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  2.71 (Worth a try) from 78 votes (1257 Visits) |
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Breastfeeding(revised) - Why you should do it |
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by tlex  (August 2007) (rank 500+) |
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First of all I would like to point out the numerous benefits of breast feeding for your child and yourself.
For Yourself:
- Immediately after child birth, breastfeeding helps contract the uterus back to it's normal size and reduces bleeding, therefore resulting in a smaller tummy and eventually returning to the normal size before the pregnancy. (Although, this can only be achieved with exercising as well. In some cases, some women who are very small exercise rarely and their stomache returns to normal).
- It delays your ovulation which can increase the time between pregnancies.
- It is way more convienient and easier than formula feeding because it does not require preparing the formula and warming it up, where as the breastmilk is just there.
- Helps keep your bones strong and prevent against oteoporosis.
- It reduces the risk of cancer in the breasts and ovaries.
- The skin contact and bond with your child is probably thebest benefit of all.
- You save a TON of money. Formula is very expensive where as breastmlik is free.
For Your Baby:
- Formula increases your baby's risk for allergies and diseases such as diabetes, Chron's disease, ulcerative colitis and lymphoma.
- Babies who are breastfed have less of a chance of dieing from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
- Babies who are not breast fed tend to be more colicky and experience symptoms such as crying, gas and constipation.
- Formula can even lead to ear, lung, bowel and urinary tract infections.
My Experience with Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding can be difficult and a lot of new mothers who have never done it before or have had difficulty with it, will easily give up rather than persist. It is hard. As a breastfeeding mother, I know personally that it can be very difficult. But, I know how good it is for my son and I kept at it. In the hospital, when he was born, it was very tough and I was struggling because my breasts and nipples hurt SO bad! I thought I was doing something wrong and I was stubborn and didn't tell the nurses it hurt. Then I almost gave up. My baby was losing weight rapidly, even though he was born 8 pounds 9 ounces he was down to 8 pounds in 3 days! And, if they lost more than 10 % of their birthweight, it's not good. So, I switched to the formula one time because I had barely any milk, my breasts were so sore and it hurt to feed but I wanted to do it sooo bad. My baby got all the colestrum, which is the first of your milk in the first 3 days which is the best for your child. If he or she gets the colestrum, it can protect against allergies, diseases, and cancer and alz heimers later on in life. But anyways, I almost gave up. Then I found out my milk wasn't supposed to come in til day 3 or maybe more! Finally the 3rd night I was there my breasts started leaking like crazy and my milk started coming in like cream. I had no difficulties with my son latching on, but the pain was the difficult part. But, I pursued and I am still breast feeding to this day. It is very hard at first and even later on. At first, sometimes he or she won't latch or get enough or even overeat. Even later on, he or she may become distracted and look away and stop eating. But no matter what, persist and continue breastfeeding. If you're to the point where your nipples are falling off lol, well then I guess you should see a doctor. But do NOT give up! Breast milk is the BEST! It cannot be argued. Even if your milk isn't coming in as much as you'd like it to, keep feeding. Because, the constant sucking motion will help your milk flow and stimulate it's production!
What I think about women who choose not to breastfeed
Well apparently I can't express my opinion on what I think about women who don't breastfeed because last time my article was disabled. Watever.
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Any contributed content above is the subjective opinion of that member or external author, and not of Minti.com Pty Ltd. If you are searching for health related advice we strongly suggest you seek professional medical support. View our Terms of Service for more details.
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| ADVICE RATING |
2.71 (Worth a try) from 78 votes |
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Re: Breastfeeding(revised) - Why you should do it
Hi Danni.
You asked why they would still sell formula if it causes such bad illnesses. The reason they do is that it is still the best alternative when a mother can't breastfeed or no other donor breastmilk is available. The alternatives are giving the baby watered down milk or evaporated milk which cause even more problems than formula or even worse letting a baby starve to death.
Formula companies make a lot of money from selling their product so be careful of any information that you get from them about breastfeeding. It is actually in their best interests for mothers not to be able to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding can be easy for some people but others of us have to work at it. I really wish that I had found out more information about "how" to breastfeed before my daughter was born. I knew why I wanted to do it but I hadn't really looked at information on how to breastfeed. The ABA Australian Breastfeeding Association has lots of information on their website and they have free email and phone counselling 24 hours a day to help mothers. They also have a forum you may like to check out too.
If you are interested in more information on the risks of formula (also known as artificial baby milk (abm) in some articles) have a look at these articles
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cheers
Kim
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Re: Breastfeeding(revised) - Why you should do it
Okay, I didn't read the unrevised version, but from what I've heard this is a bit better.
Please be aware that not all mothers can breastfeed, and some can't do it for genuine medical reasons. I breastfed mine until they weaned themselves and never had any problems. But I will not judge any other mother for her choice as I may not know all the circumstances behind that choice. Many women just never recieve the adequate learning and support. Breastfeeding DOES NOT come naturally, it is something that does need to be taught. If you feel so strongly about it, join the breastfeeding association and provide that support to mothers by teaching them how to do it.
As for why I chose to breastfeed, it was simple really. Bugger all the health reasons, I'm too lazy to wash and sterilize bottles and stuff, don't have the temperament to tolerate a screaming baby while I make and heat up formula, and I'm a lousy planner and I tend to forget to take things with me if I go out, and as it's totally portable and available 24/7 I don't have to worry about making sure I remember to carry supplies with me everywhere incase I don't make it home in time! See, being a breastfeeding mother doesn't necessarily mean you're a good mother, it can mean you're a lazy, impatient, forgetful poor time manager like me! LOL
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Breastfed babies also get colic
Why are some babies colicky?
Colic is one of the great mysteries of baby life. About 20 percent of babies become colicky. The condition is equally common among firstborn and later-born, boys and girls, breastfed and formula-fed. No one knows why some babies are more prone to it than others, but theories abound. And there may well be more than one cause.
Your baby may have colic because his digestive system is a bit immature or sensitive. (In fact, the word colic comes from a Greek word, kolikos, which roughly translates to "colon.") A newborn's digestive tract contains very few of the enzymes and digestive juices needed to break down food, so processing the proteins in breast milk or formula can lead to painful gas.
Breastfeeding may lower your baby's risk of SIDS?????
There's no conclusive evidence that breastfeeding reduces your baby's risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) per se. Some studies have found a link between lowered rates of SIDS while others have not.
my first child ( rest in peace ) was a breast fed baby she passed away
I breastfed twins and pumped my milk for another mother for 6 months i was in deed blessed with milk .
they also had asthma and are slow learners still to this day. so breastfeeding didnt help with any of their development and health problems at all .
last child hes two and a half now i was only able to breastfeed for 3 months arround about
hes has a photographic memory and is advanced in his years my milk dryed up fast no matter what i tried and i did try everything .so he was bottled fed after that .he had less breast milk then the twins
so my point is
we all love our babies and children and we as parents do our utmost to protect them nurture them and keep them safe healthy and happy , no one should ever be judged this way or belittled like this .we all have a story to tell .
its in no way an easy job and all parents should be supported in any way we can be there for eachother .whatever the situation is .what works for one may not work for another .thats why this site is soo good as it is very helpful to many in differnt ways . the more experience ( real life experiences) we go through the better off we might be able to help another but in no way put another mother or father down .as you may also need someones advice at some stage ,, we all go through trials an errors that how we grow as a mother father , doing what we can for our children loveing them and protecting them is what makes us all great parents .
does breast or bottle make either parents the better parent No i think not .
Its not that one can't express their oppion its the content of the writing that is a concern
and the constant sucking motion will help your milk flow and stimulate it's production.. that didnt work for me and i even painfuly did this through getting mastitis.
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Re: Breastfeeding(revised) - Why you should do it
You had a great article with great advice but you ended it so harshly
This is not what Minti is about, making other Mums feel bad if we don't meet a certain standard set by other Mums
You are a perfect Mum for your child, we are all equally perfect Mums for our children
Your closing sentence comes over very hostile
I have 4 children, all breastfed except I had to stop early with my daughter after only a few weeks as she refused to breast feed, I went through a huge amount of guilt and failure at the time and if I had seen your article and opinion, it could have sent me over the edge of believing i really was a rubbish mother.
I am so pleased for you that you are getting such pleasure out of breast feeding, when it works well it is a fantastic experience but for the Mums who for their own reasons cannot do this
Only a malicious, self centred person would want them to feel bad, and I'm sure you aren't that, you are just a new Mum enjoying breastfeeding, good for you, thats fantastic
But please don't make others feel bad just because it works well for you, your 2nd child may reject you feeding them and I wouldn't wish that on any mother.
Welcome to Minti, this is a site that promotes parenting life skills to all, you are entitled to your opinion on anything, although if it is a strong opinion you should put it only in your blog. Just remember that your opinion is your entitlement however others are also entitled to theirs. Forcing your opinion on others is the line that no one should cross
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Re: Breastfeeding(revised) - Why you should do it
Hi
Vote rather than attack. This will send a stronger message
- Formula increases your baby's risk for allergies and diseases such as diabetes, Chron's disease, ulcerative colitis and lymphoma.
One thing I will say from experience is
I was breastfed and so were the rest of my brothers and sisters All have allergies I have diabetes and my nephew who was also exclusively breastfed has Chrons disease another one has ulcerative colitis all with a long history of breast feeding
My nana was breast fed and she died as a alzheimer patient
Your comment
Immediately after child birth, breastfeeding helps contract the uterus back to it's normal size and reduces bleeding, therefore resulting in a smaller tummy and eventually returning to the normal size before the pregnancy. (Although, this can only be achieved with exercising as well. In some cases, some women who are very small exercise rarely and their stomache returns to normal).
Note the word exercise.... i can lose weight with all weight loss programs providing i follow a EXERCISE program as well
- Babies who are not breast fed tend to be more colicky and experience symptoms such as crying, gas and constipation.
breast feeding does not make a difference to the rates of this and i would like you to show me a study that is conclusive with the statements you have chosen to write
- Formula can even lead to ear, lung, bowel and urinary tract infections.
Damn is this why my daughter has Cystic Fibrosis and a lot of lung and bowel problems
Heck i tried breastfeeding her and it was agreed in consultation with her paediatrician not to keep breast feeding and she more than likely would never latch on as she was what is known as a lazy suck....funniest thing is with this one i actually wanted to breast feed and nature took it away.
- You save a TON of money. Formula is very expensive where as breastmlik is free.
Excellent point. This one is so true full marks for it....
The skin contact and bond with your child is probably thebest benefit of all.
Hmm wondering what that was when i fed my baby in my arms often against my naked breast in the hope that maybe just maybe she might smell the milk and latch on.
One advantage here is Jalan even got to cuddle up to her dad and bond with him as well while she fed instead of being a exclusive bond with just me
Makes me wonder what babies that lose their mum while she gives birth to them do for the bonding process
Your experience with breast feeding is excellent and I only wish i was as strong as you to not be able to give up
But I am one of these people who don't like pain. Mastitis in both breasts with my first child. Blood in may babies mouth with me bleeding so much
High temps becuase of the infection Needles in the back side for the infection and on a whole range of tablets all not good for my baby mind you.
Hmmm do i be strong and stay breastfeeding or do i stop???
I know which way i went
Second child
Mum has heart attack when baby is 4 days old Practically living at the hospital. Seperate from partner due to him being verbally abusive over first baby wanting ice cream and him wanting her to go to bed.
Choice sink into depression and breastfeed or put baby on bottle and spend time with my mum and sorting my life out
Baby left with relations while visiting mum... babies not allowed in the ICU at all
Hmmm no time for expressing...hell im not a cow for milking
Do i judge people that can or can't breast feed...no life is too short
More important things in life to worry about
Hugs to all
I give you a 3 for the article as it is well written.
Get some more facts to back up statements then i may change my vote
Luv Deb
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Re: Breastfeeding(revised) - Why you should do it
i agree with you that breast is best ....
BUT ....
i am only telling you this so that you can understand that there are some mums out there that just can't and it shouldn't matter what the reason, they need the support just as much as the breastfeeding mums
the mothers out there that can't breastfeed for their own personal reasons shouldn't be made to feel like they have failed as a mother, and shouldn't be made to feel like they need to hide the fact that they bottle feed, we all have our own opinions and that is great but there is also a time and a place for them.
i personally couldn't feed my son who was born 2 1/2 months preemie - i was given a choice by a group of doctors that told me that if continue to breast feed my son he would just get sicker and sicker, they tested my milk and did all other kinds of test to get to the bottom of it, and yes it was my milk so i had to stop, i cried for days and felt like i had failed him
i was made to feel by a lactate consultant that i was giving up to easily and wouldn't except that the doctors had told me to do it, for months like some of the other mums i would cry cause i felt that i was missing out on something but i have expreince breastfeeding if it was for such a short time i know looking back and thinking about it i don't feel like that anymore ... because i have the closest bond with my son and i and even proud to say
I BOTTLE FEED
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Re: Breastfeeding(revised) - Why you should do it
Hi there, You will find there are some topics on Minti that cause a great deal of debate. Breastfeeding is one of them. And if something inflames the majority, it will be removed. That doesn't mean you can't voice your opinion. The purpose of Minti is to provide advice to others in need, not stand on a soap box and scream out to the world what you think is right. If you choose to share your opinion, do so in your blog...it is a better forum. Or, if you like a bit of debate, try the contoversial issues group.
I totally agree that breast is best...in most situations. Like Lui said, there are numerous reasons a woman doesn't breastfeed. This can be because they simply cannot or because of choice. But either way, it is none of your business and passing judgement is wrong. I have 2 friends who were unable to breastfeed. The first one was because her little girl was premature and unable to breastfeed initially and then rejected the breast. But my girlfriend was determined to breastfeed and she pumped for 4-5 months to give her baby breastmilk until she just was unable to produce any more milk. The other one just simply didn't produce enough milk. She persisted, her daughter lost weight, in fact, she even went on medication to help with her milk production, but that can be done for only so long. Eventually, they both went onto formula and are happy healthy and weight gaining babies.
Good job on writing your first advice so soon after joining. Keep 'em coming!
Angela
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Please read this before you post a comment...
OK lets get some perspective...
This is a brand new member, she is obviously very opinionated - which can be a good thing when directed appropriately. I doubt she is fully aware of what Minti is about, and how her article could be deemed so offensive.
This is her reasonably uneducated opinion (this is just general common knowledge, without back up from any scientific research or links), it should really have been blogged.
She isn't personally attacking any of you lovely ladies per say; she hasn't had the benefit of your life experience and knowledge to help educate her and allow her to understand that there are many reasons that some mum's choose not to breastfeed. Give this new member the benefit of your maturity and life experience by giving her a chance to understand that Minti is a place to come for guidance and assistance, and that although her opinion is entirely her own choice, it doesn't amount to advice. This will help her to be a better person - it may save her getting abuse in real life too.
I suggest you guys take a breath, and let her know in a constructive manner that you are upset. Explain why, and give her a chance to understand you, edit her advice or move it to a blog, and move on. YOU know you are great mum's and you know the reasons behind your choices - you don't need to explain yourself, or feel attacked by anyone. How you respond to something is your choice, you can create a positive from any situation if you choose to - use this is a way to educate all new members about how these things should be handled without malice or reacting with personal attacks.
OK, I have emailed this new member, her name is Lexy, and she isn't even online... I think we should all wait for her to have an opportunity to check all the feedback, and read her various emails, and respond.
Until then, I think that any heated debate on this matter is unnecessary, and merely adding salt to old wounds from previous battles in regard to this topic. Remember that she wasn't here then, and it is all ancient history.
All Mum's should be given an opportunity to understand the views of other's, learn from their experiences, and have support and understanding.
That's me bowing out of this one - have a great day ladies, you owe it to yourselves! If you decide to flame this situation and create a firestorm, be prepared for the fallout. In my experience thus far with Minti, those that fan the fire don't usually get away without being burned themselves.
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Re: Breastfeeding(revised) - Why you should do it
It is great that you are an advocate for breastfeeding, and you provide some valid points. I am also glad that you can't express your opinion about women who can't breastfeed. The purpose of this site is to provide a collaborative of information in regard to all family matters, and it is meant to be a place that people can turn to for guidance and support.
Breast is best is a lovely catch phrase - however it is NOT the be all and end all of nurturing and caring for your baby. Those that can breast feed tend to do so, and those that don't do so for many and varied reasons, that are really nobody elses business. I note you don't provide conclusive scientific evidence that formula feed babies are at increased risk to the conditions that you mentioned above... That is because there isn't any, it is just general opinion.
While I think it is great to promote the benefits of breastfeeding, I whole heartedly disapprove of any efforts to estrange or judge people that don't. It is great that you managed to persevere and be successful, thank you for sharing your experience, and although you didn't finish with your opinion, the way you have written this article makes it quite clear, your blog is the place for your opinion.
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Re: Breastfeeding(revised) - Why you should do it
it is a very good artcle, i'm pro breastfeeding absolutely, but you cand make judgement on everyone. it think your right, that people who choose not to breastfeed purely because they think its gross, shameful, or whatever, i think its sad, more than anything, because it is a beautiful experience. But for ALOT of woman including myself, to give up breastfeeding, is not a choice we have. A little bit of compassion goes a long way. This time i give you five stars.
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Related keywords: breastfed, breastfeed, breastfeeding, breastmlik
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Amanda xxxx
