Comments on: DOCTOR IS IN: What are the benefits of breastfeeding to mom?

By: Abby

Abby — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:35:42 +0000

I breastfed all four of my kids! It was a wonderful experience with all of them. My middle two are twins, which added a lot of extra time, as I fed them separately. It also gave me special bonding time with each twin. I lost my pregnancy weight immediately, however gain back some after I stop breast feeding. It is hard to adjust to eating less after two years of a healthy appetite.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:41:45 +0000

Sounds good to me since I spent a total of 5-1/2 years breastfeeding (four children).

By: Gina Ciagne, CLC

Gina Ciagne, CLC — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:37:49 +0000

I breastfed and breastmilk fed (with pumping after returning to work after each) both of my children and while challenging at times, I made the decision based on the evidence about the benefits to them that last throughout their lifetime and the benefits to me that can also last a lifetime. Also, it was what breasts were made for and I was making milk specifically for my baby. Knowing I could seriously reduce the risk of illnesses and conditions (ear infections, RSV, overweight, diabetes, etc.) for them and knowing the reduction in risk for myself (reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, etc.) was compelling enough for me to commit to it and stick with it through the trials and tribulations. I believe it is important to present the facts and to help so a mom can make a truly educated decision. I do not judge and I do not bully–it is not for everyone and it is not feasible for some. Do these benefits mean everyone will be the same whether in weight loss or protective benefits–no, but the risks are reduced and it should not diminish the overall public health benefit of breastfeeding.

Gina Ciagne, CLC
Director, Breastfeeding and Consumer Relations
Lansinoh Laboratories
http://www.bymomsformoms.net

By: Couvade

Couvade — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:44:16 +0000

Sick of the sanctimony. Do what works for you. My 3 sisters and I were only breastfed for a month and have become healthy adults. I will breastfeed my daughter until my milk dries up. Either way, it’s not the end of the world.

By: What are the benefits of breastfeeding to mom? | The Super Mom

What are the benefits of breastfeeding to mom? | The Super Mom — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:09:23 +0000

[...] bras and I loved that I never had to worry about feeding my baby, I always had food on tap By Ruth Simmons, RNC, and Melissa Kottke, MD Most experts agree that breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for your baby’s health. [...]

By: GB

GB — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:44:32 +0000

I breastfed both my sons for a year (now 24 and 21)and the results have been great health for the both of them. They rarely even catch a cold. That was a blessing while they were growing up. I too have rarely had a cold and only wish breastfeeding would have prevented these hot flashes I am now dealing with.

By: Lulline

Lulline — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:10:24 +0000

Losing my extra baby weight was the next best thing for me besides nursing both my children. As long as I kept the protein and calories intake up I did not have a problem nursing and I especially loved the closeness I had with the babies while doing so. The fact that my boobies got bigger was an extra bonus although I missed sleeping on my stomach at times. I’m not sure of all of the benefits but at my age, I don’t have joint or back problems and my bones are in pretty good shape. The women on my mother’s side had the worst diet in the world; i’m talking high fat, high cholesterol,I should take a Lipitor with that meal diet, and they lived to be in their 90’s. The jury is still out on a lot of things but overall, both my kids were preemies and they are surprisingly healthy. They do manage to dodge whatever the other kids have so that for me is th best benefit to breastfeeding. My son weaned at 20months after my daughter was born but she refused to to give it up and I nursed her until she was 2 1/2 until I reallized she was on the verge of milking me dry. I couldn’t keep up with her and my full time work schedule so I had to force her to wean. That was the worst part of breastfeeding.

By: Amy in the ATL

Amy in the ATL — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:03:49 +0000

Without a doubt, breastfeeding is great for both mom and baby. However, it IS challenging for working moms. I breastfed my first daughter for 6 months, going back to work when she was 15 weeks. Although my company has a mother’s room and a special refrigerator for breastmilk, it was still a challenge to get to the room between meetings, various crisis, occassional travel, etc…so I didn’t make it a year. With my second daughter, I attempted to do the same, but my breastmilk ended up drying up at 4 months causing me to supplement with formula, and she started favoring the formula, causing the remaining milk to dry up, too. So I didn’t make it quite as long the second time around.

All that said, I think moms should be encouraged to breastfeed if they can (and not all can, Elaina—my cousin tried but ended up with a severe thrush problem which endangerd her health and her baby’s) and as long as they can. For many women, 12 months is tough to do if they return to work. So changing the message a bit to be less judgemental and more encouraging (breastfeeding is great-and cheap-so try it!)would probably get even more moms to give breastfeeding a try, which is good for everyone. Saying that if you don’t breastfeed for a year you’re doing a disservice to your baby isn’t particularly helpful, especially for those women with legitimate issues.

Also, Elaina, give the C section thing a break. I had two…and not by choice. And my babies were quite fine.

Basically, moms need to give each other a break. It’s tough being a mom, regardless of your circumstances. Rather than nitpick on who breastfed, who didn’t, who stays home, who doesn’t, we should all support each other and provide words of encouragement, not criticism.

By: lfunnyfarm

lfunnyfarm — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:54:35 +0000

I forgot to mention that breastfed baby poop is much less foul than that of formula fed babies

By: lfunnyfarm

lfunnyfarm — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:52:01 +0000

I breastfed my 2 sons for about 2 1/2 years each. I felt and still feel that breastfeeding is so very important. If I was able to do this with the problems I had, anyone can!
My firstborn suckled incorrectly (put his tongue over the nipple) and rubbed holes in my nipples. We were both newbies and there was no La Leche League in my town so I didn’t catch it until the damage was done. So I pumped for a while so I could heal.
My second son didn’t have any problems. Everything was simple and easy.
My letdown reflex was so strong that I soaked everything pretty much all the way through nursing both times. I slept on a felted rubber-backed sheet because of leakage.
Even with the issues I have mentioned, issues that probably would cause many women to stop nursing, I continued. I’m not looking for a pat on the back, I simply think it is that important.
The posters are correct – Breastfeeding IS the most economical and the convenient (always the correct amount and temperature, no risk of food poisoning). It is the perfect food for infant humans. Even with all of the nutritional research, formula companies cannot make their product match exactly. You have a built in pacifier Studies have shown that breastfed babies are an average of 10 points more intelligent on IQ tests. For the most part, they are healthier. And the bond between baby and mother is just shy of magical!
First timers and women considering nursing, consider all of the advantages. Don’t be swayed by the popular “wisdom” that fathers and grandparents “need” to participate in the feeding of your baby. They don’t. They can bond at other times, through other activities. You, like every other nursing mom, can make it through nighttime feedings without daddy giving a bottle. And don’t be taken in by the “I just didn’t have enough milk” idea. This simply is not the case unless you are suffering from malnutrition or some catastrophic illness. The more the baby suckles, the more milk you produce. When a baby goes through a growth spurt, she/he will nurse hourly. This is not a signal that your milk supply is inadequate (in that you are doing harm to your child), the “problem” is being solved by the increased frequency of nursing. If you feel that you don’t have enough milk, do some research on ways to increase your supply. They can include greater fluid intake, more rest for mom, and increased frequency and duration of breastfeeding sessions.
Nature designed women for this job and privilege. Count your blessings!
Good luck.