Friday, April 25, 2008

Breastfeeding Laughs - A Humorous Look At The Benefits Of Breastfeeding

More than a few heated discussions have broken out between mothers who breastfeed and those who have chosen the bottle over the breast. While there are documented physical and emotional benefits of breastfeeding, bottle feeding mothers contend that the benefits of breastfeeding can be reproduced during bottle feeding sessions and breastfeeding is not worth the inconveniences and discomfort. A mother's personal choice ultimately decides if her child will be bottle or breast fed. Rather than argue the facts, let's take a humorous look at some of the benefits of breastfeeding your baby.

One great perk of breastfeeding is that you get to wear sexy, easy access, nursing clothes. Most nursing clothes are designed to allow your infant easy access to the breast. This feature is a great convenience, but it also can lead to inadvertent breast flashes in public if your nursing clothes are not properly secured after feeding your infant. If you find people following you around while out in public, check your shirt.

You get to join the stylish trend of baby wearing. Breast fed infants often nurse more frequently than bottle fed infants. This can lead to the feeling that your child is always attached to your breast. Baby wearing can be seen in malls, grocery stores and parks across the nation. Baby slings, swaths and holsters are sold that encourage a nursing mother to flaunt her baby wearing style. Some even offer anytime access to the breast- a very nice perk for the infant.

Another wonderful benefit of breastfeeding is the delightful experience of public breast feeding. Curious onlookers and the not-so-subtle glances of those hoping to catch a glimpse of an exposed breast add to the excitement and tension of trying to nurse your hungry infant in public. Many women cringe at the thought of public breast feeding, choosing instead to nurse their infants in bathroom stalls and the back seats of cars. Public breastfeeding for some is an invitation to be free and let it all hang out. Heaven help the poor soul who makes a snide comment or stares too long at this hormonal, sleep deprived mother.

This brings us to the classic sore nipples. There is just no other experience that compares to allowing a hungry infant to chomp, suck, chew and grab a breast that is plagued by bruised, cracked and sore nipples. No amount of prenatal education or coaching by the La Leche League can prepare you properly for sore nipples- it must be experienced to be appreciated.

Viewing the unpleasant aspects of breastfeeding with a little humour can help breastfeeding mothers cope. Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience and has documented health benefits for both mother and baby. The potential pain and humiliation of breastfeeding an infant are endured with a smile by those women who choose to breastfeed their baby for the wonderful physical and emotional benefits of breastfeeding.

Learn more about breastfeeding baby at http://www.squidoo.com/breastfeedingbaby

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Breastfeeding Tips For New Parents

Breastfeeding information is available from many sources. A first time mother may find herself bewildered at the choice between the breast and the bottle. Obtaining quality breastfeeding information from a reliable source can prepare a woman to make an educated decision between the bottle and the breast. Breastfeeding information abounds in today's world of virtual learning, mass media and specialized socialization. The internet, books, magazines, support groups and neighbourhood social events all serve as excellent sources of breastfeeding information.

Pregnancy and lactation are covered in most childbirth preparation classes. Knowing what is normal during pregnancy and lactation can help a mother recognize potential problems and seek the appropriate care should a abnormality arise. Learning about the basics of pregnancy and lactation can help a couple feel more prepared for the arrival of their baby.

Information about the benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother can greatly influence a woman's decision about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers experience fewer complications after the delivery since the hormones released by the suckling of an infant helps a mother's uterus to contract. Breastfeeding mothers also burn more calories during lactation. They also require a higher caloric intake while nursing. Breastfeeding can help a mother shed those last few stubborn pounds following the delivery of the baby. Breastfeeding mothers bond quickly with their infants because of the frequent intimate contact between mother and child during feedings.

The benefits of breastfeeding are evident in an infant as well. Breast fed infants are reported to have higher IQ's, have fewer digestion problems and have an intense bond with their mothers. Breast fed infants nurse more frequently than bottle fed babies since breast milk is digested more quickly. Breast fed infants with acid reflux or colic may also experience fewer symptoms while breastfeeding than when nursing a bottle.

If you have a few favourite parenting magazines, chances are that those same magazines sponsor a few related baby websites. Baby websites are an excellent source of breastfeeding information. You can also meet other expectant parents and experienced breastfeeding mothers on baby websites by perusing chat rooms, message boards and discussion forums.

A lactation consultant can also answer your breastfeeding questions and can even visit your home following the delivery of your baby to help you get started should you choose to breastfeed your baby. A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding specialist and is often associated with the local La Leche League in your community. The La Leche League is a group of breastfeeding advocates who offer support and breastfeeding information for mothers. Contact your local La Leche chapter to get in touch with a lactation consultant in your area.

Breastfeeding information can be summoned with a few keystrokes, a trip to the local library or even with a telephone call to an experienced mother or lactation consultant. New parents can get breastfeeding information from a variety of sources to help them prepare for parenthood. Breastfeeding information can help parents prepare intellectually and emotionally for the arrival of their little bundle of joy.

Breastfeeding Information - Is It Right For You?

Is breastfeeding your baby the right choice for your lifestyle? Breastfeeding is not for everyone and first time mothers can have a difficult time deciding between breastfeeding and formula feeding. Knowing a few facts about breastfeeding can help you decide if it is right for you.

Some women wait until after the birth of their baby to decide if breastfeeding is best. A woman's milk supply may be weak, making breastfeeding difficult. Your milk supply will not begin until several days after the birth of your baby and there is no way to predict or ensure the amount of milk that your body will produce. Every woman's milk supply is different and every pregnancy is unique.

For other women, the idea of sore nipples and public breast feeding is enough to deter them from breastfeeding their baby. Bruised and sore nipples and the stares of strangers as you breastfeed in public are a few of the major drawbacks of breastfeeding. Some women choose to endure sore nipples and shy away from public breastfeeding, choosing instead to feed their baby in restrooms and back seats while out in public because they believe the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the pain, inconvenience and potential humiliation.

There are many books, articles and videos available about breastfeeding to help you prepare to make your decision. A lactation specialist, your obstetrical nurse or nurse practitioner will be happy to answer any questions you have about breastfeeding. Choosing to breastfeed your baby can be a rewarding and healthy experience for both you and your baby, but knowing what to expect and weighing the benefits against the inconveniences will help you decide if breastfeeding your baby is the right choice for you.

Before you make a decision about breastfeeding your baby, it is important to obtain some information about breastfeeding and what exactly it entails. Once you have some general knowledge about breastfeeding, you will be better prepared to decide if breastfeeding your baby will be a better fit for your life than formula feeding.

Breastfeeding Stories - A Humorous Look At The Benefits Of Breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding your baby are often disputed among breastfeeding advocates and mothers who choose the bottle over the breast. Many of the benefits of breastfeeding can be duplicated by bottle feeding mothers and it really boils down to a matter of personal choice. Those who bottle feed their babies choose to avoid some of the unpleasant experiences that came with choosing to breastfeed an infant. In an effort to lighten the serious battle between the bottle and the breast, let's take a look at some of the humorous benefits of breastfeeding.

One great perk of breastfeeding is that you get to wear sexy, easy access, nursing clothes. Most nursing clothes are designed to allow your infant easy access to the breast. This feature is a great convenience, but it also can lead to inadvertent breast flashes in public if your nursing clothes are not properly secured after feeding your infant. If you find people following you around while out in public, check your shirt.

You get to join the stylish trend of baby wearing. Breast fed infants often nurse more frequently than bottle fed infants. This can lead to the feeling that your child is always attached to your breast. Baby wearing can be seen in malls, grocery stores and parks across the nation. Baby slings, swaths and holsters are sold that encourage a nursing mother to flaunt her baby wearing style. Some even offer anytime access to the breast- a very nice perk for the infant.

Another wonderful benefit of breastfeeding is the delightful experience of public breast feeding. Curious onlookers and the not-so-subtle glances of those hoping to catch a glimpse of an exposed breast add to the excitement and tension of trying to nurse your hungry infant in public. Many women cringe at the thought of public breast feeding, choosing instead to nurse their infants in bathroom stalls and the back seats of cars. Public breastfeeding for some is an invitation to be free and let it all hang out. Heaven help the poor soul who makes a snide comment or stares too long at this hormonal, sleep deprived mother.

This brings us to the classic sore nipples. There is just no other experience that compares to allowing a hungry infant to chomp, suck, chew and grab a breast that is plagued by bruised, cracked and sore nipples. No amount of prenatal education or coaching by the La Leche League can prepare you properly for sore nipples- it must be experienced to be appreciated.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful time of nurturing and bonding with your infant. It is also a lesson in balancing pain and humility with a little humour. The humorous benefits of breastfeeding cannot compare to the genuine benefits of breastfeeding for many mothers. Learning to take the unpleasant aspects of breastfeeding with a grain of humorous salt is part of the wonderful world of choosing to breastfeeding your infant.

Breastfeeding Answers For You

If you are a new mother, or a soon-to-be new mom, you are probably very familiar with the debate over breastfeeding. The overwhelming majority of experts strongly suggest that you at least attempt to breastfeed your infant or young child. Breastfeeding provides your young one with an optimal level of nutrition. It also helps strengthen the already strong bond between you and your baby. The process is very natural. Your breasts begin producing milk months before your baby is born and your newborn already has the sucking reflex necessary to feed when he or she is delivered. To discover more about the benefits of breastfeeding, click here:

Breastfeeding Answers For You

Breastfeeding Support Is Key For The New Mother

Many new mothers seek out breastfeeding support during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Getting advice and encouragement and sharing stories can help a new mom feel better about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding support can be obtained from other breastfeeding mothers, lactations consultants and healthcare practitioners. Breastfeeding support can help a struggling mother continue to breastfeed during feeding difficulties.

Many first time mothers develop sore nipples. This can be an especially difficult time for both baby and mother. Sore nipples can make every breastfeeding session excruciatingly painful for the mother. The resulting stress and anxiety can be sensed by the infant and can cause an infant to be fussy during feedings. Sore nipples can also be a health concern for the mother if the skin is not treated appropriately. Women who experience sore nipples should consult a lactation specialist or experienced breastfeeding mother for suggestions on topical lotions and home remedies to treat sore nipples before the skin becomes cracked and opens the mother up to infection.

Some women experience a sudden decrease in her milk supply. This can cause frustration and discouragement as a mother struggles to continue breastfeeding her baby. Consulting a lactation specialist to help pinpoint the cause of a weak milk supply is often necessary. A mother with a weakened milk supply does not have to give up breastfeeding altogether. She can mix breast milk with formula to ensure that her infant gets the proper nourishment until her milk supply returns to normal.

Lactation consultants are available through local La Leche Leagues as well as most hospitals. Many obstetricians will employ or recommend a few local lactation consultants for mothers who are new to breastfeeding or those who are experiencing problems during feedings. Lactation consultants are specially trained medical personnel who are passionate about breastfeeding. It is important to be honest about your lactation problems and questions in order for the lactation specialist to assist you and your baby properly.

Helping mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding and promoting breastfeeding advocacy in your community are the main goals of a local breastfeeding support group. Joining a group can provide you with friendships that will last a lifetime. And seeking breastfeeding support from other moms can be a lifeline for mothers struggling with the demands of breastfeeding and motherhood. Staying connected with adults who have similar interests can be a great way to help chase away postpartum depression. Moms helping moms is a wonderful example of community support at its best.

Answers For Breastfeeding In Public

For a modest mother, breastfeeding in public is a frightening experience. The fear of breastfeeding in public may even leave some new mothers doubting their decision to breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding in public is an art and new mothers can learn to nurse their infants discreetly. Here are a few tips on breastfeeding in public.

When shopping for nursing clothes, look for shirts that close with hooks, buttons or snaps. Nursing cloths that depend on ties or fold over flaps can expose a breast during normal activities like bending over or shaking a shopping cart free from the tangle of metal baskets at the grocery store. Nursing clothes are a great addition to a nursing mother's wardrobe but they should be chosen with care to avoid public embarrassment.

Keeping your breastfeeding supplies stocked and ready to go at all times is great way to help discreetly nurse your child in public. Being caught in public with a hungry baby and no cover blanket can lead to disaster for the modest mother. Keeping extra breastfeeding supplies in the trunk of your car in an extra diaper bag will ensure that you are never caught without the items necessary to nurse discreetly. Packing extra breastfeeding supplies like an additional blanket, burp cloths and breast milk pads in advance can save you from an embarrassing moment when last minute trips arise and you have little time to prepare.

Breastfeeding women can choose to feed their babies in public bathrooms to limit their company to women only. Some breastfeeding women choose to nurse in the backseat of the car in a secluded area of a parking lot to provide more privacy. Another option for breastfeeding women is to pump breast milk into a bottle prior to any planned outings. While this option is not helpful for those sudden trips to the store or when a telephone call summons you away from home during a breastfeeding session, it can help you avoid many public breastfeeding encounters.

Breastfeeding mothers often grow accustomed to the glances of strangers and an occasional snide comment while nursing in public. Some breastfeeding mothers do not seem to be affected by the reaction of the public while she feeds her infant. Other breastfeeding mothers learn to be quick and discreet to avoid drawing attention while breastfeeding in public, never drawing a stray glance or awkward stare.

Breastfeeding in public doesn't have to ruin your breastfeeding experience. While it may be of little comfort, your baby doesn't care who is present while you breastfeeding in public or at home. The thought of potentially exposing your breasts to strangers is a crippling fear for some mothers. Breastfeeding in public can be done without drawing attention to your breasts. It just takes a little practice and a lot of planning.