Both of my children have been exclusively breastfed. I nursed my oldest daughter for a year, and my 14-month-old daughter is still nursing. I’m fortunate because I’ve been blessed with a supportive husband and family who’ve helped make my breastfeeding experiences positive. I’m very thankful for that.
I breastfeed for many reasons:
1) First and foremost, I breastfeed because breast milk is the perfect food for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months of life, and ideally for the first year. Human milk contains just the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids for human digestion, brain development, and growth. Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses because human milk contains the mother’s antibodies to disease. Babies are never allergic to their mother’s milk, although they may have a reaction to something the mother eats. If she eliminates it from her diet, the problem resolves itself. I’ve never had this problem, and both of my children have always been extremely healthy.
2) Nursing has psychological benefits for children (and their mothers!) At birth, babies can see only 12 to 15 inches, the distance between a nursing baby and its mother’s face. Studies have found that babies as young as 1 week prefer the smell of their own mother’s milk. When nursing pads soaked with breast milk are placed in their cribs, they turn their faces toward the one that smells familiar.
Many psychologists believe that a nursing baby feels a sense of security from the warmth and presence of the mother, especially when there is skin-to-skin contact during feeding. Nursing becomes a source of warmth and comfort, in addition to food. I personally find rocking and nursing my baby to be one of the most relaxing and comforting parts of the day. It forces me to stop, rest, and enjoy the moment with my child.
3) It’s convenient. Human milk straight from the breast is always sterile. There are no bottles to sterilize and no formula to buy, measure and mix. It’s always the perfect temperature, and always ready when my baby is.
4) It’s free. I purchased only one can of formula when my oldest was a baby, and we never even used it up. There are, however, some expenses associated with nursing.
-A breast pump. I purchased an Avent ISIS manual pump so that I could express and freeze extra milk. I froze my milk in breastmilk storage bags (free samples) and regular Ziploc quart size freezer bags. The pump came with two bottles and nipples, and I was given a couple more at my baby shower. I loved this pump, and used it with both of my children.
- Nursing pads. You may need these if you’re like me, and have leakage problems due to an abundant milk supply. Lansinoh nursing pads were hands down the best for me, because they’re extremely absorbent. I only used these during the early months of breastfeeding. Once supply and demand were regulated, I no longer had problems with leaks.
-Nursing bras. I bought three of these on sale for about $20 each. I wash them regularly with a small amount of bleach, and they have held up well through two babies.
Breastfeeding has been a wonderful bonding experience for me and my children. I realize that there are some women who are physically unable to breastfeed, and I’m not in any way criticizing them. However, most of the women I’ve met who are opposed to breastfeeding have other reasons. They don’t want to be “tied down,” they’re uncomfortable handling their breasts because they view them in a sexual way, they worry about modesty, they think that breastfeeding will hurt, their husband or other family member doesn’t want them to, etc. My opinion is that a woman’s breasts are God’s perfect provision for the feeding of her baby. Most concerns and problems can be overcome with a little guidance and support.
For breastfeeding help and information, visit La Leche League.
