Whilst the breast v bottle debate rages on you may have missed that the first week of August was actually world breastfeeding week! A week which aims to educate and inform people around the world about the benefits of breastfeeding as well as support parents. No judgement no prejudice just helpful advice that can bring mums together.
(Photo credit to Louise from Mummy Miller)
Whether its bottle feeding or breast feeding there is one thing we are all looking for as mums and that's support. Whichever way you choose to feed your baby its a minefield of choices as well as "rights & wrongs". As parents we need to be supporting each other rather than tearing each other down for the choices we make. We also have to remember that for some mums, just like myself that decision if often taken away from your for a variety of reasons!
We are all on the same journey of parenthood and its a daunting one whether its your first baby or 5th! Every baby is different and what works for one just won't work for another. Whether you bottle feed, breast feed or even pump /express your baby is getting fed and that's the main goal right?
(Photo credit to Elaine from Entertaining Elliot)
Rebecca said - It isn't always easy but the cuddles are great!
Ami said - My top tip for feeding would be to never feel embarrassed or ashamed in public. You are doing the most natural thing in the world... feeding your baby. If anyone has a problem then that is their issue not yours. Be proud of what you are doing!
Rebecca said - Feed like no one is there! It made me feel so much more comfortable.
Mandi said - Top tip is little and often, babies tummies are only the size of a marble on day one, and if you need to break the seal, pop your little finger in the side of their mouth, DO NOT just pull, as your nipple will extend very far!
Jenny said - My top tip is relax into it and expect it to take hours of your time. It makes you relax and you can read, watch movies and even play PlayStation. I got several Platinum trophies while breastfeeding.
My advice would be to never base your decision on someone else's experience or give in to peer pressure to do something you don't want to. There are lots of people out there who can give advice, support and help whatever your choices and its definitely worth checking out local groups and even sure start centres who run classes and groups where you can meet other mums.
However you feed your baby that bond you get at that time is amazing. I spent hours of those newborn baby days just staring at my tiny new perfect little baby (and smelling that amazing new baby smell!). It was the perfect bonding time for mum and baby (or even dad and baby if your are bottle feeding or expressing) and gave me the perfect opportunity to take time away from visitors and just relax.
(Photo credit to Ami from Through Ami's Eyes)
Im not here to debate the breast v bottle, how you feed your baby is your choice and just like many other parenting decisions we can't base the way we feed our children on how our friends, neighbours or peers did. We have to do what is right for you and your baby and that's that. However for parents who do choose to breastfeed Smart Cells has released a fantastic article sharing 9 essentials for new breastfeeding mums.
The guide is fantastic for mums who are thinking of or who are already breastfeeding and contains some practical advice such as clothing and nipple shields as well as advice on finding support from other breastfeeding mums or peers. Its definitely worth a read and have some very valuable advice inside!
(Photo credit to Rebecca from My Girls and Me).
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**This is a collaborative post with Smart Cells using information from a press release. However all words and opinions are my own and I retain full control of this post.**
I think that every woman is free to decide how to feed her child and nobody should judge her. She is the mother and she has the instincts. A mother always knows what is best for her child.
ReplyDeleteI breastfed all three of my children and I'm really glad I did. It was such a wonderful experience (once you got past the painful stage!).
ReplyDeleteThat guide is really handy. I combination fed Jack when he was little and have mostly breastfed Olivia (apart from a short period of time where I was very stressed when she was a newborn and my Dad has passed away and my milk supply was affected and I got ill - MW suggested giving breast but topping up with formula if she was hungry) so I have experienced both. As long as baby is healthy and happy then I don't see a problem with how a baby is fed.
ReplyDeleteas long as baby is healthy and safe and happy then there is no debate -great tips here
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that I've always believe that each mom knows what is best for her baby and for her, as long as baby is happy and healthy it don't matter.
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