BREASTFEEDING - a new mom's perspective

As a new mother, one of my biggest concerns was in the area of breastfeeding. My mother did not nurse my sister and I never had any aunts or cousins who did so to their babies. In fact, while pregnant, I was discouraged to breastfeed by family members and close friends. However, after researching the subject I began to see how important it was to do for my child and also for myself. I read about how it would help my child build a strong immune system, protect her from disease and give her the best nutrition available for her to grow healthy and strong. I also read of the incredible bonding experience between mother and child it helps to create. Babies need closeness of touch, to feel loved, and be comforted. On the other hand, a benefit to the mother is that it burns a lot of calories throughout the day. It could amount to the same as running on my elliptical machine for 45 minutes!

I had some worries about how difficult it would be to actually breastfeed a baby throughout an entire day. Would my nipples be sore? Would it be difficult for my daughter to latch on to them? Would my milk not come after giving birth? How would I feel about nursing in public or in front of family members and friends? Would I eat and drink all the wrong foods and make my baby feel sick or gassy? What if I was sick, would I make my baby sick also? These questions really challenged me to find out everything I could about breastfeeding.

Additional Info at HealthBud:

1. Healthy Benefits of Breastfeeding
2. Breastfeeding Pains
3. Frequency of Breastfeeding
4. Latching and Positioning
5. Nutrition for Mom
6. Nursing in Public

Breastfeeding Links:

Breastfeeding.com - Information, support and attitude!

FDA Article on the benefits of breastfeeding

Australian Breastfeeding Association - Authority on breastfeeding