In Support of Breastfeeding

Many new mothers out there are met with difficulty when they first begin to breastfeed their brand new baby. Latching can turn out to be what seems like an eternal struggle, and sticking with it through the pain can be rather frustrating. But what many don't realize is that it's a learning curve for both mama and baby, but there are many resources for all of you to find support.

If you aren't an individual experiencing medical problems, or a low milk supply, exclusive breastfeeding might be for you! In my own opinion, just because someone "exclusively breastfeeds" doesn't mean it must be skin to skin contact 100% of the time, and not from a bottle once in a while. Pumping breast milk can be just as beneficial, knowing that your baby will have "brain food" while you are out or working (just make sure your day care will feed your child with the milk provided).

Not only is breastfeeding beneficial to the mother, but it also aids in brain growth and shows amazing differences depending on the length of time the baby was breastfed. Those who were exclusively fed breast milk showed a 20-30 percent larger brain development than supplemented or exclusive formula feeders in this recent study. But the sad truth is it isn't always as easy as slapping the baby on the breast and going along your merry way. No, you need time to learn and a good support system (even my little one began nursing with a nipple shield).

Sometimes you need to remind yourself that you aren't perfect! I don't want anyone who is unable to breastfeed to feel picked on, sometimes you try and try regardless of the physical ailments that come along with it. I can totally relate to this blogger, because I was unable to have the natural labor I always wanted, I developed Toxemia and had to be put on Pitocin in the hospital and have my midwife break my water. I quickly found out I couldn't handle the pain of drug-induced contractions and went for an Epidural. Feeling like a failure, I forced myself through the tearful pain and it turned out great for me in the end (as I was able to breastfeed 6 weeks later).

Here are a few places you can visit online to find supportive groups of women, with a positive outlook towards breastfeeding:

The Breastfeeding Project began to empower and educate women on the benefits of the "Big Latch" for breastfeeding families. Although they are based in central Florida, you can like their Facebook page and follow updates, meet like-minded users and read the latest articles regarding your smart little babies!

Le Leche League International provides a ton of resources regarding the art of breastfeeding, learning how to read cues from your baby as well as issues dealing with pumping in the work place. They have also gone to the extent to provide educational PDFs, such as the Breastfeeding is Just Good Sense tear sheet (which I love).

Breastfeeding Law is perhaps one of the most important websites for working mothers I've found. Not only does it spell out federal laws regarding breastfeeding in public, but it also goes as far as to explain the few states that make employers create arrangements for breastfeeding mothers.