Before embarking on the journey of breastfeeding our daughter, I must admit, I had no idea about the complexities involved. I assumed it would be something I’d naturally grasp. Little did I know that in a culture where discussing breastfeeding openly is uncommon, it wouldn’t be as straightforward as I imagined.
In contrast, in Latin America, women openly breastfeed their babies even during business meetings. However, such a scene would undoubtedly raise eyebrows in a corporate boardroom in the United States. Here, we tend to hide – under blankets, in bedrooms, or even in bathrooms. The reasons behind this discreet approach vary – perhaps it’s embarrassment, a sense of peculiarity, or the belief that it’s a private matter. Whatever the reason, many of us haven’t grown up around it, and we find ourselves navigating uncharted waters when striving to breastfeed successfully for an entire year.
That’s when I discovered Dr. Jack Newman, a passionate Canadian doctor dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers. During my pregnancy, I read his book not once but twice, and I frequently referred to it in the challenging initial three months, as I grappled with issues related to supply, demand, latch, and timing. Dr. Newman’s book proved to be an invaluable resource for breastfeeding mothers, offering insights into common problems and how to prevent and address them.
Honestly, terms like “mastitis” and “thrush” weren’t even on my radar until friends started having babies and shared their experiences battling these uncomfortable issues. I won’t deny that using formula seems easier on multiple fronts: you can easily measure how much your baby is consuming, anyone can feed the baby, and you don’t have to worry about these potential complications.
Nevertheless, despite the challenges, everyone agrees that breastfeeding is the best choice. When our daughter first arrived, my primary concern was ensuring she was well-fed. Questions constantly swirled in my mind: Is she pooping regularly? Is she eating frequently enough? Why is she spitting up so much? (She had severe reflux.) When did she last feed? Is she hungry, tired, in pain, or upset? It was overwhelming!
However, as time passed, we managed to navigate through the initial weeks with relatively few issues (the reflux being the most troublesome). I credit much of our success to Dr. Newman and his insightful book.
Breastfeeding isn’t for the faint of heart. While it is undoubtedly one of the most natural and nurturing acts a woman can engage in, it is also demanding and exhausting. Any woman who chooses to breastfeed should be prepared to educate herself, seek support, and stay determined.
Local Resources:
Scottsdale Healthcare Breastfeeding Classes: Consider enrolling in these classes to gain valuable insights into successful breastfeeding.
Lactation Consultants are Goddesses: Lactation consultants can provide invaluable guidance and support on your breastfeeding journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them when needed.
