It's all that
Mar 06 '00 (Updated Mar 15 '00)
Breastmilk is the absolute best nutrition for infants--it is the standard by which all other substances are judged. None match it. None come close. There is no argument here--none can be made. You would, in fact, be correct in saying that breastmilk is significantly better than any available alternative. Breastmilk reduces the risk of developing childhood asthma, some cancers, diarrheal diseases, constipation, respiratory infections, necrotizing enterocolitis, colitis, ear infections, colds, influenza, and more. It is known to soothe the symptoms of RSV, Rotovirus, and lessen the impact of GERD. Breastfeeding lessens a mother's chance of developing breast cancer, and may lower infant girls' risk of developing that same cancer in adulthood. Breastfeeding contributes to proper maxillo-facial development, and breastmilk is not cariogenic (does not contribute to the formation of dental caries). It's all that.*
That said, there is a small number of women who cannot breastfeed. Whether due to thyroid problems, previous breast surgeries, chemotherapy, or a rare condition called "glandular insufficiency syndrome," they are absolutely unable. Are they bad moms? No--never heard them called such, would never want them to feel as though they were anything but loving moms. Feeding method is important, but it is not the test of motherhood.
Many more women want to breastfeed, and likely could breastfeed, but are given atrocious advice by doctors, nurses, family, and friends:
They are told their babies are allergic to breastmilk, which is not possible--there is a metabolic disorder, galactosemia, which makes one in sixty-thousand babies unable to tolerate breastmilk, but that's rare and is not an allergy. More likely, the baby is sensitive to something mom is eating, and a simple change in diet would solve the problem.
They are told that their production is not up to snuff when it is (pumping is not a measure of supply).
They are told that they must supplement when it's unnecessary.
They are encouraged to feed by the clock (wreaks havoc with supply), or told to give the occasional bottle to "get a break" (can cause nipple confusion in the first 6 weeks, which can end the nursing relationship in an instant).
They are told that their milk is "too thin" (no such thing--breastmilk is supposed to look thin).
They are told that their baby will "suck all the iron out of them," worsening their post delivery anemia (untrue--the solution to postpartum anemia is proper iron ingestion by the mother, not formula for the baby).
Their babies are compared to formula fed babies, using growth charts designed by formula companies. Breastfed babies are naturally slower gainers after the first few months--they catch up later. It's perfectly normal, but many pediatricians scare the daylights out of breastfeeding moms, and out comes the formula.
Worst of all, they are not told of the vast difference between breastmilk and formula--and it is vast. A lack of solid support and accurate information ends more nursing relationships than all other factors combined.
Are these women who were unable to sustain a breastfeeding relationship due to bad advice or no support bad moms? Absolutely not--we all do the best we know to do, and these moms love their babies with all their hearts. Again--feeding method is not the test of motherhood. Some of the best, most loving, most amazing moms on earth feed their babies formula.
So what is my point? There is divisiveness where there needn't be any. Saying that formula is an inferior source of nutrition for a baby is not the same as saying that a mom who feeds formula is an inferior mom. Unfortunately, passions run high, and many moms who wanted so much to breastfeed are feeling defensive because they feel they "failed." Hearing that formula is not the best source of nutrition strikes a raw nerve. Try to remember this--failing at breastfeeding is not failing at motherhood. Know that. Mourn the loss, but don't for a moment feel that you are less a mother. It's just not true.
That said, here are some tips for soon to be moms who wish to breastfeed their next child:
**Be prepared long before the birth of your child. Read books (The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, So That's What They're For, and The Nursing Mother's Companion are all excellent, informative choices), join the La Leche League (or at least attend some meetings), and find an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant in your area. Make sure that your breasts are "set up," and take steps to correct such problems as inverted or flat nipples.
**Grill your pediatrician on breastfeeding. Does he/she encourage it? Are they well versed in the subject? Ask how many of their patients are breastfed. Most importantly, look around his/her office--is it plastered with posters from formula companies? Does he/she hand out free formula samples? Formula companies court physicians--they give free gifts, dinners, and even vacations to doctors who hand out a lot of formula samples. If your doctor is one of these formula company darlings, know that his/her advice concerning breastfeeding issues will likely be unreliable.
**Make SURE the hospital staff knows not to give bottles or pacifiers. Tell them firmly and often. I've seen many a nursing relationship wrecked because of "helpful" hospital staff going against the mother's wishes. Room in, if possible.
**Know that, while breastfeeding is "natural," it does not come "naturally." It takes work--both you and your baby are new to this, and it's going to take some practice. It can be frustrating and painful for the first few weeks. Be prepared for it--like anything worth having, it takes work at first. Look at it like you look at a new diet and exercise program--it's a real strain the first few weeks, but you stick to it because the results are so wonderful.
**Know that the "around the clock nursing" is short-term. It is just your baby's way of building your supply. As you both get better at it, nursing sessions will become shorter and less frequent.
**Remove all formula samples from your hospital bag before you leave the hospital. Resolve that seems strong in the daylight can melt when it's 3 am, and your baby is shouting at you. One bottle can wreck a nursing relationship early on.
**Find an online support board to help you with your questions and concerns. Nothing is more helpful than having friends to encourage you.
**Get a good pump to relieve engorgement--I recommend the Avent Isis. It's effective, quiet, and affordable.
**Buy a tube of Lansinoh--it's a lanolin cream that does wonders for sore, chafed nipples.
**Sleep with your baby, either in bed with you, or in a bedside crib/cradle. This really cuts down on the middle of the night sleep loss.
**Nap when your baby naps.
**Drink plenty of water--a glass of water each nursing is a good rule of thumb. Dehydration can cause supply problems.
**Let the house go for those first few weeks. You don't have to do it all--ask for help.
**Invest in a good sling--this makes everything so much easier! Baby can nurse while you're attending to other things. Go to a La Leche League meeting and ask for help in learning to use your sling. You won't regret it.
Once nursing is established, you'll look back at those early weeks and wonder how it ever could have been difficult.
To end this, let me say it again--breastmilk is very important to the health of babies, in infancy and beyond. However, successfully breastfeeding is not the test of motherhood--it's important, but being unable to breastfeed, either because of physical problems or bad advice, does not reflect upon the quality of mothering. As with everything else, educate yourself, prepare yourself, and do your very best. No one could ask for more.
*I'll gladly provide the sources for my information upon request.
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