From time to time, I have written blogs about breastfeeding. I’ve always felt that pregnancy is the time to try to learn about breastfeeding and I try to get the message out in my own little way. Recent discussions in the forums have made me realize the lack of information available to many women and the importance of
Choosing how to feed your baby is one of the first decisions you will ever make as a parent. It is also one of the most important. Women come to the decision in many ways. Often, they fall into either breast of formula feeding based on the people in their lives. If a pregnant woman has many family members and friends who have breastfed, she is more likely to make the same choice. The same is true among mothers who choose formula.
A small group of women research the subject in depth. There are some that do research the decision. They read the medical studies that show the benefits of breastfeeding and read several books on the subject to make an informed decision. This is great and is definitely what we all should do. In reality, this doesn’t often happen.
Most women get information about breastfeeding through word of mouth from the people in their lives. Others read information booklets, many of which are written by formula companies and are veiled advertisements for the industry. I received one of these booklets when my fourth baby was born. I was shocked to find that half the book was devoted to formula feeding and supplementing.
Take some time to make an informed choice when deciding how you will feed your new baby. Do some research and read books about breastfeeding. Read not only about the nutritional benefits, but the medical benefits as well. Take a breastfeeding class and attend a La Leche League meeting. You will find some very knowledgeable ladies that you can call later, should a problem arise. Stop back and visit this blog. I will be doing a series on breastfeeding in the coming weeks.
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