It’s World Breastfeeding Week and I’m a big breastfeeding advocate however that wasn’t always the way!
Breastfeeding – Making the Choice
When I was pregnant with Henry I received a pack of information from the hospital and within that pack there was a DVD with information regarding breastfeeding. Instantly I dismissed it. I had no intention of breastfeeding any baby of mine. Now don’t get me wrong it wasn’t that I was horrified at the thought andI didn’t judge others for choosing to but it wasn’t something I had considered. I think we are conditioned in someways by our background and how we grew up.
I grew up in a household where I wasn’t breastfed nor was it something ever discussed. In fact my immediate family had this ignorant view that breastfeeding was something only hippies did! I have to admit that opinion was one shared by many people at that time and I was never against breastfeeding but in my vision of giving birth and bringing up a baby breastfeeding never even crossed my mind.
Why Not?
My husband was the one who took me aback when he said he’d always envisioned me breastfeeding our children. I was shocked and defensive at first! This is my body and I’ll choose whether I breastfeed or not!! He of course agreed and supported my choice but he did ask me why I was so adamant. I was surprised that when I actually thought about it there was no reason.
I thought about this over the next few days. It didn’t matter what I did I couldn’t come up with a valid reason for not wanting to breastfeed. So I watched the darn DVD and it actually made me feel reassured about the whole process!
After Birth
So fast forward to when Henry was born. I was very clear that I would try breastfeeding but I wasn’t opposed to bottle feeding if it didn’t work for me. Part of me made sure I was clear that people shouldn’t try and back me in a corner. I would give it my all but if I wanted to stop I wanted my decision accepted. The first few weeks were hard. It was painful due to incorrect placement and my milk supply was low. I was adamant I didn’t want to give up and I had an amazing one on one session with a breastfeeding specialist who helped me get Henry to ‘latch on’ correctly. Once we mastered this we were unstoppable! Breastfeeding made those night feeds easier and it was a fantastic way to bond with my baby.
Now
I’m now a self converted breastfeeding cheerleader however I think that every Mums journey is different. I don’t think breastfeeding makes you a better Mother. If you want to breastfeed your child and it works for you hurrah! If you want to formula feed your child and it works for you hurrah! I’m not entirely sure why people get so strung up on what other people are doing with their children!
What’s your stance on breastfeeding?
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Mo
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