Yesterday I was watching "16 and Pregnant" on MTV. (I know, I know...but it's like watching a car wreck...can't take my eyes off it!) The new mother had her baby home for the first day and was feeding the baby a bottle of formula. She was telling her friends she was having a hard time breastfeeding because she wasn't making enough milk. This REALLY upset me! WHO IS TELLING THIS GIRL THIS?!?
Breastfeeding is a tough thing to do...but if it is ultimately best for the baby...why are mother's not better trained? ESPECIALLY young mothers who would benefit from the CHEAPEST possible way to feed their children? (I'm sure most receive WIC....but wouldn't it benefit tax payers ALSO if all mothers are more educated?)
To my point...the first 2-3 days...NO BREAST creates "milk". You are producing colostrum. It is a clear or yellowish fluid known as "Liquid Gold" because of the very important antibodies and stomach lining nutrients in it. The baby does not get much...because their tummies are TEENY TINY...and they are pretty full with what they received from your umbilical cord..,when it comes to nutrients! Around day 2 your "milk" (the white stuff) begins to come in and by day 3-4 your TRUE milk with fat in it comes in. This is when you are engorged. Sometimes this lasts even longer! The only way to help your milk come in is to feed your baby often! For my kids it was every 2-3 hours. Sometimes it was even more often than that (and this became true again during growth spurts at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 14 weeks, and 16 weeks!) The more your breasts are stimulated...the more milk your breasts create! When mothers try to set a schedule too early by only feeding them every 3 hours...they are in turn...RUINING their supply! If a baby is hungry more often...its the babies cue to your breasts to MAKE MORE MILK! And your breasts WILL DO IT!
It is easy to see why a mother might think she's not producing milk at first...if no one informs her of this info! It just breaks my heart...because I know they don't know any better.
Now...I know some women have true issues...but only 1-3% of women TRULY have supply issues. Sometimes breastfeeding can put women into Post Pardum depression because they feel tied down...or disgusted...and I recommend formula feeding or pumping. Nobody benefits from PPD. I also have friends who have had breast reductions and usually breastfeeding isn't possible (although the surgery is TOTALLY worth it! I have the exact OPPOSITE issue :)). Totally understand that! I mean...their baby MUST eat!
Many mothers like to pump to have a bottle that the dad...or grandma...or someone else can give while they go out...or sleep...whatever. Please keep in mind that every time your baby has a bottle...you should be pumping! Otherwise your supply will dwindle!
Sorry...this is just something I feel so strongly about! NOT just about breastfeeding...I understand that it is not for anybody...and I promise I'm not a breast-snob! :) I feel strongly about women being educated on what is normal for breastfeeding! That way they can make the BEST choice for their child!
8 comments:
Wow, this post just put into words EVERTHING I think and know!!! It's really hard to hear people make those comments and not want to "teach" them, because I grew up around Le Leche League (my mom is a leader) and that was all I knew. Guess I have to remember that not everyone is taught those things. Hey, would you mind if I posted this on my blog? and gave credit to you obviously. It's something that's been bothering me for awhile and I just never knew how to put it into words..
go for it! I did NOT know your mom was a LLL leader! AWESOME! I may be hitting you up with questions if I have any issues with the new baby!!
Loved this post, mainly because there was so much I didn't know! I'm sure when the time draws nearer I will be educated by my doctors or an LC, but it was nice to know all these details! Great post!
Preach it sister!! I totally agree :)
You said it! My doctor said that when baby has growth spurts the supply will seem like it's not enough, but the supply will catch up with the demand. Patience is the key! There are also vitamins available if you do fall into the percentage of people who truly don't produce enough. For a while we were giving Addie a bottle of formula or previously pumped milk before bed because I never seemed to have enough to satisfy her at bedtime, but what she really needed was to cluster feed before we put her down for the night. I am by no means an expert, but it's sad that those girls who are so uninformed.
Yes, education is the key, but also support for moms like myself who didn't have any family members who nursed before. The classes were amazing and I was so thankful J went with me so he could refresh my memory when I was frustrated. I also think that there is alot of pressure on moms to nurse (as it is the best thing) so maybe some say things to just make themself feel better about not nursing. I can understand that. My mom didn't nurse when she was a teen mom just because having a baby itself as a teenager was a huge adjustment. I can't even imagine! I'm sure guilt sets in...heck I still have guilt for quitting at 6 months! Friends like you and all the info avaliable got me through the 6 months and my pump of course! We should all be a support system for new moms. Your babies are lucky to have a strong and loving mama!
Great post! I feel the same way! I'm one of those that nursed my babies the full year...a couple a few more months than that. Except Case, who was still nursing every 4hours like a champ when I had to quit nursing him because Miss Kenna Mae surprised us with her grand conception. :) OHH, the BEST days! :) For some reason, this post made me feel sad at my non-baby making self! lol. Good thing I have so many babies coming from every other direction! I CAN'T WAIT!!
Post a Comment