Breastfeeding

By: Heather L. Sanders

Meeting baby's basic sustenance needs and the benefits therein.  At some point in your pregnancy the question will come up, "So are you planning on breastfeeding?"  It may be a daunting question if you are a new mother.  It can be overwhelming with all there is to learn and consider before making the decision to breastfeed or not.  It might be that you formula fed  your previous children, but have started to research the possibility of breastfeeding your next.  And maybe you are a 'seasoned' breastfeeding mother, but still have specific questions that you would like to have answered or need to point a friend or family member to some helpful resources.  Well, that is what this page is all about - breastfeeding resources for meeting your baby's most basic need . . . sustenance. 

My first child was not breastfed.  My adamant comment was, "My breasts are not bottles!"  If breastfeeding is the last thing you ever wanted to do, rest assured,  you are not the only one.  I did not feel it was a wrong decision, but that I personally did not want to do it.  I used the age old excuse, "My mother didn't breastfeed me and I was a healthy baby and child."  I even used my first daughter as an example, "Look at her . . . she was formula fed and she's never been sick a day."  Over time, however, I developed and enjoyed friendships with women that did make the choice to breastfeed.  I came to see it as a beautiful thing THEY shared with THEIR children, but still not something I wanted to do.  It was really the economical aspect that first turned me to the idea.

As always, I encourage you to read, read and read some more.  Speak to friends or family members that have successfully breastfed and enjoyed it.  Ask them to be 'frank' with you so that you are not disillusioned should you meet with any obstacles along the way.  Because most probably, you will!   Join your local La Leche League, a breastfeeding support group, and ask questions until the answers satisfy you.  Check out the links below - they are packed with information.  But whatever you do - don't become discouraged.  Your breasts were created primarily for this purpose and it is a rare circumstance for a woman not to be physically capable of breastfeeding her child. 

Breastfeeding Support, Articles and Information Links:

The following links are ordered alphabetically and not by preference:

The Adoptive Breastfeeding Resource Website (ABRW) An organization created in 1997 to serve the growing population of Adoptive parents who are interested in adoptive breastfeeding, also known as 'inducing lactation' for those women who have not gone through a pregnancy.  Helpful articles, information and tips.

American Academy of Pediatrics' Policy on Breastfeeding The AAP recommends breastfeeding as ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development and recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.  Look here to read the entire report supported by the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

Ask Dr. Sears  Who doesn't know Dr. Sears?  Check out this link for his articles related to breastfeeding, such as Why Breast is Best, Right Start Techniques, Common Problems, FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) About Milk Supply and Breastfeeding Challenges, and the like.

A Woman's Guide to Breastfeeding  An article from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), this article answers some common questions that first-time breastfeeding mothers may encounter.  Also offers links to other AAP Breastfeeding Resources.

Breastfeeding Basics  Everything you always wanted to know about breastfeeding, but didn't know who to ask.  A mother of 6 breastfed children, and an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) with over 20 years experience in lactation counseling, answers questions about breastfeeding.

Breasfeeding.com Offers a variety of articles on breastfeeding and its long-term effects for a children regarding allergies, asthma, IQ, cancer risks and the like.  Also gives advice on getting started with breastfeeding and other on-line resource links to prepare for breastfeeding your baby.

Dr. Newman's Breastfeeding Articles  A well-known breastfeeding advocate, Dr. Newman's latest book, The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers continues to receive praise and has recently been added to the La Leche League's book list.  Many of Dr. Newman's articles are now available on-line at the above link.

Jane's Breastfeeding Resources  Concerned about the 'where' and 'when' you can breastfeed. Read about other mothers as they share their stories regarding their personal experiences with breastfeeding in public.

La Leche League International  Founded to give information and encouragement through personal help to breastfeeding mothers.  LLLI believes that breastfeeding, with its many important physical and psychological advantages, is best for baby and mother and is the ideal way to initiate good parent-child relationships.  Look here to find a support league in your area.

Mothering From The Heart A professional breastfeeding consultation service.  A registered nurse, board certified lactation consultant and nursing mother!  Providing help to nursing moms through consults, education, breast-pump rentals/sales and other nursing accessories.

ProMom, Inc.  Promoting the awareness and acceptance of breastfeeding.  Great article entitled "101 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child"

United States Food and Drug Administration Recommending that breastfeeding is the best bet for babies.  "More than two decades of research have established that breast milk is perfectly suited to nourish infants and protect them from illness. Breast-fed infants have lower rates of hospital admissions, ear infections, diarrhea, rashes, allergies, and other medical problems than bottle-fed babies."  For more on this, look here.

World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA)  Promotion breastfeeding all over the world.   A global network of organizations and individuals who believe breastfeeding is the right of all children and mothers and who dedicate themselves to protect, promote and support this right.  This site has a great article, "Nurturing the Future - Challenges to Breastfeeding in the 21st Century."

Breastfeeding Book Suggestions/Selections:

As I said above, asking friends and family members about their breastfeeding experiences is a great way to move you forward in your decision to breastfeed or not.  But don't stop there.  Take time to gather some book knowledge as well regarding the benefits, blessings and even difficulties you may encounter along the way.  Educating yourself is a priceless buffer against discouraging or critical thoughts you may have or comments from others regarding your decision.  Remember, this is you and your husband's decision.  No one should or can make this decision for you two.  However, as the mother, YOU will be the one breastfeeding as it involves YOUR body and YOUR time.  So be certain that you know why YOU are making this choice and then give yourself the knowledge to back your heart's conviction.

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Content Copyright © Heather L Sanders.
May not be reprinted without permission.