World Breastfeeding Week is from August 1- August 7 and its theme this year is "Winning a Goal for Life."
This year's WABA World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) theme asserts the importance of increasing and sustaining the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding - in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) countdown, and beyond. We call on all celebrants of WBW to Protect, Promote and Support Breastfeeding: it is a vital Life-Saving Goal!
In honor of World Breastfeeding Week I wanted to share my thoughts on the breastfeeding vs. formula debate and where I stand. Breast is best? or is it? Yes, studies have shown that breastfeeding is the best thing a mom can do for her child and her well being. It stimulates a bond between a child and mother that is like no other bond. It also sheds pounds quicker for mom and reduces her chances of having breast, ovarian, or cervical cancers.
I've been pregnant twice as you know and both pregnancies ended in losses. In both pregnancies I also produced breast milk shortly after birth. With my son BJ my milk came in around 5 days after I had him and with my daughter Brielle it came in 3 days after I had her. I can only imagine how things will be with skin to skin contact with Maxwell how fast my milk will come in. It makes me excited to know that I could breastfeed him.
However, I know that breastfeeding comes with its challenges. He may not latch properly. He may not gain weight due to latching and other reasons. My nipples could be cracked, sore, and all of the above. I'm still going to give my all to breastfeeding and if it doesn't work I'm not going to beat myself up for giving my baby boy formula. I was a formula baby just like many babies born in the 80s and formula works just as well as breast milk. Breast is best but formula works as well!
Keep the Faith!
Until next time,
~E
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