Breast IS Best, but it's moms choice
Jul 02 '00
Back in the 70's when my mother birthed me into the world, breastfeeding was not being recommended too much anymore. It had been decided that formula was better, so my mom listened to society and her doctors, and she never nursed me or my little brother. But we turned out fine and healthy as can be!
My how times have changed!
I had my first baby in 1999, and of course now days, breastfeeding is really the only option you hear about. Well, when I found out I was pregnant, I did all the research, reading and questioning my doctors as to why it's the best way to go. After gathering all this information, and much consideration, I did decide to go with breastfeeding. This was my personal choice. My mom, of course, thought I was crazy because she is still in the 70's mentality.
Mind you, I quit my job before the baby was even born so I could be a stay at home mom. This definitely makes the whole experience easier. When my son was born, breastfeeding came very naturally, and I didn't really have too many problems once we both got familiar with the process and comfortable. I had all intentions of nursing until his first birthday, but it did not work out that way. When he was about 9 months old, my milk supply drastically decreased, and he just wasn't getting enough to keep him satisfied. So, despite my decision to nurse the whole first year, I had to wean him right before he was 10 months old. But I have to be honest with you. I absolutely enjoyed my experience with nursing, and feel truly blessed to have done it, but when it came time to wean him, I WAS SO GLAD IT WAS OVER! I was so ready to have my freedom back! And I still feel that he got the important part of it all within the time he did nurse.
My point is this, if you can, and do nurse your baby...GOOD FOR YOU! I admire every mother that even attempts to breastfeed. But if you decide it's not for you, I completely understand. I feel I've seen it from both sides. And to all those moms who endure breastfeeding a baby and still have jobs outside the home...YOU ARE HEROES! I don't have the slightest idea how anyone can do that! It's hard enough to stay home and keep it up.
I have several friends that either could not breastfeed (for physical reasons), or they just did not feel it was for them. Well, I don't look down on them or frown upon their decisions. To each his own, and the issue of breastfeeding is a personal decision that every expectant mom has to make on her own.
If you know you are going to be a stay at home mom, and you want to attempt breastfeeding, but you aren't sure you can do it, or will want to continue, there's no harm in just trying it! And you may love it like millions of mom's around the world have. Just because you try does not mean you are obligated to continue, but I challenge you to at least give it a go. And if you are a working mom that is not able to be home full time, this is a decision that only you can make, and as far as I'm concerned, you're already accomplishing great things just by having a baby and still being a career woman! I just don't think I could do both!
In closing, I would just like to say, I definitely support breastfeeding all the way, but I would NEVER frown upon someone's decision not to go that route. You cannot force this upon anyone. This is a personal decision, and if other moms decide not to breastfeed...IT'S NONE OF MY BUSINESS! Remember, unsolicited advice is the worst kind! Don't give it unless someone asks for it!
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