Women have been breastfeeding each other’s children for centuries.  In many culture’s this is still the case.  In our western culture movements have been started to get back to our roots in different realms (do you eat organic?).  One of those movements is the sharing of breastmilk.  We know “breast is best”, we also know some women aren’t able to breastfeed their babies for various reasons.  Some of these women want to feed their babies breastmilk, but are forced to buy formula.  There have been milk banks set up.  There are a few around the country and the breastmilk can be expensive.  There is a new movement called Eats On Feets (I know sounds like a Dr Suess book title).  You can volunteer your extra milk, or request milk.  It doesn’t matter if your baby is one month or one and a half.  Check out the site Eats on Feets, it’s a world wide movement.  If you are in Oregon, “Like” their facebook page.  Support mamas who want the best for their babies but need some help.

There are a few things I wish I knew then that I know now.  This is one of them.  I often wonder what her life would have been like.  What is “this” you ask?  The value of breastfeeding and where to go for support.

See, the journey with our little girl began quit rocky.  About 10 hours after her birth she was whisked to the NICU in a flurry of activity and we were left with no explanation other than that she was very sick and needed immediate care.  This chaos became our lives for her first year.  I had successfully breastfed our first child and thought round two would be cake also.  Because she was in the NICU, our bonding was interrupted and breastfeeding was a rough road.  I struggled for 2 weeks to breastfeed her exclusively after we came home.  This little child whom I was supposed to love and care for had me so flustered I wanted to give her back.  Yes, you did hear me right, I didn’t want her anymore.  I then felt guilty for feeling this way (a whole different journey).  After two weeks I called a friend beside myself with tears streaming down my weary face.  She encouraged me to buy some formula and give up breastfeeding because it had me so stressed.  I did.  I didn’t reach out for professional help (such as a lactation consultant), I did no research, nothing (I am ashamed to say).   This choice of formula created many more problems looking back in retrospect (20/20 always seem so clear, huh?).  To make a long journey short so you don’t get bored by the details, she ended on Nutramagin (a hypoallergenic formula) and we tried every medicine and technique to help with her projectile vomit to no avail.  She still has eczema, is the one who gets the most colds that last the longest, has digestion issues, and my only child to have enviromental allergies.  Granted, this poor baby had 3 blood transfusions and numerous tests/scans which we are sure compromised her little system, then not being breastfeed I am certain contributed to her current health.

Photo by Mike.HanlonLooking back, I wish I had sought more support from someone who was trained in postpartum issues and breastfeeding support, such as a postpartum doula or lactation consultant.  Knowledge is power and through my training to become a postpartum doula I have gained the knowledge that would have helped me back then.  I truly believe that first year would have been a more enjoyable time for the whole family.

I do not judge those who exclusively use formula.  I feel sad because I know they just don’t have the knowledge and are robbing themselves of such an amazing opportunity.  Did you know that breastfeeding causes the brain to release happy chemicals into your body?

Here are some amazing, evidence-based facts about breastfeeding that you may not have known(if you want the sources, let me know):

• There is less waste product produced from human milk i.e easier diaper changes.  In my experience, less, shall I say, pungent too.
• Zinc and iron are more effectively absorbed from human milk than from formula milk
• Breastmilk conforms to the needs of your baby.  A cold running through your house?  Your breastmilk will pump up the antibodies to help out babies little body.
• If your baby is premature, your breastmilk will have a makeup similar to colostrum for up to a month in contrast to a full term baby which is a couple days.
• Human milk has a laxative effect, while formula milk can cause constipation.
• Formula  fed babies have an increased risk for allergies and allergy related conditions such as eczema.
• Formula increases the sensitivity to infections which can result in the dreaded diarrhea.  Again, another practical easier diaper experience:).
• Babies weaned before 1 or formula fed have a higher risk of speech-language disorders.
• Diabetic mothers who breastfeed are more likely to need less insulin.
• Your belly shrinks quicker and you can zip up those jeans faster postpartum.
• The risk of osteoporosis goes up for mother and child when formula is used.

These are just SOME of the benefits for mom and baby.  Amazing, huh?  According to a Parent’s Network poll in American Baby, 32% of first time moms plan to use a lactation consultant, while 57% actually hire one.  If you are a first time mom or have had previously had breastfeeding difficulties, search out local lactation support before you birth so you are prepared if breastfeeding becomes a bumpy road.  Remember the portrayal of establishing  breastfeeding being this natural and easy process is just that a portrayal and not always reality.  Sometimes your body isn’t compatible with breastfeeding.  These instances are very few and very far between.  Most of us just need a little expertise to get us going.

To start you on your search:

• LaLeche League
• International Lactation Consultant Association
• Check your local hospitals
• Kelly Mom
• Search google or bing using lactation consultant or postpartum doula along with your city and/or state
• Ask other moms you know
• Find local support groups and check them out before you birth
• Near Portland or Salem? contact us.  Near Newberg or McMinville?  contact Laura Dunn
• Ask your Childbirth Educator

Those ideas should start you on your way to finding help locally.  I wish you all success in this amazing journey of bonding with your baby.  If you are local

I HAVE gone on since to successfully breastfeed two more children.  You can be successful too if that is your goal!

I am one who believes breast is best, however, formula isn’t evil (my second was a formula baby). Then I got a coupon in the mail (for our baby #4) for a new formula. I read it with a “what the hell” expression while mumbling to myself. My hubby was close by and made some crack about me going crazy (at least I didn’t answer myself, right?). We had a discussion about this new formula.

At this point, I’m sure you are wondering what IS it?? It is made by Enfamil (a trusted brand and the makers of Nutramigen we used for #2). It is called Restfull. It claims (a) “a natural way to help keep your baby feeling satisfied”, and (b) “thickens gently in baby’s tummy and digest slowly”.

I am all for a baby getting a good night sleep (and mama too!). The temptation is there with baby #4 who doesn’t sleep well. However, how is this natural Enfamil? Aren’t you trying to trick a baby’s system? It just seems so counterintuitive, and perhaps a little selfish.

What are your thoughts? For and against comments gladly welcomed!