Breastfeeding is definitely something I am passionate about. I feel like the younger generations especially don't know the benefits and view it in a negative way which, in my opinion is because the media has sexualised boobs so much that we have forgotten their purpose! Pretty sure we don't produce milk just for fun.
Anyways I realise situations vary but my breastfeeding experience with Romeo has been so positive and amazing and a bit of me is sad it will be coming to an end soon (although I am excited to start wearing attractive bras again).
My milk came in day 2 or 3 after Romeo was born and he learnt how to latch straight away- he was milk obsessed from the start!
Before my milk came the nurses in the hospital pressured me to put him on formula to 'fill him up' but this isn't necessary as the colostrum is like liquid gold and enough to fill a newborns little stomach. My advice to new mamma's is to do your OWN research around breastfeeding and make your own conclusions about things. If you want to breast feed exclusively then great and it is totally possible.
I think it's also important to have the support of your partner with whatever you decide to do. Speak to your partner about why you want too and how good it is for you bub.
Pictured above is the beautiful Aussie model Nicole. I loved the cover shoot she did for Elle as part of the campaign to normalise breast feeding. You can read her breast feeding journey here but I've taken an excerpt from the article that I like :
"You know, everyone has their own opinions about it. Some think that it's a private moment that you should share only with your child. Some think it's a cultural thing. But I think mainly, it's the sexual side of it. A woman's body is so sexualized. So a woman can be in lingerie on a billboard with her breasts protruding out of bra, but a mother who's fully clothed and being discreet can't breastfeed her child?
I think breasts need to be seen as non-sexual things. They need to be seen for what they're for: feeding a child. In society, we've made women into this visual thing that's used to sell. As a model I can say I use my body for that. I use it to sell products: clothing, lingerie. But we need to find that balance as a culture. "
Benefits of Breast feeding :
- It's the best thing for them in terms of nutrition
- Builds their immune system and has many long term benefits such as higher IQ and less chance of illnessss both short and long term
- Creates a beautiful bond
- Lots of cuddles
- If your baby won't take a bottle then you are pretty much the only one who can feed them until they start eating solids. I put this as a benefit because being the only person that can feed your precious baby is a privilege and something so special
- You don't have to get up in the middle of the night and make a bottle
- You lose your baby weight quicker
- At the start your boobs look fake and go huge - it's great
Some slightly annoying things :
- Having to get your boob out anytime, anywhere in front of anyone
- Nipples may become sore but this is treatable
- Mastitis. I did notexperience this but apparently cabbage leaves work a treat
- Our milk isn't as thick or heavy as formula so Breast fed babies may wake more frequently
Here are some more positives https://www.fitpregnancy.com/baby/breastfeeding/20-breastfeeding-benefits-mom-baby
To increase your milk supply:
- Drink more water
- Eat more nutritious food
- Try boob biscuits. There are lots of recipes online
- Eat food that promote milk production like oats
- Pump after feeds
- Consult a specialist. Often councils offer free services
- Don't give up
Much love,
The Designer Hippy