This
is my personal appeal. If you could, please do breastfeed your baby.
My
little girl is purely breastfed since day 1. Eleven months and counting.
And aside from her congenital condition, she had not suffered from
sniffles, fever or any sickness yet.
When
I found out I was pregnant, I didn't decide outright on exclusive
breastfeeding. But somehow, in the back of my mind, I knew that I would. It was a natural
choice for me. I guess I never forgot all those formula milk ads with
the disclaimer: breastfeeding is still best for babies up to 2 years.
I have friends too who breastfeed their babies and I couldn't help
but admire them. And aim to do the same.
So
on my third trimester, I read up on breastfeeding. I also joined Breastfeeding Pinays on FB.
In
the group, mommies share their breastfeeding journeys and how to
address issues like having no milk, breast engorgement, mastitis,
biting baby, the stigma of breastfeeding in public, and even the type of food to eat to help my
body produce milk . When my baby came out, I was prepared. Because I knew what to expect, breastfeeding was easier for me than most moms. My little one was able to get
the colostrum (first milk from the mother's breast filled with
antibodies) and I had more than enough milk on me (I donated my extra
milk to two special babies).
Of
course it wasn't easy the first months. Direct latch means I don't
get to sleep (you know, sleep-sleep. Not the fish sleep i'm now used
to). But it was a relief I didn't need to wash and sterilize bottles. Aside from giving your little one the best milk there is,
breastfeeding is so convenient.
And
the science of it all!
Did you know that mommies and their babies share an immune system through the enteromammary pathway? Imagine this: you take a deep breath. You come in contact with a foreign invader so your body creates an antibody to fight it. And you pass this antibody to your baby by breastfeeding. Another scenario is your baby encounters a pathogen while you are out malling. When you feed your baby, her saliva will let your body know that she needs a particular antibody to fight this invader. Your body then forms the necessary antibody and you pass this to your baby through your milk. Yes, you are giving extra protection to your baby by direct feeding. But if you're working and need to use bottles, try to breastfeed at night (here is why) or whenever you're home.
There are also montgomery glands in a women's areola that secretes natural oils to keep the breast moist and clean. So no need to wipe or wash before baby latches. Amazing, huh? The geek in me is practically giggling with glee. Haha!
I could go on and on about the benefits of breastfeeding--bonding with your baby, getting back your pre-pregnancy weight, and did I mention the huge savings from NOT buying expensive formula milk, bottles, and sterilizer?
After almost a year of breastfeeding my little girl, I'm proud of this feat and I plan on breastfeeding until she turns 2. I also nag my friends to do the same.
So Nanays, please breastfeed your little one.
