistent rotating ice and heat, the pipes  unplug and baby gets fed.  Things can get tough when the nipples are sore. If they are, there is usually a latch on problem that needs correcting. Having another more experienced mom be baby and mom’s coach can be invaluable.

Not just a first time mom and baby may need coaching and/or help to get started on the right foot. Thankfully there are groups available to help you on this journey as well such as the La Leche League. I remember a time when a wonderful volunteer helped me tremendously with an early, very sleepy baby!

If you must be away from baby, there are inexpensive ways to obtain a good breast pump that you can use to ensure your baby is still getting the nourishment he needs. And it is all artificial and chemical free!

If you happen to be one of the few that really doesn’t have enough milk to sustain baby all it’s own, don’t fret and don’t quit! Any milk that you can give your baby is a wonderful immune booster! And, regardless of personal preferences toward nursing- I really feel that it is a MUST to give your baby the benefit of that early milk colostrum. Your baby does not produce it’s own antibodies until he is 3 months of age. These antibodies passed through your milk will make a difference in the health of your child. It can even prevent them from being sick when you are. (another great perk for breastfeeding!) Formula really has come a long way in how much more like breast milk it is. It does go to show that by that imitation, breast milk is best. However, formula is a gift for those that need to use it and a wonderful thing for those that have adopted an infant. So, you don’t have to feel guilty especially if you are doing the best you can for your precious baby.

Nursing is a wonderful and you will never be sorry you gave that gift to your child. I hope you and your baby have the opportunity to enjoy it. Do not hesitate to ask questions and keep trying. Don’t give up though it may seem impossible. Persistence  really does overcome!