I could write about the benefits of breastfeeding but I will try not be biased! For this reason, I will provide creditable articles and websites. I have met a few mothers who could not breastfeed for several reasons: her body would not make milk for no known reasons or the baby’s mouth was deformed – please respect. It is as if it is not happening in nature for her. It is similar with someone who has lost hearing or sense of smell for no known reasons. It is not her fault – heck, it is nobody’s fault!
The mothers can always do her best in effort to have best prenatal and postnatal care possible. Just an FYI, there are programs available that can help with expecting mothers. Please allow me to provide some ideas for you to find in your area: county health departments, church or community organization, Women and Infant and Child (WIC) program (website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic), local hospital, and more!
This blog is for mom or mom-to-be who wants to learn more about breastfeeding and the benefits. I have seen a forum once in the past – about 7 years ago that they have an organization where mom could donate breast milk and the organization can give breast milk to babies. I believe it was through the le leche league.
Below are the pros and cons about breastfeeding of my own. Here is the link of pros and cons on WebMD. I hope you as a mother could tackle down any barriers you may face about breastfeeding as it has benefits for you and your baby. Do not feel embarrassed to ask for any help if needed! I am glad I did!
Pros:
- Immune system
- Intelligence
- Mother/child bond
- Money saver
- Mother can lose weight
- Uterus returns to original size faster
- Good excuse to sit down and do whatever you want to do such as watching a favorite TV or movie while breastfeeding
- Baby gets less illness
- Takes time to thaw the frozen breast milk since it cannot be microwaved for health risk reasons
- Storing the breast milk and keeping it cold
- Patience
- Breastfeeding cannot be on the go (I admit I am always on the go. However, let’s take this to a positive side, it is a good excuse to slow down your life!)
Speaking of breastfeeding challenges, I recall frustrations with breastfeeding my babies on the first day. I think the lactation nurse is a huge help with the mother’s breastfeeding challenges. If you experience frustration still after meeting a lactation nurse at a hospital or clinic, try to see if you could see a different lactation nurse. You could also try your child pediatrician’s lactation nurse. Do not give up! Do not forget WIC and/or the le leche league! They might have some referrals. They also have wonderful resources on breastfeeding and breastfeeding supplies. Some areas have Moms Club where mothers can connect with the other mother for support.
Mothers can still breastfeed while working full time by using the pump. For information about the pump at work, click here. I used to work full time at a large corporation and they had a lactation room, which was really nice. Not many places have a lactation room, but the good news, they are required to allow you to pump if they employ more than 50 employees. Go to the above link and learn more about the law of breastfeeding and pumping at work and in public. Here is the state of Oregon:
Oregon Rev. Statue ruling in Oregon
| Or. Rev. Stat. § 109.001
(1999) allows a woman to breastfeed in a public place. (SB 744) Or. Rev. Stat. § 10.050 (1999) excuses a woman from acting as a juror if the woman is breastfeeding a child. A request from the woman must be made in writing. (SB 1304) Or. Rev. Stat. § 653.075, § 653.077 and § 653.256 (2007) allow women to have unpaid 30-minute breaks during each four-hour shift to breastfeed or pump. Allows certain exemptions for employers. (HB 2372) |
Again, WIC, le leche league, lactation nurse, and breast pump manufacturers are wonderful places to go to and learn about breast pump and storage system. The most popular brand is Medala. Do not buy used equipment due to health concerns. WIC will be able to guide you through the rental process with them. More and more mothers are breastfeeding their children and the article explain here.
Breast milk is the baby's best food in the whole wide world! Bottle/formula is good, too! I admit, sometimes I like formula because with it, the baby gets full quick.
Happy Feeding – breast milk or bottle!
~Rebecca
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