I chose this topic because with my first child I decided not to breast feed. It was really for my own selfish reasons. I thought to my self there is no way I can be in public and have to stick my boob out to give to my baby. I never did any research on breastfeeding or studied why women chose breast milk over formula. I jusy went by what I saw when I was a child growing up. Being uneducated I feel that I missed out on one of the special bonds between a mother and infant. With this new baby on the way I do plan on breast feeding. I have done research, talked to other mothers who have breast fed, and have seem how it is more cost effective than buying formula. This subject is very meaningful to me, because now 8 years later after my first child, I see the value behind it!
I read an article about breastfeeding declines in Asia, is lowering the survival rate for infants. I thought this was pretty interesting as women in the US who chose not to breast feed have other options with formula that will provide some of the same nutrients that breast milk has. One of the researchers prove that one in 10 mothers still breast feed when their infant are 6 months. Due to the poverty and lack of clean water it is more safer to breastfeed.
Now that I have done my research and will soon hopefully become an expert on breastfeeding I will be an advocate on how breastfeeding is more healthy for your child. Not to mention from what I hear it helps you lose your baby weight a lot faster.
Lamonica -
ReplyDeleteAfter all these years, it's nice to hear someone who felt the same what I did when I had my son 17 years ago! I chose not to breastfeed both of my children for exactly the same reason you mentioned above. I knew the value of breast milk but was unable to overcome my own biases and fears. My children turned out just fine in the end but I do feel that I missed out on some of the closeness I might have felt if I had chosen to breastfeed.
LaMonica,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have no children, I have many friends who do and they also chose not to breastfeed for similar reasons. I had a professor who felt strongly about breastfeeding because of the nutrients it provided the infant. She also spoke on the bond that it created with the mother and child. It’s kind of ironic that countries that have high poverty rates and unhealthy sanitation have infants that are receiving the same nutrients as those in the U.S. all because of breast milk. I often wonder what some mother’s would do if they did not have the “luxury” of purchasing formula. As you stated it is more cost efficient. In North Carolina, it has recently became apart of licensing in child care that providers set up a private area to allow mothers who breast fed an opportunity to do so, if they desire, in the facility. See, even the state recognizes the importance of breastfeeding!!!!
Thank you for your post. I did not breastfeed my first child for selfish and immature reasons, however 7 years later, and after much research, pushing from my parents and health care providers and self-education, I attempted to breastfeed my daughter- it was awful! I still believe in every woman's right to choose and not be pushed into this. It does have SEVERAL wonderful benefits, but it is NOT always the answer or the best way. I struggled for many weeks in pain and misery attempting to breastfeed, then pump for my daughter. In the end we were so much better with formula. We still bonded, her Daddy was more a part of the process and she is perfectly healthy and happy. I lost all the "baby weight" through good old exercise and perseverance. Good luck, and make the choice that is right for YOU and your child. :)
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