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Breast is Best, If it is Right for YouJan 22 '00 Write an essay on this topic.First, let me start out by saying that I breast fed both my girls. As a Nursery nurse, who longed for her own children, breastfeeding had always been part of the plan. But, my first was jaundiced, wouldn't eat and ended up losing more than 14% of her birth weight (1lb.) by two weeks of age. Any good Nursery nurse will tell you that 5-10% weight loss is to be expected. So, naturally, I was freaking. Looking back, I realize that I should have brought her to the doctor so her jaundice could be checked. But, I didn't want to seem overly anxious. So, with my first, breastfeeding became a chore. It took us 3-4 weeks to get breastfeeding established. Then, at 7 weeks, she caught a cold and had trouble nursing. After struggling with her for a week, I quit. I spent the next year feeling like I had somehow failed as a mother. In my mind, being a good mother and nursing my baby went hand in hand. By the time my next baby was due, 2.5 years later, I had a more realistic view of breastfeeding and mothering. Or, I thought I did. Anna was born 3 weeks early, smaller than her sister and almost as disinterested in eating as her older sister. I drove everyone around me crazy trying to get her to nurse and not lose too much weight. In the end, she did do better. She took off nursing at 8 days and was 6 oz over her birth weight by 2 wks. Nursing was going great. Except for the two bouts of mastitis and numerous plugged milk ducts. Then, at about 3 months, she just started screaming when I would try to nurse her in the middle of the day. A mouth full of milk and screaming. After a few days of fighting her, I offered her a bottle and she loved it. I kept trying to get her to nurse, exclusively, but finally gave in and let her have a couple bottles mid-day. Life was much more peaceful. I returned back to work when she was 4 months. By 5 months, she had had two ear infections and was refusing to nurse. I tried all types of tricks, pumped for another month, then finally called it quits. So, having said all of this, my point is breast IS best, if it works for you. But, as I sit here, watching my children make me pictures (and destroy my bedroom), I know that in the end the most important nutrient you can give your children is love. Aw, I know that sounded sappy, but my "baby" will be 2 on Thursday and I'm feeling sentimental.  |
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