From the featured blog, Raising My 4 Sons
My name is Mandee. I am a stay at home mother to four boys with a baby on the way. While I have breastfed all four of my boys to at least a year, and most past a year with no bottles what-so-ever, you might be surprised as to my opinion on this matter.
I have seen so many mothers try to breastfeed their babies, get frustrated, take it out on the baby, and then give up. I honestly think, that if you don’t want to breastfeed, don’t feel comfortable with it, and don’t have the desire to do it, why bother?
Too many women feel that they need to breastfeed to impress someone or think that they are a failure as a parent if they do not breastfeed. I’m sorry, but if you do not like doing it, and you feel uncomfortable and it upsets or stresses you, don’t do it. The baby can sense when you are frustrated and it may only make things worse.
Now that being said…I am a true believer that breast is best. We were given the milk for a reason, right? If you are not able to breastfeed for whatever reason and are able to pump, why not give it a try?
I have breastfed all of my children. I really do think that women should be told in the beginning that it is not easy. You really must give it a good 2 weeks before you give up. Yes, your breasts will hurt worse then they ever have. Yes, you are going to cry and want to give up. Yes, your baby is going to root and it may be hard for them to latch on. But if you give it 2 weeks I promise you will surprise yourself. I just think too many people give up too soon. If after 2 weeks you still feel that it is not for you then at least you can say that you tried, right?
I nursed through Mastitis twice. If you have ever had this you know how painful it can be. Most babies do not come out of the womb knowing how to breastfeed. Some people are lucky and can say that their baby latched right on and nursed great, but most nursing mothers will tell you that it takes time and can be very emotional. It is so very rewarding though and the bond you have with your child is like no other.
I hope that this article has helped someone out there and that you will all think about what I have said when considering breastfeeding. If you choose to breastfeed do it for you and for your baby. Don’t ever worry about what others think of your choices. No mother is perfect no matter how hard they may try to be. Just remember that what works for one doesn’t always work for another.
“While I have breastfed all 4 of my boys, you might be surprised as to my opinion on this matter.”
