Aug 7, 20173 min read

To Breastfeed or Not to Breastfeed? That is the Question

World Breastfeeding Week is August 1st thru August 7th.

In honor of the closing of World Breastfeeding Week which was between the dates of 8/1/2017- 8/7/2017. I wanted to write a post that focused on breastfeeding.

You may be wondering what does this even mean? What is World Breastfeeding Week?

picture source :worldbreastfeedingweek.org

Does it mean all moms will band together to breastfeed as group in harmony? Will all moms who don’t breastfeed be judged and be required to breastfeed?

Nope, nothing like that. World Breastfeeding week is focused on awareness to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. The theme this year was : “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together. Everyone working together to promote and encourage breastfeeding for everyone

If you are pregnant, I’m almost 100% certain you have thought about how you plan to feed your baby so he/she has the nutrients they need to thrive.

To Breastfeed or Formula Feed is the Question?

Some mothers are unable to breastfeed, they do not want to or for any reason at all- sometimes it just does not happen. I follow the healthy mom/ healthy baby motto of doing things; and believe a fed and healthy baby is best; whichever way that is achieved. There are times when you are pregnant, in the postpartum period or even parenting day to day and the best made plans go awry; and that’s okay. It does not mean you have failed, please do not feel guilt; this is just an opportunity for you to choose another way to make it work.

You have to choose what works best for you and your baby-it is a personal choice and know that you are making the right choice for you and your little one. The main goal is every mother is happy and healthy and every baby is healthy and happy ; that there is no judgment towards any mother and her preferred choice.

With that being said in the spirit of World Breastfeeding Week, I want to talk about the “Liquid Gold” and how mom and baby can benefit from Breastfeeding.

The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologist (ACOG) states you should exclusively Breastfeeding your baby for 6 months.

Are you thinking?…….

What does my baby get from Breastfeeding?

According to ACOG,2016; Breastfeeding is best for your baby for the following reasons listed below:

It’s Miraculous

Breast milk has the right amount of fat, sugar, water, protein, and minerals needed for a baby’s growth and development. The amazing part of breastfeeding is as your baby grows, your breast milk changes to adapt to the baby’s changing nutritional needs.

Digestion:

Breast milk is easier on their little tummies. Babies are able to digest Breast milk easier than formula.

Breast milk has all the antibodies needed to protect infants from infections, allergies and illness. As ACOG stated; the longer your baby breastfeeds, the greater the health benefits.

Protection:

Breastfed infants have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Wellness for life:

Breast milk can help reduce the risk of many of the short-term and long-term health problems that preterm babies face.

Are you thinking?

So Breastfeeding helps baby- Does it help me?

Snapback!

Yes , breastfeeding can help you reach your pre pregnancy weight. Breastfeeding may make it easier to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy.

When you breastfeed, a hormone is released called oxytocin which causes the uterus to contract; this helps the uterus return to its normal size Breastfeeding triggers the release of a hormone called oxytocin that causes the uterus to contract. This helps the uterus return to its normal size more quickly and may decrease the amount of bleeding you have after giving birth.

Wellness for life:

Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Yes, there are many benefits with Breastfeeding.

It is amazing if you are able to breastfeed your baby exclusively for 6 months or any length of time. Its also amazing if you are formula feeding your baby. The main goal is your baby is healthy , fed, happy and healthy.