Planning to Breastfeed Successfully, rather than just Planning to Try

There is a big difference isn't there? So often pregnant women will say "Yes, I'm going to give it a go", "I'll give it my best shot but...." or "I'll definately try to breastfeed", and that's a perfectly
acceptable response.

Could you imagine though, if we were to say "Yes, I'm going to try to have a healthy baby", "I'll give a healthy pregnancy a shot" or "I'll try and care for my baby". Of course these statements inspire a bit of shock and the comparison is a bit emotive, but it leads me to my point.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the attitude and mindset could be as determined for both scenarios? The great majority of women can breastfeed their babies successfully, but there are obstacles to be faced, a lack of pre-and-post natal education, combined with a rather strong culture of breastfeeding being optimal but optional, we find ourselves with a pretty low number of women being able to feed for as long as they had hoped or they are duped into believing they can't feed their babies adequately at all by well meaning family members, friends or health professionals.

Learning to breastfeed
Educate yourself as much as possible about breastfeeding, how to do it, the mechanics of how your breasts work to meet your babies needs, learn about attachment and how to recognise a well-latched baby. Create a network of breastfeeding support resources - choose a pro-breastfeeding paediatrician or GP, put the ABA Helpline phone numbers up on the fridge in readiness and if you can, attend their pre-natal breastfeeding classes which will provide you with immediate membership and access to all the help and support you could require.

Breastfeeding is perfectly natural but it is a learned art. One of the great misconceptions is that breastfeeding is instinctive and you will just know how to do it. Rather than set yourself a difficult path that may take all the joy and pleasure out of this chapter of your lives, accept that you may well need help at some point, and more than once in some cases. Problems sometimes do arise, and having ready access to help and knowing that it isn't a sign you're failing or its all falling apart will lead you to your chosen goal.

Yes, that's what they're for

For some, overcoming the past history of your breasts, and seeing your body in a different light can be a challenge in itself. Breasts being sexual is a cultural construct. The biological reality is that our breasts are there to nuture and nourish our babies.
You don't need to hide away to breastfeed, nor do you have to expose yourself in any way that you will find makes you uncomfortable. Bottle fed babies don't eat in the toilet or with a towel over their heads, your baby doesn't need to either. If, however, you are concerned, breastfeeding can be done quite discreetly in public.
Feeding your baby isn't dirty, immodest or improper. Do people look at babies and get all flushed and red remembering they came out of your vagina? Gasp! The horror.

Breastfeeding as a health issue

If you could buy your baby a gift, and in that gift you could be offering a healthier life, for their entire life, would you buy it?
But wait, there's more. 
The free bonus with the gift also gives you a package of health benefits too. Thrown in for good measure.
The baby's package includes, but isn't limited to:
* lower rates of childhood and adult obesity
* lower rates of hospitalisation for gastroenteritis
* some protection from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
* less chance of suffering ear, bladder, respiratory infections
* lowers the rate of developing allergies
* an increase in IQ points
* lower rates of diabetes and heart disease
* optimal development for baby's eyesight, speech, jaw and oral cavity

Your bonus pack comes with:
* increased protection against ovarian and breast cancer
* less chance of developing osteoporosis and heart disease
* assistance with family planning
* no impact on the family budget
* assistance with getting your body (both internal and externally) back into shape
* more rest while you feed
* environmentally friendly credentials

 There are many benefits to breastfeeding. Making the choice to breastfeed, rather than just choosing to try, can make all the difference to you and your baby.