The Nursing Baby - Your Breastfeeding Stories

In the begining the thought had not even crossed my mind that I would NOT breastfeed. I was breastfed until past 2. But I began hearing many stories of how tough it was or the doctor said blah blah blah... Before the birth I researched the benefits to stengthen my conviction to stick to it. It was especially motivating to see on the bottom of the formula ads a reminder that breastfeeding is better just like the warning on a pack of cigerettes.

I was determined to do the best I could for my baby. She was born at home (it was a wonderful experience by the way) and I held her as soon as she was delivered to begin the bonding experience. I noticed that as I was holding her she instinctively wanted to begin nursing. As I waited for the milk to come in during the next couple of days I was prepared to go through terrible pain as I had heard many horror stories of well meaning friends. Those that say they just couldn't nurse because of the pain are selfish in my opinion. Think of what is best for the baby. Jaidn did not recieve any supplemental bottles. Beware of the supplemental bottles! I have seen too many of those determined to breast feed start with a few supplemental bottle just for a little while as recomended by thier doctor. But that is not the way it worked. One by one they all gave up nursing for the ease of the bottle and all had justified reasons to themselves. Mainly they couldn't catch up on milk and the babies wanted to eat more. Well the more the baby sucks the breast the more milk it makes and I'm sure Jaidn would have eaten more had I offered. Your body will work it out just like mine did and many others do.

Although I was aprehensive about public feeding I kept telling myself it is natural. If someone else is offended that is their problem. I read somewhere would you like to eat your meal in a public restroom? That is gross and your baby shouldn't have to either. So far I haven't gotten any dirty looks like I imagined. Although I wouldn't mind giving someone a piece of my mind if I did get one. Some have asked to see the baby thinking she was asleep under the blanket. No she is eating right now I don't mind telling them. I must admit I have felt a twinge of envy as I sat in the Sears photograghy waiting room and all the mothers simply popped in a bottle as soon as their baby looked like it was about to make a noise. I was the only one breastfeeding and the room was packed. Just then a mother rolled her newborn by in a stoller. The bottle was propped up by recieving blankets. How cold and unfeeling. The main words that come to mind are lazy and selfish. That baby is missing out on a major part of the bonding experience that nature intended.

In the end (so far at 8 months) Jadin is a beatiful and healthy baby. She hasn't been sick once! She is smart and ahead for her age according to the What to expect the first year book. When she was a newborn everyone without exception commented on how alert she was for her age. This may also be from a drugless delivery.

If you are offended by anything I have said please feel free to keep it to yourself.