Olivia's first breast-feeding in Motol Hospital Prague
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Nursing Babies Are Tranquility And Happiness
Most mothers would say that nursing babies are a picture of tranquility and happiness. Nursing babies portray contentedness and tenderness in a universal language that spans the continents. Mothers fall in love while talking to nursing babies and stoking their soft, fuzzy heads as they suckle and coo themselves to sleep. What happens when that adorable baby transforms into a foot stomping toddler seemingly overnight? A demanding three-year-old who yells to be nursed right now may leave a mother wondering how old is too old to be breast fed.
Choosing to breastfeed your baby may have been a simple decision but determining when to wean a child can be difficult. When many mothers begin to breastfeed their babies, they assume that weaning will occur naturally. For some breast fed babies, the transition form the breast to the sippy cup comes with a fight. Nursing babies who have a difficult time adjusting to life away from the breast may be objecting to more than just weaning. Some breast fed babies crave the physical closeness of nursing more than breast milk. Determining if this is true for your child can help make the transition easier for both mother and child. Continuing to hold your child during feedings can help reduce the shock of weaning for a sensitive child.
While the appropriate age to wean a child is not set in stone, it is culturally acceptable in America to nurse a child for the first twelve months. Once solid foods are introduced into the child's diet and they begin to walk, American customs call for the weaning of the child. Some breastfeeding women choose to extend this period of nursing, sometimes until the child leaves for kindergarten. While many breastfeeding women wean their babies shortly before returning to the workforce, some continue to pump breast milk and bottle feed their babies for several years. The choice really is up to each woman and many choose to ignore social norms. Breastfeeding women can even choose to keep their extended breastfeeding a secret by storing breast milk in the refrigerator disguised as cow's milk or formula.
When a mother decides the time has come to stop breastfeeding, it can signal the end of a special bonding time between mother and baby. Children can sense anxiety and unhappiness in a parent and may react by acting out during the initial attempts to stop breastfeeding. It is important for a breastfeeding mother to examine her feelings about weaning and come to terms with any unresolved emotions before attempting to stop breastfeeding her baby.
Mothers who choose to formula feed a nursing infant can be in for a fight unless the transition is made slowly. Abruptly springing a formula feed schedule in place of breastfeeding sessions can be traumatic to nursing babies. The bottle should be introduced slowly and be filled with 100% breast milk at first. Formula can be slowly added to subsequent bottles of breast milk until the child is completely weaned from the breast. Gradually substitute a breastfeeding session with a bottle feeding session over a period of several weeks if possible. Once a child is accustomed to the 100% formula feed schedule, the mother should continue to provide physical interaction with the baby during bottle feeding sessions to continue bonding and provide intense social interaction for the child.
Nursing babies can transition smoothly to the bottle or sippy cup if a nursing mother is emotionally prepared to wean her baby. Armed with a few facts, mothers can help nursing babies adjust smoothly to being away from the breast. Not all nursing babies will be pleasant to nurse as they grow to be demanding toddlers. Each woman must decide for herself when her child needs to stop breastfeeding.
Choosing to breastfeed your baby may have been a simple decision but determining when to wean a child can be difficult. When many mothers begin to breastfeed their babies, they assume that weaning will occur naturally. For some breast fed babies, the transition form the breast to the sippy cup comes with a fight. Nursing babies who have a difficult time adjusting to life away from the breast may be objecting to more than just weaning. Some breast fed babies crave the physical closeness of nursing more than breast milk. Determining if this is true for your child can help make the transition easier for both mother and child. Continuing to hold your child during feedings can help reduce the shock of weaning for a sensitive child.
While the appropriate age to wean a child is not set in stone, it is culturally acceptable in America to nurse a child for the first twelve months. Once solid foods are introduced into the child's diet and they begin to walk, American customs call for the weaning of the child. Some breastfeeding women choose to extend this period of nursing, sometimes until the child leaves for kindergarten. While many breastfeeding women wean their babies shortly before returning to the workforce, some continue to pump breast milk and bottle feed their babies for several years. The choice really is up to each woman and many choose to ignore social norms. Breastfeeding women can even choose to keep their extended breastfeeding a secret by storing breast milk in the refrigerator disguised as cow's milk or formula.
When a mother decides the time has come to stop breastfeeding, it can signal the end of a special bonding time between mother and baby. Children can sense anxiety and unhappiness in a parent and may react by acting out during the initial attempts to stop breastfeeding. It is important for a breastfeeding mother to examine her feelings about weaning and come to terms with any unresolved emotions before attempting to stop breastfeeding her baby.
Mothers who choose to formula feed a nursing infant can be in for a fight unless the transition is made slowly. Abruptly springing a formula feed schedule in place of breastfeeding sessions can be traumatic to nursing babies. The bottle should be introduced slowly and be filled with 100% breast milk at first. Formula can be slowly added to subsequent bottles of breast milk until the child is completely weaned from the breast. Gradually substitute a breastfeeding session with a bottle feeding session over a period of several weeks if possible. Once a child is accustomed to the 100% formula feed schedule, the mother should continue to provide physical interaction with the baby during bottle feeding sessions to continue bonding and provide intense social interaction for the child.
Nursing babies can transition smoothly to the bottle or sippy cup if a nursing mother is emotionally prepared to wean her baby. Armed with a few facts, mothers can help nursing babies adjust smoothly to being away from the breast. Not all nursing babies will be pleasant to nurse as they grow to be demanding toddlers. Each woman must decide for herself when her child needs to stop breastfeeding.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Breastfeeding Support Groups
Many first time mothers find themselves bewildered and frustrated during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Finding breastfeeding support can help to decrease the anxiety and stress that new mothers experience. Breastfeeding support is available from many different sources and groups. Often times, other breastfeeding women groups together and can be a great source of comfort, support and information for each other. Seeking out a local La Leche group or a local lactation consultant can also be a very effective way of obtaining breastfeeding support.
Many first time mothers develop sore nipples. This can be an especially difficult time for both baby and mother. Sore nipples can make every breastfeeding session excruciatingly painful for the mother. The resulting stress and anxiety can be sensed by the infant and can cause an infant to be fussy during feedings. Sore nipples can also be a health concern for the mother if the skin is not treated appropriately. Women who experience sore nipples should consult a lactation specialist or experienced breastfeeding mother for suggestions on topical lotions and home remedies to treat sore nipples before the skin becomes cracked and opens the mother up to infection.
Some women experience a sudden decrease in her milk supply. This can cause frustration and discouragement as a mother struggles to continue breastfeeding her baby. Consulting a lactation specialist to help pinpoint the cause of a weak milk supply is often necessary. A mother with a weakened milk supply does not have to give up breastfeeding altogether. She can mix breast milk with formula to ensure that her infant gets the proper nourishment until her milk supply returns to normal.
Lactation consultants are available through local La Leche Leagues as well as most hospitals. Many obstetricians will employ or recommend a few local lactation consultants for mothers who are new to breastfeeding or those who are experiencing problems during feedings. Lactation consultants are specially trained medical personnel who are passionate about breastfeeding. It is important to be honest about your lactation problems and questions in order for the lactation specialist to assist you and your baby properly.
Obtaining breastfeeding support can help reduce the overwhelming feelings of helplessness and isolation that a new mother often experiences. Membership in a breastfeeding support group is a great first step for new mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding. Those fortunate mothers who breeze through pregnancy and breastfeeding can offer breastfeeding support to others who may be struggling. Choosing to help others in need provides an enriching experience that can chase away the baby blues.
Many first time mothers develop sore nipples. This can be an especially difficult time for both baby and mother. Sore nipples can make every breastfeeding session excruciatingly painful for the mother. The resulting stress and anxiety can be sensed by the infant and can cause an infant to be fussy during feedings. Sore nipples can also be a health concern for the mother if the skin is not treated appropriately. Women who experience sore nipples should consult a lactation specialist or experienced breastfeeding mother for suggestions on topical lotions and home remedies to treat sore nipples before the skin becomes cracked and opens the mother up to infection.
Some women experience a sudden decrease in her milk supply. This can cause frustration and discouragement as a mother struggles to continue breastfeeding her baby. Consulting a lactation specialist to help pinpoint the cause of a weak milk supply is often necessary. A mother with a weakened milk supply does not have to give up breastfeeding altogether. She can mix breast milk with formula to ensure that her infant gets the proper nourishment until her milk supply returns to normal.
Lactation consultants are available through local La Leche Leagues as well as most hospitals. Many obstetricians will employ or recommend a few local lactation consultants for mothers who are new to breastfeeding or those who are experiencing problems during feedings. Lactation consultants are specially trained medical personnel who are passionate about breastfeeding. It is important to be honest about your lactation problems and questions in order for the lactation specialist to assist you and your baby properly.
Obtaining breastfeeding support can help reduce the overwhelming feelings of helplessness and isolation that a new mother often experiences. Membership in a breastfeeding support group is a great first step for new mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding. Those fortunate mothers who breeze through pregnancy and breastfeeding can offer breastfeeding support to others who may be struggling. Choosing to help others in need provides an enriching experience that can chase away the baby blues.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Breastfeeding Moms Advice About Breastfeeding
A new breastfeeding mother may feel alone when facing problems while nursing her infant. Other breastfeeding moms are often quick to come to the rescue of a struggling mother, offering advice, tips and support. Mothers seeking adult companionship and support may find their best allies in a group of breastfeeding moms.
If you are looking for advice about breastfeeding- a nursing mom may be your best source of information. Experience is the best teacher and a nursing mother can tell you all of the intimate details about breastfeeding. While a lactation consultant will provide a wealth of facts and statistics, a breastfeeding mom will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about breastfeeding, without the sugar coating.
Another source of support is the internet. Baby websites can be a great way to connect with other moms and get some great tips and facts about breastfeeding. Baby websites offer discussion forums, caloric intake calculators, nutrition information and inside tips for nursing moms. Consulting a few baby websites can be another great way to connect with other moms who have first hand knowledge of the ins and outs of breastfeeding.
If you are looking for information about nutrition, a breastfeeding specialist, lactation consultants and nurse practitioners are available to answer your questions. They can even help you develop a personalized eating plan that is healthy for you and your baby. Many breastfeeding moms worry about losing pregnancy weight while still consuming enough calories to keep their infants healthy. It is possible to balance proper nutrition, breastfeeding and weight loss with a little advanced planning and effort. Consulting a nutritionist or healthcare provider can help you sort through any confusion you may have regarding nutrition, breastfeeding and weight loss.
When breastfeeding women band together, loneliness and isolation dissipate. Sharing friendship with other breastfeeding women can help a first time mother adjust to her new role without sacrificing her personal identity. The stories, advice and support offered to new mothers by other breastfeeding women can be invaluable.
Joining a breastfeeding advocacy group will provide you with access to newsletters, health fairs and a wealth of information about breastfeeding. A breastfeeding advocacy group helps to promote breastfeeding awareness and support in your community. Contact your local La Leche League representative for information about joining a breastfeeding advocacy group in your area.
Breastfeeding moms don't have to suffer alone. Other breastfeeding moms are waiting to offer support, friendship and advice. The bond between breastfeeding moms is special and often results in friendships that last a lifetime. Other mothers will understand your struggles because often times they have experienced them too.
If you are looking for advice about breastfeeding- a nursing mom may be your best source of information. Experience is the best teacher and a nursing mother can tell you all of the intimate details about breastfeeding. While a lactation consultant will provide a wealth of facts and statistics, a breastfeeding mom will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about breastfeeding, without the sugar coating.
Another source of support is the internet. Baby websites can be a great way to connect with other moms and get some great tips and facts about breastfeeding. Baby websites offer discussion forums, caloric intake calculators, nutrition information and inside tips for nursing moms. Consulting a few baby websites can be another great way to connect with other moms who have first hand knowledge of the ins and outs of breastfeeding.
If you are looking for information about nutrition, a breastfeeding specialist, lactation consultants and nurse practitioners are available to answer your questions. They can even help you develop a personalized eating plan that is healthy for you and your baby. Many breastfeeding moms worry about losing pregnancy weight while still consuming enough calories to keep their infants healthy. It is possible to balance proper nutrition, breastfeeding and weight loss with a little advanced planning and effort. Consulting a nutritionist or healthcare provider can help you sort through any confusion you may have regarding nutrition, breastfeeding and weight loss.
When breastfeeding women band together, loneliness and isolation dissipate. Sharing friendship with other breastfeeding women can help a first time mother adjust to her new role without sacrificing her personal identity. The stories, advice and support offered to new mothers by other breastfeeding women can be invaluable.
Joining a breastfeeding advocacy group will provide you with access to newsletters, health fairs and a wealth of information about breastfeeding. A breastfeeding advocacy group helps to promote breastfeeding awareness and support in your community. Contact your local La Leche League representative for information about joining a breastfeeding advocacy group in your area.
Breastfeeding moms don't have to suffer alone. Other breastfeeding moms are waiting to offer support, friendship and advice. The bond between breastfeeding moms is special and often results in friendships that last a lifetime. Other mothers will understand your struggles because often times they have experienced them too.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Seeking Breastfeeding Information
Seeking breastfeeding information can help a mother prepare for the arrival of her infant. Breastfeeding information is easy to obtain. The internet, library, local bookstore and nearest playground can all provide a wealth of breastfeeding information.
Pregnancy and lactation are covered in most childbirth preparation classes. Knowing what is normal during pregnancy and lactation can help a mother recognize potential problems and seek the appropriate care should a abnormality arise. Learning about the basics of pregnancy and lactation can help a couple feel more prepared for the arrival of their baby.
Information about the benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother can greatly influence a woman's decision about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers experience fewer complications after the delivery since the hormones released by the suckling of an infant helps a mother's uterus to contract. Breastfeeding mothers also burn more calories during lactation. They also require a higher caloric intake while nursing. Breastfeeding can help a mother shed those last few stubborn pounds following the delivery of the baby. Breastfeeding mothers bond quickly with their infants because of the frequent intimate contact between mother and child during feedings.
The benefits of breastfeeding are evident in an infant as well. Breast fed infants are reported to have higher IQ's, have fewer digestion problems and have an intense bond with their mothers. Breast fed infants nurse more frequently than bottle fed babies since breast milk is digested more quickly. Breast fed infants with acid reflux or colic may also experience fewer symptoms while breastfeeding than when nursing a bottle.
Researching a few baby websites is a great way to learn the basic pros and cons of breastfeeding. Advocates and opponents of breastfeeding can often be found in discussion forums and chat rooms. Many baby websites offers message boards, discussion groups and chat rooms dedicated to breastfeeding. If you have a few favorite baby or parenting magazines, chances are that they offer baby websites as well where you can connect with others and find breastfeeding information and answers to your questions.
A lactation consultant can also answer your breastfeeding questions and can even visit your home following the delivery of your baby to help you get started should you choose to breastfeed your baby. A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding specialist and is often associated with the local La Leche League in your community. The La Leche League is a group of breastfeeding advocates who offer support and breastfeeding information for mothers. Contact your local La Leche chapter to get in touch with a lactation consultant in your area.
With the availability of breastfeeding information today, every parent has the opportunity to make an informed decision about breastfeeding. A few keystrokes, a phone call or even a trip to the local library can put a huge amount of breastfeeding information at your fingertips. Support groups, consultants and educators are available to answer questions and temper the fears of new parents. Help is available for those seeking breastfeeding information.
Pregnancy and lactation are covered in most childbirth preparation classes. Knowing what is normal during pregnancy and lactation can help a mother recognize potential problems and seek the appropriate care should a abnormality arise. Learning about the basics of pregnancy and lactation can help a couple feel more prepared for the arrival of their baby.
Information about the benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother can greatly influence a woman's decision about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers experience fewer complications after the delivery since the hormones released by the suckling of an infant helps a mother's uterus to contract. Breastfeeding mothers also burn more calories during lactation. They also require a higher caloric intake while nursing. Breastfeeding can help a mother shed those last few stubborn pounds following the delivery of the baby. Breastfeeding mothers bond quickly with their infants because of the frequent intimate contact between mother and child during feedings.
The benefits of breastfeeding are evident in an infant as well. Breast fed infants are reported to have higher IQ's, have fewer digestion problems and have an intense bond with their mothers. Breast fed infants nurse more frequently than bottle fed babies since breast milk is digested more quickly. Breast fed infants with acid reflux or colic may also experience fewer symptoms while breastfeeding than when nursing a bottle.
Researching a few baby websites is a great way to learn the basic pros and cons of breastfeeding. Advocates and opponents of breastfeeding can often be found in discussion forums and chat rooms. Many baby websites offers message boards, discussion groups and chat rooms dedicated to breastfeeding. If you have a few favorite baby or parenting magazines, chances are that they offer baby websites as well where you can connect with others and find breastfeeding information and answers to your questions.
A lactation consultant can also answer your breastfeeding questions and can even visit your home following the delivery of your baby to help you get started should you choose to breastfeed your baby. A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding specialist and is often associated with the local La Leche League in your community. The La Leche League is a group of breastfeeding advocates who offer support and breastfeeding information for mothers. Contact your local La Leche chapter to get in touch with a lactation consultant in your area.
With the availability of breastfeeding information today, every parent has the opportunity to make an informed decision about breastfeeding. A few keystrokes, a phone call or even a trip to the local library can put a huge amount of breastfeeding information at your fingertips. Support groups, consultants and educators are available to answer questions and temper the fears of new parents. Help is available for those seeking breastfeeding information.
Breastfeed Your Baby
If you have decided not to breastfeed your baby, you are not alone. Many women choose the bottle over the breast. There are many reasons not to breastfeed. Insufficient milk supply, cracked nipples, hectic work schedules, prescription medication and many other factors can deter a woman from choosing to breastfeed her baby.
Choosing to formula feed your infant was at one time considered to be a social faux pas. Today's culture is much more accepting of bottle feeding an infant. Many mothers return to work shortly after the birth of an infant and breastfeeding is simply not conventional in the average workplace. Deciding to formula feed your baby is often a matter of necessity rather than personal choice. Electing to formula feed your infant does not have to be a disadvantageous experience for you or your baby.
Breast fed infants do not necessarily gain a nutritional advantage over bottle fed infants. Advances in the formulation of powder and concentrated baby formulas now provide bottle fed infants with an adequately well balanced diet. Breast fed infants are at risk of ingesting prescription medications, concentrated sweets, and alcoholic beverages through their mother's milk. Infants with certain medical conditions require a close monitoring of their nutritional intake. It is difficult to accurately measure a breast fed infant's intake. This reason alone may advocate bottle feeding over breastfeeding.
Learning about breastfeeding benefits and drawbacks is often one area that healthcare practitioners focus on heavily during the prenatal period and immediately following the birth of a child. Many breastfeeding advocates support breastfeeding in part because of the bond created between the mother and child during frequent breastfeeding. This same bond can be achieved with bottle feeding by holding the infant during feeding times. Making eye contact, stroking and talking to your infant during feedings can create as strong a bond as breastfeeding. Talk about breastfeeding versus bottle feeding with your OB/GYN or nurse practitioner if you have doubts about your choice to not breastfeed your infant.
Many baby websites offer chat rooms or discussion forums dedicated to the discussion of bottle versus breastfeeding. Baby websites can also be a great source of information about the nutritional, social and emotional aspects of choosing not to breastfeed your baby. Many of the popular baby and parenting magazines now offer a corresponding baby website with additional articles, contests and links to other helpful baby-related websites.
Whether you choose to breastfeed your baby or opt for the bottle, your child will still receive adequate nutrition and bonding time with a little extra effort by both parents. Bottle feeding allows every member of the family to participate in the care of the infant, while choosing to breastfeed limits this bonding time to only the mother and child. Opting to breastfeed your baby for the time you will be spending off work for maternity leave, and then switching to the bottle before returning to work is a very common practice. There are no recorded ill effects of switching an infant from the breast to the bottle or even strictly bottle feeding an infant from birth. Today's mothers have the freedom to choose between the breast or the bottle without sacrificing the well being of their babies.
Choosing to formula feed your infant was at one time considered to be a social faux pas. Today's culture is much more accepting of bottle feeding an infant. Many mothers return to work shortly after the birth of an infant and breastfeeding is simply not conventional in the average workplace. Deciding to formula feed your baby is often a matter of necessity rather than personal choice. Electing to formula feed your infant does not have to be a disadvantageous experience for you or your baby.
Breast fed infants do not necessarily gain a nutritional advantage over bottle fed infants. Advances in the formulation of powder and concentrated baby formulas now provide bottle fed infants with an adequately well balanced diet. Breast fed infants are at risk of ingesting prescription medications, concentrated sweets, and alcoholic beverages through their mother's milk. Infants with certain medical conditions require a close monitoring of their nutritional intake. It is difficult to accurately measure a breast fed infant's intake. This reason alone may advocate bottle feeding over breastfeeding.
Learning about breastfeeding benefits and drawbacks is often one area that healthcare practitioners focus on heavily during the prenatal period and immediately following the birth of a child. Many breastfeeding advocates support breastfeeding in part because of the bond created between the mother and child during frequent breastfeeding. This same bond can be achieved with bottle feeding by holding the infant during feeding times. Making eye contact, stroking and talking to your infant during feedings can create as strong a bond as breastfeeding. Talk about breastfeeding versus bottle feeding with your OB/GYN or nurse practitioner if you have doubts about your choice to not breastfeed your infant.
Many baby websites offer chat rooms or discussion forums dedicated to the discussion of bottle versus breastfeeding. Baby websites can also be a great source of information about the nutritional, social and emotional aspects of choosing not to breastfeed your baby. Many of the popular baby and parenting magazines now offer a corresponding baby website with additional articles, contests and links to other helpful baby-related websites.
Whether you choose to breastfeed your baby or opt for the bottle, your child will still receive adequate nutrition and bonding time with a little extra effort by both parents. Bottle feeding allows every member of the family to participate in the care of the infant, while choosing to breastfeed limits this bonding time to only the mother and child. Opting to breastfeed your baby for the time you will be spending off work for maternity leave, and then switching to the bottle before returning to work is a very common practice. There are no recorded ill effects of switching an infant from the breast to the bottle or even strictly bottle feeding an infant from birth. Today's mothers have the freedom to choose between the breast or the bottle without sacrificing the well being of their babies.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Mothers can be very serious about choosing to breastfeed or bottle feed a baby. This hot topic has great arguments for both sides of the discussion. Many claim that the majority of the benefits of breastfeeding can be achieved by diligent bottle feeding mothers and choose to avoid the unpleasant side effects of breastfeeding. Mothers who breastfeed swear that the benefits of breastfeeding are unique and worth the costs. With this in mind, let's take a humorous look at some of the not so pleasant aspects of breastfeeding.
One great perk of breastfeeding is that you get to wear sexy, easy access, nursing clothes. Most nursing clothes are designed to allow your infant easy access to the breast. This feature is a great convenience, but it also can lead to inadvertent breast flashes in public if your nursing clothes are not properly secured after feeding your infant. If you find people following you around while out in public, check your shirt.
You get to join the stylish trend of baby wearing. Breast fed infants often nurse more frequently than bottle fed infants. This can lead to the feeling that your child is always attached to your breast. Baby wearing can be seen in malls, grocery stores and parks across the nation. Baby slings, swaths and holsters are sold that encourage a nursing mother to flaunt her baby wearing style. Some even offer anytime access to the breast- a very nice perk for the infant.
You also get to enjoy the experience of public breast feeding. There's nothing quite like attempting to discreetly nurse your infant by draping a blanket over your shoulder to provide a little privacy and having a curious stranger walk up and peek under the blanket to get a look at the adorable baby- and your exposed breast. Communities should hold public breastfeeding contests to see which mother has the best embarrassing story of breastfeeding in public. Some mothers take the natural approach to breastfeeding in public and let it all hang out- daring onlookers to stare and make snide comments. If you happen to encounter one of these women, do not confront them! They are hopped up on postpartum hormones, made cranky by sore breasts and are often sleep deprived from nursing their infant every two hours around the clock- they can be very dangerous!
This brings us to the classic sore nipples. There is just no other experience that compares to allowing a hungry infant to chomp, suck, chew and grab a breast that is plagued by bruised, cracked and sore nipples. No amount of prenatal education or coaching by the La Leche League can prepare you properly for sore nipples- it must be experienced to be appreciated.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful time of nurturing and bonding with your infant. It is also a lesson in balancing pain and humility with a little humour. The humorous benefits of breastfeeding cannot compare to the genuine benefits of breastfeeding for many mothers. Learning to take the unpleasant aspects of breastfeeding with a grain of humorous salt is part of the wonderful world of choosing to breastfeeding your infant.
One great perk of breastfeeding is that you get to wear sexy, easy access, nursing clothes. Most nursing clothes are designed to allow your infant easy access to the breast. This feature is a great convenience, but it also can lead to inadvertent breast flashes in public if your nursing clothes are not properly secured after feeding your infant. If you find people following you around while out in public, check your shirt.
You get to join the stylish trend of baby wearing. Breast fed infants often nurse more frequently than bottle fed infants. This can lead to the feeling that your child is always attached to your breast. Baby wearing can be seen in malls, grocery stores and parks across the nation. Baby slings, swaths and holsters are sold that encourage a nursing mother to flaunt her baby wearing style. Some even offer anytime access to the breast- a very nice perk for the infant.
You also get to enjoy the experience of public breast feeding. There's nothing quite like attempting to discreetly nurse your infant by draping a blanket over your shoulder to provide a little privacy and having a curious stranger walk up and peek under the blanket to get a look at the adorable baby- and your exposed breast. Communities should hold public breastfeeding contests to see which mother has the best embarrassing story of breastfeeding in public. Some mothers take the natural approach to breastfeeding in public and let it all hang out- daring onlookers to stare and make snide comments. If you happen to encounter one of these women, do not confront them! They are hopped up on postpartum hormones, made cranky by sore breasts and are often sleep deprived from nursing their infant every two hours around the clock- they can be very dangerous!
This brings us to the classic sore nipples. There is just no other experience that compares to allowing a hungry infant to chomp, suck, chew and grab a breast that is plagued by bruised, cracked and sore nipples. No amount of prenatal education or coaching by the La Leche League can prepare you properly for sore nipples- it must be experienced to be appreciated.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful time of nurturing and bonding with your infant. It is also a lesson in balancing pain and humility with a little humour. The humorous benefits of breastfeeding cannot compare to the genuine benefits of breastfeeding for many mothers. Learning to take the unpleasant aspects of breastfeeding with a grain of humorous salt is part of the wonderful world of choosing to breastfeeding your infant.
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