Testament to Breastfeeding
Patricia Lynn Janes
Beachwood NJ USA
From: NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 18 No. 6, November-December 2001, p. 211
I could never have imagined
how enjoyable and convenient breastfeeding could be before my daughter
was born six months ago. Before Rose's birth, I had not thought much
about breastfeeding. No one in my family had ever breastfed their babies,
and I had never seen a baby being breastfed. Even up to the time of
my daughter's delivery, I was still unsure of whether I would breastfeed
or not. I figured I would give breastfeeding a try, believing that I
probably would not be successful and would have to switch to formula
anyway. In fact, I was somewhat embarrassed and uncomfortable with the
idea of breastfeeding and of using my breasts. Additionally, I felt
that breastfeeding would tie me down to my baby. Little did I know then
about the freedom and liberation that my decision to breastfeed would
give me.
Contrary to what I had expected,
my breastfeeding experience has been positive. I could not have hoped
for it to be any better. My baby gained weight rapidly, which increased
my confidence that I was capable of making the amount of milk she needed.
As a new mother who had no experience with babies, breastfeeding my
baby gave me a closeness and a bond with her that increased my confidence
in my mothering ability and my comfort in breastfeeding.
Secondly, breastfeeding has
made night and early morning feedings easier, enabling me to have more
time to rest. I could not think of any other way of feeding my baby.
It is hard to imagine how I could have survived those early months if
I'd had to get out of bed, exhausted, in order to mix, prepare, and
feed a bottle of artificial milk, when it is so much simpler to lie
in bed with my baby and feed her my own milk. Rather than draining me
of my time and energy, breastfeeding has allowed me to devote more time
and energy to nurturing my baby.
Thirdly, I am able to feed
my baby on demand, whenever and wherever I want, when she is hungry.
I do not have to plan ahead by preparing bottles of formula, nor do
I have to make my baby wait while I warm a bottle. Additionally, I do
not have to worry about measuring the amount of milk she drinks or time
how long between feedings. Rose knows when she is hungry and she is
the best judge of her nutritional needs, without measuring cups or clocks.
Many of my family, friends,
and associates have commented on how healthy and contented Rose appears
to be. She is energetic, strong, and does not cry very much. She is
comfortable around people and very trusting. Nevertheless, to this very
day, as my baby has just reached six months of age, I have well meaning
family and friends who still tell me that it is time to wean my baby
because I need to "get a life" and that formula feeding would
be "easier on me." What they are not willing to realize is
that breastfeeding my baby is what has made her the baby that they adore
and compliment today. Far from holding me back and draining my energy,
breastfeeding has given me more emotional strength, energy, and freedom
than any other method could have ever done.
Last updated Friday, October 27, 2006 by njb.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:30:00 UTC 2007.
