Four Things I Learned From Breastfeeding

One of the best experiences of my life has been breastfeeding my daughter. Even if it's just for a little while, I think every woman should embrace the opportunity to nourish her child with her body. The truth is in the beginning, breastfeeding was very painful for me. While I was pregnant I did tons of research on the proper latch and watched YouTube videos. With that being  said it still hurt the first few weeks even though Leia had a perfect latch. I scabbed up and bled. The best remedy I found for sore nipples was applying breastmilk to myself after each feeding and letting myself air dry. Coconut oil also works great too, but breastmilk is like a healing solution. You can even use it when your little one gets a rash or eye infection.

All throughout my breastfeeding journey I have been concerned about my supply. Being a new mother, it is natural to wonder if your body is producing enough breastmilk. One thing I have learned is that our bodies were made to do this. Our bodies monitor milk supply and create more when it is demanded. If the milk isn't demanded it will not increase.

The first two weeks are crucial. In the beginning you only produce a small amount of Colostrum, which is enough to feed your newborn's small stomach. Some mothers fear that is not enough milk to nourish their baby so they supplement with formula right away. This tells your body NOT to increase your milk because nothing is being demanded of it. If instead one were to continue to offer the breast, if the baby has no biological or physical anatomical  issues, then milk supply should increase. 

When I first started breastfeeding I had Leia on me every hour. As one friend told me, "When in doubt, whip it out". That's exactly what I did. Be confident in your body and trust your baby. They are born already knowing how to suck. They just need practice and encouragement. Once you both get the hang out it, breastfeeding will be the easiest thing you ever did.

Once I became accustomed to breastfeeding, the release of oxytocin made the experience wonderful. I have an incredibly close bond with my daughter. To feed your child with your own body is very empowering. It has increased my confidence as a mother. 

There are many "perks" to breastfeeding. 

1. It's FREE! The only penny spent on breastfeeding is for a breast pump, but I have done mostly exclusive breastfeeding with my daughter. It's just easier on both of us. 

2. Feeding can be done anytime, anyplace without bottles. That means less things to carry in the diaper bag and less cleaning. When I say any place I mean ANY place: Walmart, the beach, the park, the grocery store, and even hiking. Once I got past the stares of feeding in public I no longer cared. I'll feed my baby whenever she needs it. A cover isn't always convenient especially if you have a squirmy baby. I prefer the less stress route. Having to worry about other people isn't my problem. My job is to nourish my child and I do it with the least amount of stress possible. 

Now the most embarrassing thing now is when Leia starts to rip off my shirt and shove her face in my chest...haha.

3. Breastmilk gives your child optimum nutrition. Getting through the pain in the beginning was worth it. Sometimes the only thing that kept me going was focusing on giving my baby the best nutrition. In the beginning I thought I would only last 3 months, but then I passed that and thought, if I can just make it until 6 months and now I have passed 8 months. To anyone woman who plans to breastfeed I would recommend not making any claims of how long you are going to do it for. Don't get hung up on the details. Just do your best and give your baby your best for as long as you can. It will pay off in the long run. Breastfeeding babies do not get sick as often. Breastfeeding sets the foundation for your child's health. Breastfed babies are also less likely to develop heart disease, obesity and other diseases than have become common in the U.S. 

4. Not only does breastfeeding offer optimum nutrition, it's a great bonding activity. Sometimes the only time Leia will relax and cuddle is when she is feeding. Those moments I spend with her looking into my eyes are priceless. 

As Leia is breastfeeding less and less, I learn to cherish these moments. I hope many other women can come to trust their bodies and experience the miracle of breastfeeding.










 

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