August is National Breastfeeding month so Ill be doing a few posts in relation to breastfeeding throughout the month.
Breastfeeding Awareness!
There are a lot of misconceptions and lack of knowledge about breastfeeding. I encourage all new moms to take breast feeding classes before you jump to conclusions. Im glad I took one before Audrey was born because I learned a lot about breastfeeding that i didnt know and although I knew from the beginning that I was going to breast feed her, the information i learned made me look forward to breastfeeding. I know everyone has their preferences, but i still dont understand why moms dont breast feed. Unless there is a medical reason stopping you from doing so, I think any excuse for not breast feeding is just that....AN EXCUSE. Its a little disappointing to know that babies are more commonly fed with formula. Well, heres to breastfeeding AWARENESS....a little encouragement and maybe a little persuading.- Breastfeeding saves time! - you can feed your baby immediately as there is nothing to prepare, buy or clean.
- Breastfeeding saves money! -no formula costs and fewer doctor bills
- Breastfed babies and moms are healthier throughout life! - babies get sick less often and if so its less severe. Babies have fewer ear infections and allergies. Mothers lower their risk of breast cancer and more...
- Breastfed babies have better dental health! -promotes better jaw development and less likely to get cavities
- Breastfeeding allows baby to reach his/her full IQ potential! -the longer the baby is breasfed, the better their IQ and grades in school [7-11 IQ points higher to be exact!]
- Breastfeeding helps mom rest and relax! - breastfeeding hormones help mom to feel relaxed and peaceful. You can feed baby quicker so everyone can go back to sleep, and you can even nurse and sleep at the same time [with practice!]
- Breastfeeding promotes bonding! - promotes closeness of mom and child and helps mom learn baby's cues quicker
- Makes cleanup easier and more pleasant! - the diapers and spit up of breastfed babies dont smell as bad and spit up doesnt stain clothes!
- Going out is easier! -moms can travel light, less time to pack, can go places at the spur of the moment, stay out longer and no need to find place to heat bottle.
- Breastfeeding helps mom get her body back in shape! -research shows that exclusively breastfeeding moms tend to have a greater loss of weight, body fat percentage, and hip and upper thigh circumference. Helps the uterus return to its normal size quicker so mom can get her tummy back into shape quicker as well.
- Breastfeeding helps to space babies! -breastfeeding usually delays mom's periods for many months. If baby is only getting mom's breastmilk and moms period hasnt returned, breastfeeding is 98-99.5% effective in preventing pregnancy during the first 6 months [thats more effective than any other form of birth control, besides abstinence!]
- Breastfeeding is environmentally friendly! - produces no waste, no packaging and no pollution
These are all true facts, nothing I just came up with. For more information for all you "skeptics" out there, visit KELLYMOM.COM for evidence-based information on breastfeeding.
