Yes you heard us. Your RIGHT to breastfeed. Too often we think of breastfeeding as a choice... "to Breastfeed, or to not Breastfeed --- THAT is the question."
WHICH to some extent it is a mother's simple decision. HOWEVER, do you ever stop and think about the pressures put on breastfeeding mothers that at times, make it impossible to breastfeed AT ALL!
There are pressures to return to work where there is pressure to stop pumping, there is societal pressure saying "we don't want to see you feeding your baby". There is formula everywhere, doctors prescribe it, WIC gives it out. Formula companies push ADVERTISMENT as if formula was THE BEST option for infant nutrition.
You have pressure to stop breastfeeding when your child reaches a certain age or family that doesn't support you IN GENERAL. OR maybe your health care providers are unable to give you the support, motivation, and accountability to CONTINUE ot breastfeed.
Infant formula is just easier (NOT!).
Who said formula was easy? If you checked out information about proper formula handling, you know it IS NOT EASY (temperature, safety and handling, proper amounts, etc.).
It's also EXPENSIVE! Even WIC checks doesn't cover the full amount you need to cover a month of formula use. We certainly do not want to deny our children any type of nutrition!
And breastmilk?
Research shows that breastmilk is truly the gold standard when it comes to infant nutrition. Not only is breastmilk beneficial early on in your child's life, but for YEARS to come!
Breastfeeding also provides a beautiful time to bond with your baby--- helping them to feel safe and secure --- which has (time and time again) proven to promote positive cognitive development.
Now, we aren't saying that society and your job are fighting to make sure you falter with your breastfeeding goals. BUT-- why is it that our mindset goes something along the lines of "I want to try breastfeeding and if it doesn't work, then I will give my baby formula".
Why have we made breastfeeding such a difficult task, while in reality, formula takes more effort, money, AND time? You have to go to the store to buy formula ($$$) and then prepare it-- following all safety precautions. Breastmilk is ready anytime, anywhere, straight from you to your baby. No food safety knowledge required.
Like we said, formula companies have $$$-- they can pay to advertise, and advertise they do. Even the funding sources for some breastfeeding studies are funded by infant formula companies... PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND!
Not enough women get the support they need to meet their breastfeeding goals. Employers do not see breastfeeding as beneficial to them OR the company. They see it as an unneeded burden (obviously misinformed).
Society doesn't see breastfeeding as the public health concern that it truly is. Health care providers rarely pay enough attention to the breastfeeding mother to fully provide support and guidance in regards to milk production and transfer.
Why is this important?
When milk transfer doesn't happen or a women isn't able to pump or breastfeed--- this is when PAIN can occur---one of the top reasons mothers choose to use baby formula!
However, if a woman and her support system can shift the mindset to see breastfeeding not only as the BEST option but the EASIEST option, there becomes NO question as to whether she will choose breastfeed.
This is why at Mamas Maternal Health, we know that breastfeeding has its challenges due to multiple factors--but we also know that we will be there to support you no matter what to reach your breastfeeding goals.
If you are ready to take action on working towards your maternal nutrition and breastfeeding goals TODAY--- head to our individualized maternal coaching application and let's make it happen!
OR follow us on Instagram @mamas_maternal_health, Facebook: Mamas Maternal Health LLC and join our Mamas Community on Facebook here! You will find lots of helpful maternal and infant nutrition information AS WELL AS connect with Mamas JUST like you!
Until next time! Stay amazing!
Mikayla and Cassie
Mamas Maternal Health Registered Dietitians/Lactation Counselors
Photo by Luiza Braun on Unsplash
#entrepreneurs #infantfeeding #mom #newmom #mommy2be #breastfeeding #lactation #skintoskin #hospitals #birth #maternal #maternity #pregnancy #pregnant #infantnutrition #counseling #Dietitian #nutritionist #CLC #virtualnutritioncounseling #breastfeeding #maternalhealth #maternalwellness #maternalnutrition #happy #entrepreneurs #infantfeeding #mom #newmom #mommy2be #prenatalvitamin #RDN #RD #dietitian #nutritionist #health #wellness #pediatrics #children #mamasmaternalhealth #lactationcounseling #motherhood #parenting #baby #babies #prenatal #postnatal #motherhood #womanhood #whatwedo #coaching #growth #resultsthatlast #birth #nutrition #individual #support #rights #righttobreastfeed