Breastfeeding-Should Every Mom Do It?
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From the featured blog, Raising My 4 Sons
My name is Mandee. I am a stay at home mother to four boys with a baby on the way. While I have breastfed all four of my boys to at least a year, and most past a year with no bottles what-so-ever, you might be surprised as to my opinion on this matter.
I have seen so many mothers try to breastfeed their babies, get frustrated, take it out on the baby, and then give up. I honestly think, that if you don’t want to breastfeed, don’t feel comfortable with it, and don’t have the desire to do it, why bother?
Too many women feel that they need to breastfeed to impress someone or think that they are a failure as a parent if they do not breastfeed. I’m sorry, but if you do not like doing it, and you feel uncomfortable and it upsets or stresses you, don’t do it. The baby can sense when you are frustrated and it may only make things worse.
Now that being said…I am a true believer that breast is best. We were given the milk for a reason, right? If you are not able to breastfeed for whatever reason and are able to pump, why not give it a try?
I have breastfed all of my children. I really do think that women should be told in the beginning that it is not easy. You really must give it a good 2 weeks before you give up. Yes, your breasts will hurt worse then they ever have. Yes, you are going to cry and want to give up. Yes, your baby is going to root and it may be hard for them to latch on. But if you give it 2 weeks I promise you will surprise yourself. I just think too many people give up too soon. If after 2 weeks you still feel that it is not for you then at least you can say that you tried, right?
I nursed through Mastitis twice. If you have ever had this you know how painful it can be. Most babies do not come out of the womb knowing how to breastfeed. Some people are lucky and can say that their baby latched right on and nursed great, but most nursing mothers will tell you that it takes time and can be very emotional. It is so very rewarding though and the bond you have with your child is like no other.
I hope that this article has helped someone out there and that you will all think about what I have said when considering breastfeeding. If you choose to breastfeed do it for you and for your baby. Don’t ever worry about what others think of your choices. No mother is perfect no matter how hard they may try to be. Just remember that what works for one doesn’t always work for another.
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Comment by Elizabeth on Apr 09 2010 05:53:33:
Thank you so much for this article. You bring up several valid points. I am a mom of two boys, ages 2 & 3. My oldest son had to have a bottle while I was still in the operating room shortly after his birth. I tried endlessly to breastfeed after that but it just didn’t work for us. We had a lactation consultant visit us in the hospital and at home and tried for nearly a month. We were both very stressed and forcing it any further wouldn’t have helped us. I was producing a lot of milk, so for over 3 mo. my son received breastmilk for nearly 3/4 of his nutrition. With my second son, he was eager to latch on and nurse but my milk supply was significantly less and I was not able to give him as much as he needed, thus having to supplement. I think breastfeeding is great, but I know so many moms who have been made to feel like less of a mom if they are not able to or choose not to nurse. Thanks for helping people realize that it is ok!
Comment by FrugalMom on Apr 12 2010 01:23:04:
I so agree on the two weeks, and yes breast feeding can be tough, especially for a first time mother. In the end the benefits are priceless though.
Comment by MommyMusings on Apr 12 2010 02:21:00:
It took me a good 3 MONTHS before breastfeeding was not a stressful activity for both me and the baby. I had so much milk the I was able to pump and have others feed her from a bottle occasionally, which was helpful. Now she is 6 months old and refuses a bottle. I am her only source of milk. Not very comfortable with her little serrated teeth coming in but I am glad I stuck through it and we have this special time together.
Comment by Jen on Feb 14 2011 01:38:48:
Mandee, I just wanted you to know I enjoyed reading your bit on breastfeeding. My husband and I are expecting our first baby in 4 weeks and the anxiety is overwhelming most of the time with everything I’ve been thinking about from that to ‘do we have everything we need?’. I’m so so excited at the same time. I’m really looking forward to breastfeeding but the worrier in me is nervous that it won’t work out. I definitely won’t give up before two weeks, but are there any other tips you might have to offer with it? Did you ever seek a lactation consultant? If not or if so, what is your opinion on such?
I’m always happy to hear advice from other experienced mothers too!