Last week, August 1 to August 7, was World Breastfeeding Week. I know what you're thinking. Most of you Odyssey readers are in college and thinking about pregnancy and breastfeeding is the last thing on your list, except maybe thinking about how to prevent a pregnancy with your flavor of the month. But as a doula (a birth coach and labor support person for expecting moms) and a college student, thinking about pregnancy and breastfeeding now before you're ready to have kids is as important as getting cancer screening tests. I'm serious. Pregnancy, birth and the decision whether or not to breastfeed are a huge decisions -- after all, you're bringing another life into the world!
Before this year, I knew absolutely nothing about breastfeeding -- except for the controversy that's going on regarding whether or not moms should cover up while breastfeeding. That is, until I became a doula. Doulas are incredible women who support other women during labor. These coaches teach moms how to relax, breathe and change positions during labor. Doulas are an advocate for moms' ideal births and are educated in hospital procedures and options so that moms can have the most safe and satisfying births for the mom herself.They are a resource both during pregnancy, during birth and during those first few weeks with a brand new baby at home.
Here are a few breastfeeding basics that are vital for all women to know, no matter their age or whether or not they have children.
1. Breastfeeding benefits you, as a woman and as a mother!
After giving birth, the doctor will usually place your baby on your belly near your chest. Babies have the natural instinct to crawl to the breast and latch on their own! When the baby latches onto your breast after birth, a hormone called oxytocin is released. This hormone is called the "love or bonding hormone." The combination of this hormone and the baby crawling on your abdomen helps you to stop bleeding faster and helps your uterus to shrink back to its original size faster! You and your baby immediately start to bond because you are skin to skin.
Breastfeeding burns a ton of calories, so it helps you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight faster. It also lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancers as well as osteoporosis.
2. Breastfeeding benefits your baby!
The first thing that comes in is called colostrum. This "first milk" helps the baby's first bowel movement from his time inside the womb, called meconium, come out.
Breast milk is your baby's first "shot" of antibodies and vitamins. Breast milk contains so many antibodies from you, so your baby will get sick less often. Breast milk is also easier on your baby's digestive system than formula. Babies actually can't digest the iron that is in formula, and so your baby's body has to do more work to digest that extra iron and non-natural "milk." Breast milk has the perfect combination of protein, fat and vitamins for your baby's age. And your breast milk changes as your baby grows to better suit the needs of your growing child.
The skin in the area around your nipple, called the areola, takes in germs that your baby has been exposed to and your body produces antibodies to those germs, then feeds those antibodies to your baby through your breast milk.
Babies that are fed with only breast milk for the first six months of life have fewer ear infections, bouts of diarrhea and respiratory infections. They have a lesser chance of having asthma or allergies and have fewer illnesses and trips to the doctor.
Breastfeeding helps you and your baby bond. The skin-to-skin contact, and eye contact helps your baby to feel safe and secure. Breastfeeding is an instant calmer -- who needs a pacifier that you'll have to rip away from your 3-year-old when you could nurse instead?
3. America is shy about breastfeeding.
America is the one country that tries to hide breastfeeding because the topic can be awkward and embarrassing. Other countries breastfeed their babies in public without covering up, and children are breastfed until the age of 4 or 5. I think one of the reasons Americans are prudes about breastfeeding is that we aren't exposed to it. Breastfeeding doesn't happen in public with our friends, relatives and even strangers around. In other cultures, everyone breastfeeds openly. You are raised that breastfeeding is normal and natural, and that is the cultural norm.
If you are a breastfeeding mom in America, I commend you and I say keep advocating for breastfeeding!
4. Breastfeeding saves you time and money!
You don't have to worry about buying bottles, nipples, different formulas until you find the right one, heating the bottle to the perfect temperature. Sterilizing nipples, storing formula, throwing formula away that sat out too long, measuring ounces. You simply get to enjoy your precious new baby, and you have a warm food source ready at any moment.
Remember: This is your body and your baby. You have the right to know your options and choose the best option for you and your child.
For more information about breastfeeding and support, visit La Leche League's website.
