Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is something, it seems, most mothers of newborns don't do, but they should.  This is probably because most are unaware of how beneficial it is for baby and mother to breastfeed.  They either don't realize the benefits, make it out to be harder than it is, or use excuses like work, time, pain, or low milk production.  That doesn't make sense to me.  Walking up stairs too hard for us, and so is breastfeeding.  Women 100s of years ago had to breastfeed because we didn't have the formula that is produced today.  Mothers then couldn't use excuses like mothers do now.
My husband and I attended a Breastfeeding class for Brookwood Medical Center at Gold's Gym.  I learned so much, and I really recommend all pregnant women make time to attend this class.  It is only one night for 2 hours; and you will really change your mind if you consider not breastfeeding your babies.  The hospital recommended that husbands, or partners, also attend the class because the more they know about breastfeeding and the benefits, the more supportive they will be.
Some of the most common questions and concerns were answered.
1.  Latching on and Breastfeeding Positions
2.  What can I eat?
3.  How long should I do it?
4.  How can I continue to breastfeed if I return to work?
5.  Milk Production?
6.  Pumping

Some of the most important facts I learned:
1.  After giving birth, you should begin breastfeeding as soon as possible... about 15 minutes after the baby is born.  This will help the baby catch on to breastfeeding more easily.
2.  Babies will be spoiled with the bottle.  Breastfeed your baby at least 3 weeks with no bottle so they will not "reject" your breast after being given a bottle.  Bottles require much less work for the baby.  The bottle nipple releases milk easier and faster than the breast. 
3.  Formula is more filling that breast milk.  Babies who are not breastfed will probably like the formula better.. but it is proven that babies who are breastfed are less likely to be obese as children.  If you feed a baby formula, he may not drink the breast milk.
4.  There is now a law that employers must provide a mother who wants to breastfeed a private place to pump at work, other than a bathroom.  If you are going to pump, you have to pump every 3 hours-  as often as your baby eats.  Breast milk can be frozen in bottles.
5.  There is actually an adapter for you car for electric breast pumps.
6.  Mastitis, an infection in the tissue of the breast, is not an excuse to not breastfeed.  If you develop it, you should continue to breastfeed because it will actually help with the problem. 

Benefits of Breastfeeding vs Formula:
1.  Breastfeeding lowers the risk of childhood cancer and breast cancer in mothers.
2.  Breastfed babies have higher IQs than babies who are fed formula.  The instructor said it is like the difference of a child going to Auburn vs Harvard.
3.  Breastfed babies are sick less than formula fed babies.
4.  Breastfed babies have straighter and healthier teeth.
5.  Breastfed babies are less likely to be obese as children, no matter the weight of the parents. 
6.  Breastfeeding passes important nutrients and antibodies from mother to baby.
7.  Breastfeeding saves money.
8.  Breastfeeding helps mom loose weight.  It burns 1000 calories more daily.


The instructor recommended that we attend a Breastfeeding support group.  This may sound strange, but I think it will be a great idea.  I will meet other mothers and share stories and advice.  This is my first child, so it will really help. 
She recommended several books and websites.  I have the information in a folder somewhere.  One website is www.breastfeeding.com
I want to breastfeed Ethan for a year.  I really don't see any reason why I shouldn't be able to do this for him and for me.