I have three children and wanted to provide them with the best. I attempted yo breastfeed all of them but only succeeded with one. With my first child I began breastfeeding in the hospital but by the time we were discharged from the hospital he was on formula. My second child was breastfed for approximately 2 weeks. The saying "third time is a charm" was clearly meant for my youngest child. I breastfed her for approximately six months. She is now three and sometimes I feel like we are attached at the hip or more like she is on my hip.
I had always known the benefits of breastfeeding such as better nutrition, less illnesses, etc. which were the reasons I chose to breastfeed my children. Research says that "breast is best." Berger also suggests that women who continue to breastfeed for six months often receive some sort of support and encouragement. I think support and encouragement also contribute to the success of breastfeeding. I received encouragement from my family and the nurses at the hospital. After leaving the hospital I met with a lactation consultant. I also received services from the Women, Infant, & Children's Program (WIC). When it was time for me to return to work I was provided with an electric breast pump so that I could continue to provide milk for my child while she was being cared for by others.
I was surprised to learn that in some African countries women who are HIV positive are encouraged to breastfeed their children.
Berger, K.S. (2009). The Developing Person Through Childhood (5th ed.). New York, NY:Worth Publishers.
I just had my first son 15 months ago and I tried to breastfeed him but he won't latch on and he would cry. It came to the point were I was starting to stress he wasn't getting enough to eat and we were both unhappy. I had tone of support and he was put on formula in the hospital right before we went home while I continue at home to try and breastfeed. A month down the road of trying to pump, breastfeed and formula feed to ensure he was getting enough for his serviral it ended and he was put on formula only. It's hard! I will try again when I decide to have my next child.
ReplyDeleteMy son and I have a good bond, I work hard at being their for him and making those connection with him because I hard too that a child who breastfeed has a stronger bond with their mother. But, his health and development was more important, I knew that we would bond either way. I was a formula feed baby and I have a strong connection with my mom.
Katherine I truly understand your frustration. I remember crying one night while I was in the hospital with my first child at one point I felt defeated.I can always say that I did try but in the end I did what was best for my child.
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