It is said that breastfeeding immediately after birth is the best way for a newborn to get enough nutrition for the infant’s brain and body. This topic became so important to me while I was pregnant with my child and I was determined to breastfeed my child immediately after having her, however on the day she was born and the week after she did not latch. I became frustrated because I had to result in bottle feeding her formula the first two days and (it may have been part of post-partum depression kicking in) but I cried. I knew she was getting nutrition from another source but I wanted her nutrition to come from my milk because it contains many nutrients that formula does not have. Thinking back from attending the parenting classes and watching the videos of mothers breastfeeding their babies and reading pamphlet after pamphlet on the “Benefits of Breastfeeding” I just cried because I felt the bonding between mother and child was not going to happen. The one way I kind of still “breastfed” her, was pumping the milk and bottle feeding it to her. It eased the pain of knowing she was getting her nutrition from me one way or another. The nurses told me to keep trying. Then finally a breakthrough! After two weeks of trying she finally latched. I was so happy I couldn’t believe it. The downside of this situation is that I had to do a mixed feeding (formula and breast milk) for a while because of the timing and amount of milk she would drink and how much I would produce.
I decided to research breastfeeding in the country of the Philippines and found a link to explain a change in “pro-breastfeeding laws” in the countries government. I was unaware that midwifes created an alliance to communicate around the world about child nutrition.
Retrieved November 6, 2011
Here is another link to unicef.org listing data on the benefits of breastfeeding in the Philippines and other tabs explaining breast feeding benefits.
Retrieved November 12, 2011
This information impact my future work by maybe giving mothers an “intervention” should their newborn not latch right away. To encourage them to keep trying until they see progress. (Of course the choice is up to the mother) Breast feeding is important for a developing child. As a new mother breastfeeding at first looked easy and I assumed my baby would latch right away. I know that day I felt I was the only mother that experienced this situation but should I decided to have another child I’m prepared and I would hope to prepare those who may experience the same situation.
5 comments:
Breastfeeding is such a personal decision. For me, my genetics doctor told me not to breast feed since some of my asthma medications would be passed along to my daughter. I don't know if I would have anyway. That was twenty five years ago and so much information has come out since then about the benefits of breastfeeding. If I were to have a baby now I definitely would attempt it.
When I had my first child I was completey against breastfeeding (then again I was only 16). I did not understand the importance of breastfeeding. Once I had my last child, he kept trying to latch on to my breast. I did not want to breast feed but I did for a little. Once the doctor began to give me pain meds. I stopped because I did not want him getting the medicine. The main reason I was agianst breastfeeding is because I did not eat right myself so therefore I did not see any way my sons would have benenfited from my breastmilk. Question: Will doing your researach did it say if a mother should still breastfeed even if she does not eat properly or take care of herself properly
Yes, according to kidshealth.org mothers who decide to breast feed should consult with their doctor to determine the appropriate diet for mom and baby. If any medical situations arise formula feeding works just as well. I agree it is a personal decision for me I was not taking any harmful medications and I watched some of what I ate when she breast feed for a short period of time.
Ms. Jay,
What an interesting post. I don't have children so I cannot relate to this topic on a personal level, but I do find it interesting to listen to others who have had children and why or why not they breasfeed. My sister breastfed with both of my nieces and I believe my mother did with my sisters and I. I suppose that it is something that is natural. However, when taking this into account such as medical situations and a woman's ability to produce milk. I do think that it's beneficial for the child and it is important for a child to get all of the nutrients.
This is an excellent article on breastfeeding. I think that more mothers should breatfeed. It is healthier and encourages child growth.
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