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Breastfeeding and Resources
We firmly believe that breastfeeding is the most wonderful thing you could do for your baby in his/her developing little life. It not only gives your baby an abundance of nutrients and vitamins, it also brings you so much closer to that little miracle. Babies who are breastfed have fewer illnesses and are better nourished than those who are fed other drinks and foods. If all babies were fed only breast milk for the first six months of life, the lives of an estimated 1.5 million infants would be saved every year and the health and development of millions of others would be greatly improved.~(UNICEF) Mother's milk is nature's perfect food.
As mothers who breastfeed each of our own babies, we know you will have many questions when it comes to breastfeeding, especially if it's your first time. So we've listed some sites for you to visit that we trust and have dealt with on a professional basis for your inquiries. Don't get discouraged, as sometimes it can take a little work but it's worth every benefit it offers.
Best for Baby
A mother's milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby's growth and development. Most babies find it easier to digest breast milk than they do formula. Breast milk has agents (called antibodies) in it to help protect infants from bacteria and viruses and to help them fight off infection and disease. Human milk straight from the breast is always sterile.
Best for Mom
Breastfeeding saves time and money. You do not have to purchase, measure, and mix formula, and there are no bottles to warm in the middle of the night. Breastfeeding also helps a mother bond with her baby. Physical contact is important to newborns and can help them feel more secure, warm and comforted. Nursing uses up extra calories, making it easier to lose the pounds gained from pregnancy. It also helps the uterus to get back to its original size more quickly and lessens any bleeding a woman may have after giving birth. Breastfeeding also may lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
We both have been touched personally by a horrible disease called breast cancer. We truely believe it can be prevented and it's only a matter of time before a cure is found. Please take time to have regular exams and support the efforts to prevent this from happening to other mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.
Research has found that women who breastfeed lower their chances of getting breast cancer. By breastfeeding you are doing what's best for your baby, and what's best for your breasts!
With much love,
~Robyn and Jessica
In Memory of Judy Young~a sweet and special friend who battled with breast cancer for far too long. Judy, I love and miss you and you will always be in my heart!
Breastfeeding Resources
BFHI
Best For Babes
PAM
Nursing is Normal
Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy
*Here are some helpful suggestions should you have sore, dry, or cracked nipples. WE are not a doctors or lactation specialists, but we personally have tried and tested each of these suggestions and they brought relief with all of our babies.
1. First and foremost, make certain that your baby is latched on correctly. Aim the nipple to the roof of babies mouth and make sure baby opens wide. NO piranha latching!
2. Apply warm, wet tea bags to sore nipples for a few minutes a couple of times each day. The tea bags MUST contain tannic acid, this helps 'toughen' the nipples but is also very soothing.
3. Green cabbage leaves. Clean the leaves with cold water and then crush the leaves with a rolling pin to accommodate the shape of your breast. Wrap the cabbage leaves around your breast and leave on for about 20 minutes twice daily.
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