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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Breastfeeding: The Case For Doing What's Right For You

I recently came across this article: The Case Against Breastfeeding

The article is long but worth reading if you are interested in hearing a case against breastfeeding. If you are like me and just like to hear the other side, it is also worth the read. I will admit that I do not agree with  what the author wrote against the benefits of breastfeeding. I also don't believe that any mother should have to convince herself (or others!) to breastfeed or to not breastfeed.

I have friends who have breastfed for 3 years and friends who were never initiating breastfeeding. I have friends who breastfed only while on maternity leave and friends who pumped for a full year after returning to work. I have friends who exclusively pumped and friends whose babies never received one bottle. I have friends who struggled through nursing challenges and were unable to continue breastfeeding and friends who had nearly no problems at all. I have friends who were sad when their baby was fully weaned and friends who couldn't wait to be finished.

I have friends who absolutely love breastfeeding and I have friends who absolutely don't.

Women should not feel guilty if they are unable to meet their original breastfeeding goals. They should not feel ashamed for either deciding to not breastfeed or deciding to breastfeed for longer than a year. 
  
I have nursed both of my children for over a year. My first was for 15 months and my second is 19 months old and still nursing today. I am, by all definitions, a breastfeeding advocate. I love nursing and I love talking and writing about it. But this is not to convince another mother that it's what she should do. It's because I know that nursing is challenging and I like to share my stories and what I have learned. I know that if info, education and support are provided then more women can succeed at meeting their breastfeeding goals. 

I am comfortable with the decisions I have made regarding nursing and therefore it doesn't matter to me what research or anyone else says about it. We all need to trust ourselves and the decisions we make. I enjoy breastfeeding and I know that it's what is best for me and my baby. I don't feel judged by this choice because I am confident in it.
 
The only thing that I can say to my friends and family, to the author of the above article and to all mothers is to do what is BEST for you and your baby. Whatever that might be. Simply, make the best decisions you can as a mother. And be confident in those decisions.


 

Also - if you are reading this and are a personal friend or family and are wondering if you are a 'friend' mentioned above - the answer is most likely, "yes!" I have two or more friends that fit into each breastfeeding category mentioned above. 



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blissandfaith 53p · 572 weeks ago

I enjoy nursing my son, and I'm so happy and feel blessed that I've been able to do it for 6 months thus far. I hope to continue well past a year, or at least until then. Breastfeeding is empowering, but so is raising a child and being a mother whether breastfeeding is in the equation or not.
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Julie 45p · 572 weeks ago

I definitely agree! I'm so thankful I had very few challenges and had/have the breastfeeding relationship I have with my children. I honestly can't imagine it any other way but I also know that it doesn't work that way for all women. For me, breastfeeding is a wonderful part of motherhood but there's many other wonderful parts as well!
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Brittnei Washington 103p · 571 weeks ago

Breastfeeding is such a loaded decision. So many factors in our society motivate a mom's decision to do it or not. I believe that women were created to do it. It's the reason I know milk comes into a woman's breast during pregnancy, but what I know to be true and my beliefs are not something I try to discuss with others who are not seeking that information. On the other hand, I find it very sad when people write articles that try to change the natural occurrence of something to be looked at in a negative light when studies have established breastfeeding to definitely be beneficial to mother, baby and arguably an entire family, but that is another story for sure. Bottom line, I am too consumed with making decisions that are best for my own family to get wrapped up in making judgments about others for doing the same. In the end, regardless of what is wrong or right, people have the liberty to make their own decisions. It's so nice to be back and to see what you have to say in the blogosphere! :)
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Julie 45p · 570 weeks ago

Thanks for making your way over to my little corner here, Brittnei! I happen to agree with everything you said :). Breastfeeding was never an actual decision that I had to make though. I always knew that I would BF - even before I was capable of having children. I watched my mom do it and it's just what made sense to me because, as you said, our bodies are created to do it. I read a comment of yours on another blogger's page about how you just hope to be able to teach your daughters (or in-laws) the info they need to be successful at it and I couldn't agree with that more. As for the article that inspired this post of mine - it's very sad that a mother would think she needs to prove to other moms reasons to not do it. But I most definitely believe in each mother choosing what's best for her and none of us should have to feel judged! Thanks for commenting!
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piggiesmallsmom 98p · 571 weeks ago

I am that mom who breastfed her son till 3. I tandem nursed, and am now currently nursing my 15 month old. Over the past 3 years I've really changed my views on this whole subject. I agree with you, moms should do what they want, guilt free. It's their babies and their bodies. Breastfeeding for the past 3 years straight has left me anxious for it to end. Can't wait to have my body back to myself but I wouldn't have it any other way, breastfeeding my babies is what feels right for me. I'm gonna have to go scan that post, I can't imagine why someone would be against it!
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Julie 45p · 570 weeks ago

I never tandem nursed but I was still nursing when I got pregnant for the second time so I have either been pregnant or nursing (or both) for over 4 years straight also. A big difference is my then 15 month weaned herself rather abruptly during pregnancy #2. Either way, I know what you mean to say you're anxious for your body back. A part of me feels that too but since this is my last baby I know that when it's over this time, it will really be over -- so I'm definitely conflicted! As for the article: I think her point began with mom's emotional health (which is certainly valid) and being upset that she felt judged. But trying to disprove the benefits of breastfeeding is quite frustrating to me. But just because I believe strongly in those benefits doesn't mean I would judge someone else for not breastfeeding. We all are trying our best and I just wish that was more of the point she had made.

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