Too much pressure to breastfeed and not enough support (The Breastfeeding Debate)

Member Name: lsajw

Product:	The Breastfeeding Debate
Date:	19/10/08 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The best milk for newborns and it's free!

Disadvantages: A lot of potential problems and women can feel pressured into doing it

I've just had my 2nd child and have had what I can only describe as a love hate relationship with breastfeeding. It is something that was so important to me as there is no doubt that it is the best milk for babies that there is as the human body (which is so amazing) creates it with exactly the right nutrients and antibodies for babies at their particular age. Unfortunately I found it hard to do with both my children.

My first baby used to suck really hard and I ended up with cracked and bleeding nipples which were so painful. I used to dread the feeds as I knew it would be incredibly painful. I somehow managed to feed her until 4.5 months but felt the pressure to do it for longer and so felt that I had failed my daughter somehow.

It wasn't as painful to feed my second daughter but she would only feed for 5 minutes before seeming to lose interest. So I ended up topping her up with formula meaning that she eventually starting to prefer the formula and my body quickly stopped making enough milk. I persevered until 2.5 months

I still beleive that breast milk is the best mlik you can give your baby but I also believe that formula these days is so good that I wouldn't hesitate to use it if I have a third baby. I think there is so much pressure on mothers to breastfeed these days but without any support to help them. I would advise any new mother not to beat themselves up if they are unable to breastfeed or choose not to.

Summary: The hardest thing I've ever had to do but the most rewarding!