Sure Its Best, But It Isn't Always Easy
Mar 01 '00
There is little argument regarding the fact that breast milk provides the best nourishment for your infant. Furthermore, there is little argument regarding the fact that the skin-to-skin contact both mother and child experience during breastfeeding provides emotional and physical benefits to each. But in all fairness, breastfeeding is not easy.
I breastfed my daughter and was determined to do so, but those initial weeks tested my perseverence to the extreme. And in all honesty, more than once I came close to throwing in the towel. But I hung in there and I am so glad I did. The breastfeeding experience (once both of you adjust) is the strongest physical and emotional connection that a mother and child can experience. When I weaned her at seven months, I cried. This strikes me as humorous now that I look back on all the struggles we encountered in the beginning.
I think breastfeeding is a beautiful thing that every mother should experience if they can. However, I also think they should know the effort it takes so they don't feel as alone as I did when frustrations arise. All the advice (or should I call it slide remarks) I received during my early struggles left me feeling inadequate and alone. I was sure something must be lacking in my motherhood skills for breastfeeding to not come as naturally as it appeared to for the rest of the world. I became embarrassed to ask for help. I experienced severe engorgement, low milk supply, cracked/sore/bleeding nipples, excessive leaking and numerous other obstacles. My first breast pump (an Evenflo brand) hurt terribly and expressed little milk. But eventually I got the hang of it all with alot of patience and some advice from honest mothers.
If there is no breastfeeding debate, why does society make it so difficult for nursing mothers? You would think that with all the evidence supporting the physical, emotional and mental benefits of breastfeeding that everyone would pave the way for nursing mothers to feel at ease. But alas, more than once I have received unpleasant comments from others (e.g., a man on an airplane made his way all the way to the rear of the plane just to tell me I was making him uncomfortable 10 rows away!) I'm completely covered, but people still find it necessary to express their opinions about my "public displays"! There really makes things hard on mothers. Are we not allowed to leave the house for the first year of our child's life?! Until I discovered my own comfort level and became oblivious to obnoxious remarks, I felt trapped in my own home. Even a visit to the in-laws became an experience.
No, its not easy. Those who say it is are either incredibly lucky or very forgetful. But it is worth it. Not only for your child (which of course is the most important factor) but also for yourself. Breastfeeding gives you a certain energy and attitude that makes you feel like you can conquer the world. Don't let those moments of frustration invade on your wonderful experience. And remember that you're not alone in your struggles; we've all been there, too.
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Epinions.com ID:
rmgood
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Member: Raquel
Location: Minnesota
Reviews written: 89
Trusted by: 85 members
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