The Harmony Lounge

TKDGRRL

The following information was obtained from http://www.babycenter.com. Check with your doctor to ensure if breastfeeding is right for you and your baby. I breastfed my son for 8 1/2 months and my daughter for 18 months (she didn't bite ), and I loved it. Are you currently a nursing mother or thinking about breastfeeding? If so, feel free to share your experiences or any questions you may have regarding this important decision.

1. Breastfeeding protects your baby from gastrointestinal trouble, respiratory problems, and ear infections.

2. Breastfeeding can protect your baby from developing allergies.

3. Breastfeeding may boost your child's intelligence.

4. Breastfeeding may protect against obesity later in life.

5. Breastfeeding may protect your baby from childhood leukemia.

6. Breastfeeding may protect your baby from developing type 1 diabetes.

7. Breastfeeding may protect preemies from infections and high blood pressure later in life.

8. Breastfeeding may lower your baby's risk of SIDS.

9. Breastfeeding helps you lose weight.

10. Breastfeeding can lower your stress levels and reduce postpartum bleeding.

11. Breastfeeding may reduce your risk of some types of cancer.

12. Breastfeeding may protect against osteoporosis later in life.

BettyBoop

these are really good info tips for new mothers

TKDGRRL

I can vouch for several of those points too. Neither one of my children has ever had an ear infection. I lost weight quickly, and it really helped with the cessation of my postpartum bleeding. The lowered risk of developing breast cancer was one of the factors that helped me decide to breastfeed as well.

BrokenAngel

Ok, so those are all great point with breast feeding, but I think my biggest pro about breast feeding was when I got up the next morning there was no having to wash the 10 bottles that my son had devowered in the middle of the night. I know most of you are thinking that is a lot for one kid in the middle of the night but he eat every 45 minutes. He would take anywhere from 10 oz to 24 oz in a feeding. That was pretty much 24\7 for about 6 months. On the weekends we would supplement some so I could sleep but during the day befor you hubby would get up with him I would pump a lot so we could mix the breast milk with the formula. All the other things came second for me. I did formula only with my daughter after about 2 months. She was 2 months early so I pumped for her while she was in the hospital but she was so small and would not latch on that she never really breast fed. But for those who don't like the idea of whippin those girls out in public like me at the time, pumping is a great option. The babies get all the great benifits and you still don't have the discomfort about being bear in public. By the time I had my son I was way over the discomfort that I had with my 22 year old body that had just ballooned to 200 lbs. With him I feed him anywhere I needed to.

TKDGRRL

Great point about the pumping, BrokenAngel! Folks, I know her son personally, and he still eats almost 24/7.LOL

bentleighsmomma

Big fan of breastfeeding!! I breastfed my daughter for 12 months. It was a very positive experience for both of us! I loved the bonding time! We were very fortunate to not have any problems. The only problem was when I weaned her I was in quite a bit of pain. Cabbage leaves were a life saver!!

bika

I know. I never felt lazy or I didnt let come any bad feeling when I did breastfeeding to my daughter. She is very healthy and looks cool.

Simplyme

I am the mother of 4 and I breastfed all but my oldest and honestly I did not know that it was so beneficial back then. My youngest is almost 6 months and I was heartbroken 2 1/2 months ago when my milk dried up unexpectedly. Had I still been utilizing some meditative methods it may not have happened as my nurse told me it most likely had a lot to do with stress. I guess I should be thankful that I at least got 4 months of breastfeeding in.

matty39

Simplyme,
I only breastfed my oldest for 6 weeks and had no real knowledge on the benefits of breastfeeding. That was 15 years ago. When my others were born, I became more informed over time.

Stress can definitely affect supply and I'm sorry that you had problems but you are right.....you should be proud that you were able to breastefeed your little one as long as you could

Louise31

I bottle fed mine from birth and although all the points you make about breast feeding are great I dont agree with them. My kids are intelligent werent fussy, picky or ill. I feel there is too much pressure on new mums to breast feed and the decision should be left to the mum.