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Tips for defending your decision to breastfeed
So you want to breastfeed your baby but find yourself defending your decision against your mom, your mother in law, and/or other important family members or friends.
If this sounds familiar, this tip is for you. Firstly, do not feel alone. You share company with many other women who are deciding or have decided to breastfeed their baby.
In the 1940's and 1950's, breastfeeding was overtaken by formula feeding as the primary way mothers fed their babies. From those decades to the recent past, women were often told by friends, family, and health-care providers breast milk was not sufficient to sustain their babies. Formula, the product of science in an age increasingly dominated by a belief in the unquestioned superiority of science, became the norm. As a result, many mothers, grandmothers and friends today pass on to us their skepticism of breastfeeding. They are well-meaning and naturally concerned, but in their outdated and scientifically unsubstantiated beliefs they often present obstacles to successful breastfeeding.
So how do you overcome these obstacles? Consider using current scientific findings on breastfeeding which document the multitude of benefits to both mother and child. For example, modern research has proven that babies who are breastfed have significantly fewer ear infections, a reduced risk of Type I and Type II diabetes, as well as a reduced risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections. Benefits for the mother include, but are not limited to the reduced risk of significant post-partum bleeding, and a decreased risk of both ovarian and breast cancer . Psycho-socially, time spent breastfeeding provides mother and child an opportunity for bonding.
Economically speaking, breastfeeding allows a significant cost reduction. Weimer states “a minimum of $3.6 billion health care dollars would be saved if breastfeeding initiation rates increased from 64% of new mothers to 75% (which is the target for Healthy People 2010). So, in these times of economic budgeting, breastfeeding allows you to spend money on other items while helping provide the best nutrition for your baby. If appropriate, have your family member or friend attend a breastfeeding class and/or read current information which discuss many of the items listed above.
Having a new baby brings on many changes and discussing your desires with your loved ones can lessen issues after the baby is born.
Congratulations of your decision to breastfeed your new baby. You are setting the stage for the best health for you and your baby, for years to come!
By Linda Yandell Smith RN, MSN, IBCLC Co-author of Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom.
References:
If this sounds familiar, this tip is for you. Firstly, do not feel alone. You share company with many other women who are deciding or have decided to breastfeed their baby.
In the 1940's and 1950's, breastfeeding was overtaken by formula feeding as the primary way mothers fed their babies. From those decades to the recent past, women were often told by friends, family, and health-care providers breast milk was not sufficient to sustain their babies. Formula, the product of science in an age increasingly dominated by a belief in the unquestioned superiority of science, became the norm. As a result, many mothers, grandmothers and friends today pass on to us their skepticism of breastfeeding. They are well-meaning and naturally concerned, but in their outdated and scientifically unsubstantiated beliefs they often present obstacles to successful breastfeeding.
So how do you overcome these obstacles? Consider using current scientific findings on breastfeeding which document the multitude of benefits to both mother and child. For example, modern research has proven that babies who are breastfed have significantly fewer ear infections, a reduced risk of Type I and Type II diabetes, as well as a reduced risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections. Benefits for the mother include, but are not limited to the reduced risk of significant post-partum bleeding, and a decreased risk of both ovarian and breast cancer . Psycho-socially, time spent breastfeeding provides mother and child an opportunity for bonding.
Economically speaking, breastfeeding allows a significant cost reduction. Weimer states “a minimum of $3.6 billion health care dollars would be saved if breastfeeding initiation rates increased from 64% of new mothers to 75% (which is the target for Healthy People 2010). So, in these times of economic budgeting, breastfeeding allows you to spend money on other items while helping provide the best nutrition for your baby. If appropriate, have your family member or friend attend a breastfeeding class and/or read current information which discuss many of the items listed above.
Having a new baby brings on many changes and discussing your desires with your loved ones can lessen issues after the baby is born.
Congratulations of your decision to breastfeed your new baby. You are setting the stage for the best health for you and your baby, for years to come!
By Linda Yandell Smith RN, MSN, IBCLC Co-author of Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom.
References:
- AAP Policy Statement. Feb. 2005. Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pg 496
- AAP Policy Statement. Feb. 2005. Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pg 49
- Weimer, J.P. 2001. The Economic Benefits of Breastfeeding: A Review and Analysis.; Food Assistance and Nutrition Reports. U. S. Department of Agriculture.
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