Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding:

• Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development.
•  Breastfeeding also benefits mothers. The practice when done exclusively is associated with a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control
•  Beyond the immediate benefits for children, breastfeeding contributes to a lifetime of good health.  There is evidence that people who were breastfed perform better in intelligence tests.
•  Globally less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Adequate breastfeeding support for mothers and families could save many young lives.

 

 

Photo credit goes to Brooklyn

When I was pregnant with Brooklyn my plan was to Breastfeed her.  I was told how difficult it could be so i made sure i was prepared with reading up on tips and techniques. When  she entered this world i was not able to hold her until hours after she was born. (You should offer the breast at least an hour after the child is born)  When we tried to get her to latch, she refused. I clearly remember how frustrated and upset i was in the hospital.  I think the nurses could tell, cause i had a nurse in my room with me every time Brooklyn was ready to eat.  We used to many methods and the hospitals solution was to use the SNS method.  Being naive and inexperienced we tried the sns.  I remember hardly sleeping both those nights in the hospital, because i was spending every second i had with a nurse and Brooklyn trying to get her to latch on.  We saw the lactation consulate the day we left and she basically said keep using the SNS and Brooklyn will eventually stimulate the nipple and latch on. We went home happy to bring our little girl home with us, but in the inside i was upset that as a mother i was not able to do such a natural thing and it was just a start of being a failure as a mother.  I tried many hours and get Brooklyn to nurse.  And to keep her from starving i made sure i scrapped some colostrum out of the nipple shield and gave it to her. Finally i think i this was a little over a day of bring home. And many episodes of Brooklyn and I crying due to frustration.   I called  my mom and she could hear the hurt in my voice, she said "Give her a bottle, she will be okay.  It's not the end of the world, keep trying and if she wont latch on its OKAY."  I gave Brooklyn a bottle that day and even though my heart hurt cause i wasn't able to do something i longed to do; i felt happy that Brooklyn was getting what she needed (milk) and seemed happy.  Weeks and months later, Brooklyn was still not able to latch on and my milk was never "full" i tried to keep it up with pumping but it eventually dried up. 

   When we found out we were pregnant with Bentley,  all those fears and emotions came back to me about breastfeeding.  I was determined that he was going to breastfeed. I read the same books and i think i learned tips with Brooklyn.  So when Bentley was born thank goodness i was able to hold him right away.  We were bonded instantly.  I offered the breast within the first hour and he latched on....for a few seconds, then fell asleep.  The only issue we had with Bentley and eating at the hospital was, he was considered a sleepy baby. The pediatrician on had was nervous to let him go home with us, because he wasn't eating enough or staying latched on.  But i felt confident that he would be fine.  We were able to leave the hospital 24 hours after delivery with promised we would go to a weight check the next day and days to follow.  
  
  I think Heavenly Father knew how much it would break my heart of Bentley was not able to nurse so i am glad he was able to give Bentley the willingness and me the desire and determination again.  Many people think, it's just breastfeeding and if he doesn't do it then you can give him formula, and yes your correct.  But i have always felt strongly about Breastfeeding and this time around i am glad i was able to experience it.  Every time i sit down and feed Bentley it reminds me to take life slow.  I am glad i am able to spend those times together cuddling him and treasuring those moments.