by
Christy Collin,
Midwife,
Doula
I quote the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in
saying, "Babies are born to be breastfed!" Breastfeeding is on
the rise, showing a definite increase even since the year 2000.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends
breastfeeding for a minimum of 2 years, the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) recommends all infants be breastfed for one year
and that an infant should be breastfed without supplemental
foods or liquids for the first 6 months of age. Imagine
my distain when Gerber sent me coupons showing me what foods my
baby should be eating, fading out breastfeeding at 4 months and
done at 6 months. Yet they showed formula all the way to one
year. Needless to say, I don't buy Gerber products anymore.
We all know that "breast is best", but take a look at how
AMAZING the stuff really is!
...breast milk has 400 nutrients that cannot be duplicated in
the lab
...slows down the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines
...inhibits the growth of bacteria in the lungs, mouth and nose
...reduces respiratory infections for the infant's first four
months of life
...research suggests reduction in risk of sudden infant death
syndrome, childhood cancer, diarrhea diseases, lower respiratory
illness, ear infections, bacterial infections, diabetes, infant
botulism, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and cavities
...breast fed children are 50% less likely to get an ear
infection than those who are not
Eyebrows were raised amongst scientists when an article, "Got
Cancer Cells?" was released in Discover Magazine.
Here's a snippet: "When Cathatrina Svanborg and her research
associates began mixing mothers' milk and cancer cells together
seven years ago, she wasn't looking for a cure for cancer; she
was after a way to fight germs. Nevertheless, the physician and
immunologist at Lund University in Sweden has discovered that
a previously taken-for-granted component of ordinary human breast
milk compels cancer cells-every type of cancer cell tested-to die." I wonder if more thought has since been put into our rising
cancer rates since the 1940's and 1950's when formula was first
introduced during a war era that forced women to go to work.
I applaud the changes being made throughout our country.
Eleven New York City hospitals have banned all posters and
promotional materials for infant formula due to their campaign to
promote breastfeeding. That free sample of formula found in the
gift bag sent home with new mothers is no longer!
Often I hear, "I tried to breastfeed, but I didn't make enough
milk." Science stands firm that neither of those things is
physiologically true for 96% of healthy mothers who follow
the golden rules of breastfeeding. It's a fact that it may not be
easy at first for everyone; it's a relationship that may require
a bit of practice for both parties. With some help, patience, and
good information, that relationship will blossom and the milk
will flow!
False information still exists, passed on by well-intentioned
women who are not proficient in breastfeeding. Some health care
providers may unknowingly give poor advice to mothers needing
support. If you need help, call your local La Leche League or a
Lactation Consultant. You can even call a Postpartum Doula,
Midwife, or another mother who has breastfed long-term. There is
help; you and your baby CAN have a successful breastfeeding
relationship, but do not wait until it's more than you can bear.
Before baby is born, the mother's breasts begin to make colostrum, a nutrient rich
"liquid gold" that is baby's food for
the first 3-4 days until mom's milk comes in. It contains
antibodies that provide numerous immunities for the baby as its
own immune system isn't yet developed. Rest assured that colostrum IS EXACTLY what your baby needs in both amount and
composition. It is low in fat, and high in carbohydrates and
protein. If you're still unsure if it's enough, let me remind you
that a NEWBORN BABY'S STOMACH IS THE SIZE OF A MARBLE.
Trust the experts -it's enough.
Breastfeeding operates on supply and demand. A common mistake
new mom's make is to supplement occasionally or pump to allow dad
to feed in the middle of the night. Once you've decided to
supplement, or pump just to miss a feeding, you've now headed
down a shaky road where you may not make enough milk.
Under-compensating immediately; you will make less milk the very
next day.
For me personally, the most amazing thing about breast milk is
that its composition changes continuously. It knows exactly how
old your baby is and knows his/her needs in the make-up of
protein, carbohydrates, and fats and also at what time of day to
give which amounts. That is one SUPERIOR FOOD!
Lastly, I want to address the main reason why so many people
are uncomfortable with seeing a baby eating at the breast
although it is truly one of the most instinctual and normal acts
that we as humans perform. Did you know that if a baby born
naturally (meaning vaginally with no drugs given to mom during
labor) is put upon the mother's stomach right after birth, the
baby will literally push with its feet and crawl directly to the
mother's breast and begin to nurse without any direction or
movement by the mother? This self attachment of the newborn is
truly an amazing natural instinct rarely observed for obvious
reasons due to the active management in most stages of labor and
delivery in hospitals. For something so natural and normal and
God intended, it frustrates me that the majority of American
society is uncomfortable with it. Everyone's personal feelings on
breast augmentation aside, it's very clear that breasts are
sexual objects in our society, not viewed first and foremost for
their primary purpose, which is to feed our babies.
I've heard a few stories of mothers given distasteful looks
(mostly from other women, as most men may be uncomfortable, but
not offended) and being told to go feed their baby in a restroom
or to cover up more. My favorite response passed down from other
breastfeeding mothers is, "Would you like to eat YOUR lunch in a
restroom or in the dark?" If the offended cannot see breasts for
what nature intended and not as sexual objects, that is their
misgiving and not a burden needing to be placed upon a nursing
mother. For those breastfeeding mothers who feel the personal
need to be discreet, I understand, and for those who don't, I
thank you for paving the way for the rest of us mothers out there
to not feel uncomfortable feeding our babies whenever and
wherever, as nature DID intend.
I once heard a disgusted woman compare seeing a woman
breastfeeding in public with how she felt about her husband
receiving Victoria's Secret catalogs in the mail. The nude
beaches around the world don't give a second thought to seeing
breasts for what nature intended, but in the United States, much
of the human body is taboo and the pornography industry
flourishes, making more money here than in any other country in
the world. No wonder the mixed message of shame and glorification
has been placed upon our bosoms! Unfortunately it's been at the
expense of our children's health for what they'll lack by not
being breastfed. There are controversial infant formula wars
taking place in both the U.S. and impoverished countries. The
formula companies are targeting poor nations where the difference
between breastfeeding or not can literally mean the difference
between life and death for 5000 babies a day. With their
abhorrent living conditions and potential for disease, these
deaths can be prevented due to the antibodies and antiviral
properties in breast milk, yet the formula companies are climbing
on top of one another in the attempts to be the formula chosen by
impoverished mothers to mix dirty, diseased water with their
accompanying inferior product. Formula companies are literally
putting these babies' lives at risk by tricking the mothers into
thinking it's better for their babies than their own breast milk.
Much of the value of a mother in America today is based upon
how attractive she is or how well she can multi-task instead of
being valued for the incredible feat of taking care of her
growing body and baby until it was time to labor that new life
into the world and is now nourishing her chubby cherub on her
milk alone! THAT to me is something that makes a mother the
wondrous thing of beauty that should be honored and valued!
So get out there and nurse! The more it's seen, the more
accepted it will become, and the better off our children (and
their babies!) will be.
By: Christy Collins
Midwife, Doula
KernAngelesBirth@aol.com
www.GentleBirthMidwifery.com
661.435.8230
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Breastfeeding
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