Breastfeeding-Bestfeed ing (The Breastfeeding Debate)

Member Name: Kelly2719

Product:	The Breastfeeding Debate
Date:	18/02/09 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Free!! convenient, good for baby, benefits for mum, bonding, too many to list!

Disadvantages: not enough support readily available

Up until a year afo my view on breastfeeding was very different. I only breastfed my first son for a few weeks as i was a young mum and embarassed to feed in public so found it inconvenient. With my second son i breastfed for 8 weeks but had to stop as my son became seriously ill and it was the least of my worries! I had my daughter a year ago and stopped breastfeeding, her choice, when she was 11 months old. We did get off to a rocky start as she was born premature at 32 weeks and she was unable to feed for a while. During this time i expressed my milk using a pump and she was fed via a tube. From our first breastfeed she was a natural and latched on perfectly. We continued breastfeeding and only encountered a few problems. When my daughter was teething she would refuse to feed and cry at the breast, i just made sure i expressed plenty and she was having solids by then so she didnt go hungry. I think breastfeeding is an amazing bonding experience and i really miss it now.

Luckily my daughter was happy to take bottles so breastfeeding did not stop my husband and i going out as i would express and leave a bottle. I also did this occasionally so my husband and her brothers could feed her to give me a little break.

Breastfeeding is so convenient and i loved not having to sterilise and make up bottles all the time, giving you more time with your baby. It is great being able to go out without worrying about taking bottles and finding somewhere to heat them up as it is always on tap at the right temperature. I did not have a problem breastfeeding in public as it can be done discretely and there are usually places available to feed when out and about. I have never recieved any negative comments or looks only positive ones.

The main advantage of breastfeeding is the goodness you are giving your baby! Formula milk can not even come close to breastmilk as it contains things that cant be replicated. Breastmilk is tailored to meet your babies exact needs at that time and at that age and specifically for your baby.

I do understand that breastfeeding is not perfect for everyone and many people encounter problems but the main one is support! I would encourage women to find a support network, from other mums or health professionals. Breastfeeding counsellors are available all the time through the National Childbirth Trust and La Leche League who have websites and phonelines open 24 hours a day. Most areas have support groups set up for breastfeeding mums too.

I only stopped breastfeeding at 11 months as my daughter decided she no longer wanted too but i would of continued for longer as it was such a precious thing between us. I encourage all mums to give it a go, even if it dosent work out at least you have tried!

Summary: The most important thing for successful breastfeeding is a great support network and determination!!