This week is World Breastfeeding Week! A movement started 19 years ago by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action focused on educating, supporting and encouraging mother’s to breastfeed their babies!
To all of you breastfeeding mama’s out there, stand tall, stick out that chest and give yourself a pat on the back, because breastfeeding aint easy. It’s so hard it takes three girls to do it if you know what I mean!
My decision to breastfeed came long before we even had Pinky. I always knew it was the best thing for baby. My mom was breastfed, I was breastfed and we both lead pretty darn healthy lives. Taking our breastfeeding class prior to Pinky’s debut only further confirmed my decision of being a breastfeeding mama. Here are the top four reasons I chose to breastfeed Pinky – (I say “I” only because I’m the one actually feeding her, but it was definitely a mutual decision):
- Health Benefits. This is by far the number one reason why I decided to breastfeed Pinky. Breast is Best! Breast milk is all our babies need for the first year. It’s nutritious, it’s delicious. Mother’s milk transfers antibodies to baby even when we are sick to help baby build a strong immune system. It’s good for their health now and in the future. It is said that breastfed babies have a decreased chance of becoming obese as well as contracting diabetes and cancer.
- Bonding. Breastfeeding offers a total bonding experience between mommy and baby like no other. It gives moms another a reason to just hold baby and stare at her in awe. This is my favorite time to watch Pinky.
- Convenience. Some may beg to differ because I have moments where breastfeeding is not convenient, especially when out in public. But for the most part, I think it is much more convenient to whip out my breast under a nursing cover than it is to carry around a bottle and formula. And, my mile is just the right temperature for baby all day long. No need to refrigerate, heat or worry about saving it for later.
- Economical. Did you see how much it costs for formula these days? I need not say more…but I will. Having a baby is expensive whether we like to say it or not! After all, it is another mouth to feed, but the longer you can put off filling that mouth with food you have to pay for the better!
- Bonus: Breastfeeding helps contract your uterus back to its normal size which helps you lose the baby weight faster!
I’ve been a breastfeeding mama for six months going on seven. My goal is to continue until Pinky is a year old, but it seems like she might be there a lot longer than that. I’ll admit, when it comes to feeding, she’s in control and honestly, I don’t mind. I will not lie though, it is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life. Breastfeeding definitely altered my life in many ways, for one the way I dress, but when I think of all the nutrients I’m transferring to my Pinky it’s worth it.
If you are having trouble breastfeeding, be sure to visit a breastfeeding support group at your local hospital.
Stay tuned this week for our personal breastfeeding stories on our blog at http://thepinkyproject.com/.