A Special Formula for Baby!

Choosing to breastfeed the baby is one of the most important decisions a mother can make. Usually that decision was made even before the baby was conceived. There may be times when lack of support, knowledge and different priorities have led to bottle feeding. My goal is not to tell a new mother all the scary stuff in formula, but to discuss the reasons why a mother may be choosing not to breastfeed. Possibly, with discussing these reasons she may realize the benefits of breastfeeding and seek out the necessary support and education for the sake of her health and most importantly the infant's.

REASONS WHY WOMEN DON'T BREASTFEED:

1) Family Tradition:

Personally, my mother never breastfed, nor her own mother. Breastfeeding was something that was not talked about in my family as a natural and normal way to feed the baby. It is hard to breastfeed when the concept is foreign.

2) Not Knowing the Effects of Artificial Baby Milk:

My son was switched to several formulas due to the projectile vomiting. We finally found a soy based formula that would end the projectile vomiting yet changing his clothes many times throughout the day due to continual vomiting became the norm. I had not put the notion together that if I was breastfeeding the vomiting would stop. When an infant throws up continually on artificial baby milk, it is a reaction to the harsh chemicals that are used to keep it fresh as well as the unnatural and unbalanced ingredients.

3) A Mother's Priorities:

A mother may be so overwhelmed that even two hours into the future seems unrealistic. A mother may quit breastfeeding because the infant won't wake up, or her nipples are about to fall off from poor latching, and or her milk hasn't come in. The mom may not be able to handle one more demand and, therefore, will bottle feed.

COMMON BREASTFEEDING EXCUSES:

? "It's going to hurt". Unlike labor, pain in breastfeeding is not normal. Seek out professional lactation help for latch and positioning evaluation.

? "I have no milk." You were able to provide nourishment throughout the pregnancy for your baby, but as soon as the baby is born your body decided that the baby is on its own? Only 1% of mothers do not have enough milk for their babies. Correct stimulation makes the milk.

? "The milk doesn't come out." Women will pinch the nipple when looking for milk. The milk is made in the breast not the nipple.

? "I am on pain medications." Most of what is in formula are chemicals. I would be more concerned my infant consumed chemicals than minute amounts of pain medication in breastmilk.

? "The baby doesn't want it." Who would choose to drink a chalk-tasting drink for the rest of the year vs. one that taste like candy? Some babies need to learn this new skill.

There may be some circumstances when breastfeeding is not going to work. There are going to be some women who have tried everything to breast feed without the cooperation of the baby. Or there are times when a woman can not devote her time emotionally and physically to breastfeed. Professional breastfeeding help is out there if a mother changes her mind. All babies eventually breastfeed. I would advise anyone not wanting to breastfeed to at least try. You might enjoy it. Since I have bottle fed a child and breastfed other children, I have seen the differences.

LISTEN UP: 10 EXCELLENT REASONS TO BREASTFEED

? More sleep for mother since you can breastfeed and sleep at the same time

? Calming for mother

? A more intelligent child; 8-10 points higher I.Q.

? Significantly less doctor visits

? Increased bonding

? Satisfaction of giving your baby the best start in life

? Includes Anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties

? Protects from future health problems

? Parents will save thousands of dollars by not purchasing formula

? Less chance of breast and ovarian cancer in the mother

Seek help through Le Leche League, WIC, your nurse, a doula or a Certified Lactation Consultant for more breastfeeding assistance.

Julie L. Johnson is a wife and mother of three who has experienced every pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding situation there is and has lived to tell about. She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in Southern California. Her website http://www.birth-angel.com provides services and products to help ease the transition into motherhood.

---

Why Convertible Cribs Make Sense

Who doesn't love cool gadgets that morph into dozens of... Read More

How Can I Teach My Toddler to Share?

Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More

Tale of the Missing Nub

The extent of the memory loss that accompanies new parenthood... Read More

Baby Shower Gifts Are Not All The Same

When one talk about shower baby gifts, it is clear... Read More

The Average Growth In Babies

Growth charts are tools your pediatrician can use to keep... Read More

The Character Traits of the Typical Libran Baby

Your Libra Baby..September 23 - October 22Libras can be really... Read More

The Colic Baby

When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful... Read More

How to Choose a Car Seat That Meets The Needs of Your Baby

There are many types of car seats available on the... Read More

Learning Activities For Your Baby

Books and Babies - For babies from age 6 weeks... Read More

Baby Product Recall

Products are recalled all the time for posing a danger... Read More

Steps To Dealing With Your Autistic Child

It is most unfortunate that many wonderful parents feel that... Read More

A Surprise Baby Shower Can Be the Perfect Way to Celebrate

Throwing a surprise baby shower doesn't have to be difficult.... Read More

Freezing Homemade Baby Food

With our twin boys getting ready to start solid food,... Read More

Baby Shower Decorations

When decoration for a baby shower, there are a few... Read More

Potty Training Techniques That Dont Work

Your attitude and actions have a huge impact on your... Read More

Bonding with Baby

Most parents bond instantly with their babies, an intense feeling... Read More

Show Your Baby That You Read

When you take your child to the library, check out... Read More

10 Ways to Make Toilet Training Fun & Exciting

Blue & Yellow Make Green - Put a few drops... Read More

Baby Strollers - Frequently Asked Questions

Baby Strollers are one of the major purchases you will... Read More

Potty Training Guide

Toilet training (herein referred to as "potty training") is an... Read More

Potty Training Your Child: The Five Potty Training Methods

There are many different ways to potty train your toddler.... Read More

Unusual Baby Boy Names - Finding Exotic and Unique Baby Names

Unusual baby boy names and finding exotic and unique baby... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Capricorn Baby

Your Capricorn Baby..December 23 - January 19Capricorn babies thrive on... Read More

The Character Traits of a Scorpio Baby

Your Scorpio Baby..October 23 - November 21 Young Scorpios have... Read More

Welcome an Adopted Baby into the Family with an Adoption Baby Shower

The addition of a new child to a family is... Read More

Weaning A Baby Onto Solid Food

The best time to wean your baby onto solid food... Read More

Real Nappies (Cotton Nappies) or Disposables - The Debate

I'm sure you have heard some of the debate surrounding... Read More

Aromatherapy For Babies

Before reading this article keep in mind that most doctors... Read More

Coping With Colic

A new baby with colic is one of the most... Read More

The Five Best Baby Shower Gifts

Ask first time parents-to-be what baby shower gifts they would... Read More

The Personality Traits of A Baby Born During The Sign Of Cancer

Your Cancer Baby..June 21 - July 22A Cancer child can... Read More

Fun & Unique Baby Shower Favors

A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant... Read More

3 Simple Steps In Searching For A Baby Name

1) BRAINSTORMIt is a good idea to pick a baby... Read More