0to5 - Breastfeeding, it saves washing up!
One thing that happens when you are pregnant is that breasts seem to take
on a huge significance. Everyone seems to have an opinion on whether you
should breastfeed or not, and they don't hesitate to tell you that you
should do it their way...
- Breast is best they say - bonding with baby, essential antibodies,
and that's not to mention all the
chemicals and contaminants that are in formula, plastic baby bottles
etc. It's almost a religious zeal.
- Bottlefeeding is favoured by
others - it means that others can give baby a bottle and get
some bonding, it frees the mother up so she can leave the baby to work
or whatever. No mastitis, sore nipples, leaky breasts, expressing
milk and so on.
Maybe they are both good arguments but, to me, there is one overwhelming
argument.
Average 6 bottles per day x 180days = 1080 bottles - at least!
That's over a thousand bottles to wash in just the first 6 months.
Why would you?
Having said that, it not always so easy. Here are some tips to get
you through, or to help you support a breastfeeding mother.
- Get used to the idea that the primary purpose of breasts is for
feeding babies. Do this while you are still pregnant.
- It is essential to relax or the milk just doesn't flow. So, make
sure that you are comfortable in your surroundings and with people you
like. If someone is annoying you, ask them to leave you alone so you can
feed the baby. If the milk won't come, take a deep breath, look down at
the baby at your breast and sigh deeply - works wonders.
- Wear clothes that make it easy to feed and provide you with the
cover you need when you are out. You can get specially design tops, some
of your maternity clothing will suit, and so do many large loose
t-shirts and tops.
- If you want to breastfeed but your friends and family are not
supportive, learn to ignore them. It's good practice for the years where
everybody thinks they know more than you about how you should bring your children up.
Information on Breastfeeding
- Australian Breastfeeding Association
(formerly Nursing mothers)
- CAPERS
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