At Esali Birth, we believe that breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for babies, completes the process of birth, and has important health affects on mothers. We believe that suppliments, including water, are not necessary, and adequate support and education are vital for success.
Every parent has the right to choose how they prefer to feed their baby. At Esali Birth, we provide information and support so that parents can make educated and confident decisions for their family’s future. There are countless books and articles on breastfeeding that we recommend, but below is a short summary of “breast vs. formula.”
This is not meant to make parents feel guilty, as an informed decision should allow parents that bit of confidence needed to know they made the right decision. This is a simplified list to explain to those uneducated about the benefits of breastfeeding on reasons why they can choose breastfeeding for their family. Yes, it is true, physically, it is very very rare to not be able to breastfeed, and birthing practices do affect the ability tremendously. However, emotions and personal situations can play a large role in the ability to have a successful, and enjoyable, breastfeeding experience. We encourage all parents to try breastfeeding with the support of either a trained professional, or better, an experienced nursing mom. Having supportive, and knowledgeable, people surrounding a nursing mother is almost can affect breastfeeding ability, especially in those first months when learning to breastfeed can be emotionally and physically draining. Breastfeeding is a beautiful and wonderful experience, but comfort and confidence is usually not achieved in most mothers until approximately 6 weeks to 3 months postpartum, so we suggest giving it at least 6 weeks before changing your mind completely!
We have discovered that the main points in choosing breastmilk or formula are the true risks of formula, and the true benefits of breastfeeding. The problem is, just as with hospital-birth, too many parents are miss-informed. Almost everyone knows how wonderful breastfeeding is for the baby – how antibodies are given to the baby through milk, how it’s the perfect temperature and the perfect mixture of nutrients. What they don’t know is how harmful formula can be, and all the benefits of bonding through breastfeeding, natural contraception, and benefits for the mother.
Risks of Formula
BPA in Containers
Increased risk of ear infections
Too much iron due to poor absorption
Too much protein due to milk made for cows
Increased gas & colic due to digestion problems
Blood in urine/bm for almost all formula-fed infants
Cost & Inconvenience
Increased risk of allergies
Increased risk of tooth decay
Increased need to use a pacifier
Too much sugar & increased risk of diabetes
Increases pH in intestinal tract
Decreased brain development due to lack of corrent nutrients
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Decreased gas/colic due to ease of digestion
Increased bonding in mother & baby
Convenience & low/no waste
Supply & Demand
Decreases risk of breast cancer
Hormonal balance for mother
*98% effective as a contraception for at least 6 months “natural baby spacing”
More sleep @ night for mother & father
Babies are more easily comforted
Continuous antibodies received from mother for baby
Increased acceptance of solids because of flavors that enter the breastmilk
Decreases obesity
Shorter pre-pregnancy weight for mother
Mothers can express & leave milk w/ baby if needed
Those are just some of the differences, but, it is important to note that there are a vast variety of harmful affects of formula, and wonderful affects of breastfeeding. Most mothers that I have talked to have tried breastfeeding and lacked the support and education needed for a successful breastfeeding experience. Whether it was pain, supply concerns, or lack of emotional support, breastfeeding – in the beginning – can seem hard and much more inconvenient than a quick mix of a bottle. However, if you understand the beneficial properties of breastfeeding, and how formula really affects the health of your baby (emotionally and physically), you can appreciate the adjustments you will make in the beginning of your breastfeeding “career.” By contacting your local LLL, lactaction consultants, or breastfeeding support specialists, you will give the best start for your baby, and continue to see affects in yourself as a mother. Breastfeeding benefits truly last a lifetime. Don’t give up – it get’s easier and becomes second nature before you know it!!!
*Lactational Amenorrhea (LAM) – Also known as Natural Family Planning or Natural Child Spacing is 98% effective as a birth control method IF you have not started your period and can answer YES to ALL of the following questions:
Is your baby less than 6 months old?
Are you breastfeeding exclusively?
Are you nursing on-demand both day and night without limited nursing sessions?
Do you have at least 1 nursing session a night, particularly between 1 & 6am?
One thing to note, if you are using a pacifier/binky (artificial nipples), you should not use LAM as a means of birth control. All sucking – both for food and comfort – should be at the breast.
Tags: breastfeed, la leche league, motivation, natural, relax, support
