Feeding, Not Judging, is Best

It’s World Breastfeeding Awareness Month, which is definitely worth celebrating! Most women in the US (83%) breastfeed their baby at some point which is a testament to a lot of work and education, helping mothers understand the benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is great, and it may be best for you. Stress is not the best.

This is first-if you want to breastfeed, chances are you can, chances are “figuring it out” won’t be an issue.

Even before the pandemic, we met many expectant mothers who were nervous about breastfeeding. They were afraid that they might not be able to breastfeed their baby, that they didn’t have enough supply, that it would get sick, and more. A whole a lot has changed in 5 months, but that worry hasn’t.

Interestingly, one of the things that has changed in the pandemic is the number of new mothers who feel relieved that they don’t have to navigate new parenthood in the pre-covid world! They don’t have to worry about their appearance, or avoid the stares and advice of others.

If you can’t breastfeed, that’s okay.

Having informally counseled hundreds (24 years, at least a month) of women who were despairing of their “failure” in the breastfeeding arena. Breastfeeding or not breastfeeding does not make you a success or a failure. weather (If only parenting was that easy!)

Many women have tried and failed with that decision. No shame. Not breastfeeding? No business.

One of the many reasons a mother gives their baby a bottle?

Breast cancer survivor.

Remember—you don’t know what you don’t know about other moms’ choices.

Struggling, but want to breastfeed? You have options.

Lactation Consultants

Lactation consultants are there for you—it’s their job! When you find a consultant, ask them where they received their certification and spend 5 minutes researching it (no more, you have a baby, time is not on your side, you and baby just deserve to know that they are legit). Spend at least 5 minutes chatting with them to make sure you feel comfortable with them. Ask for references. From our clients I hear a wide range of experiences from mild to militant LC. If you contact one remember that you are working with a professional, you can ask questions, and if you are not satisfied with their services you can end the relationship. Most are amazing.

If you are struggling in nursing and struggling financially there are resources out there for you.

Triple Feeding

Didn’t hear that? It does not feed triplets.

It is feeding a baby through three different methods every three hours. I have many clients and friends who have done this and found it very helpful. I’ve also met women who are beyond exhausted and suffering from their “constant failure” (yes, that’s a direct quote) to get their baby to gain weight. Spending an hour+ feeding a baby every three hours doesn’t work for some moms either because they have other kids, they have jobs or it just drives them crazy. Again, another thing about parenting where there really is no right or wrong, just what’s right for you. Read what The Milk Meg said, and if you want to understand more about triple feeding, read on this for a comprehensive description.

Breast Supplement

If your baby is not gaining enough weight, you have adopted a baby or you use a surrogate and you want to try breastfeeding, then supplementing at the breast is an option. Simply put, it involves taping tubes to your breasts that are attached to a bag of formula or breast milk so that the baby gets the feed they need. A lactation consultant can help with this as well.

Adding Formulas

Again, baby feeding is best, and if your baby fails to thrive, put on your supermom cape and feed your baby shamelessly, from a bottle. You can still breastfeed, just make sure baby is gaining weight.

did you miss This article why sometimes there is a plan, and it’s not what we think,

“What about all the health benefits we’ve heard for years in arguments about why “breast is best” Our switch to formulathough, turned out to be one of those unexpected twists of parenthood that I look back on with gratitude.?”

This is a good reminder. Baby knows best sometimes.

All to say, you are the mom. Do it. Everyone has an opinion, and, as my wife likes to say, “Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one and no one thinks they stink.” Nurse wherever you want, wherever you want, as long as you want!

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The Stats

Some stats, but first this:

Breastfeeding is free.

The cost of formula feeding? You can find a lot of estimates, we found this one by Caroline Hand (included in a big post on the topic at Romper) to be the best, because others come in with lower estimates, but fail to consider that formula isn’t just the cost—you can’t eat formula without no bottle! Realistic estimate? $2K for the first 12 months.

Breastfeeding is a Social Justice Issue

“Data from several studies suggest that women of lower socioeconomic status are less likely to breastfeed their infants, both in the United States and elsewhere.” as said by NIMH

If you are working you need a breast pump, a place to pump and time to pump.

• Bombs are expensive.
• Finding a place to pump is often not easy- you need privacy, a relaxed environment- because it’s harder to let go if you’re anxious and ready to jump anytime someone comes in- and, you need an outlet.
• Most employers won’t pay you to sit in a fitting room, broom closet or other fancy office to pump for 30-60 minutes.

If you are on WIC, that formula is not an expense to the mother

• People who make formula have a financial interest in having women formula feed.
• Mississippi, Louisiana and West Virginia have minimum breastfeeding rate and the highest level of difficulty. Opportunity?
• If no one is encouraging or teaching you the benefits of nursing, then what is your motivation? The many benefits of breastfeeding, if possible and chosen, benefit both mother and baby—regardless of their income level.

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Want to understand what motivated the “Breast is Best” campaign? The CDC states the following:

Benefits for Baby. Breastfed babies have a reduced risk of: