WOW! Thats all I've got, never did I imagine so many 'extras'. WOW!
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I showed this list to some high school girls when doing a talk about breastfeeding. They were suitably impressed.
I believe that knowledge is power. Very much so. The more informed we are, the better our choices will be, and the more powerful we will be in our convictions.
That said - breastfeeding is not a lifestyle choice. Artifically feeding babies is not an equal option.
This is not my opinion - this is fact.
Breastfeeding is the biological normal way to feed babies AND toddlers. If child-led weaning is followed, the natural age of weaning varies, just as the natural age for walking, talking and other developmental miletones varies. It is still normal for a 7 year old to still wish to nurse. If you think about it, our 'milk teeth' don't start to come out until after 5 or 6 years old.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) outlines why breastfeeding is important Australian Breastfeeding Association - Why Breastfeeding is Important
Breastfeeding is also a learned skill. It requires encouragement and support.
The ABA is a great place to start learning about breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, they offer Breastfeeding Education Classes. These are as important as childbirth clases. Breastfeeding can be considered the forth trimester. It requires preparation, awareness, a plan.
Breastfeeding might be our biological norm, but because it is not our cultural norm, it can be very hard to establish and maintain breastfeeding. Knowing why breastfeeding is so important can help with perseverance if the early days of establishing breastfeeding are difficult. Having a commitment to breastfeeding and seeking help from reliable reources (such as ABA, you can ring the breastfeeding helpline 24/7 it is 1800 MUM 2 MUM). Having good support around you is also essensial.
If you are uncertain about breastfeeding, you may need to address your feelings before your baby is born. This may mean seeking counselling.
One issue that affects breastfeeding is returning to work. The decision of when and if to return to paid work is a personal one. It is possible to continue breastfeeding, and is beneficial to employers to facilitate it.
Along with breastfeeding, the introduction of solids is often an area of varied reccommendations. This article is useful Australian Breastfeeding Association - Introducing Solids .
DD certainly feed a lot more during those days before the milk came in but I just took that as normal.
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