Motherhood: Breastfeeding

THE BEST OPTION
Yes, breastfeeding is and will always be best for babies. It contains the nutrients your baby needs and the best part of it all... IT IS FREE!
It is the best opportunity to bond with your baby. It is an overwhelming but good feeling when you breastfeed and realize that that cute little human being depends on you.

NATURAL INSTINCT?
Babies know breastfeeding as a normal reflex, however, contrary to popular belief, is not a mother's instinct.

As my nursing coach (yes, you need someone to teach you how to do it!), "It is the hardest thing you will ever do as a mom. They all lied to you, it is not easy!" It needs effort, a lot of patience, and is a very TEDIOUS task. You may read or watch videos about breastfeeding and tell you that it is such an easy and graceful thing to do, but in reality - is not.

COLOSTRUM
If you do choose to breastfeed, you'll start immediately after giving birth (like within an hour or so). They say your body will start to produce milk as soon as you give birth... NOT! You will start breastfeeding your newborn with a green fluid they call colostrum, for the first few days. Your nipple will have no choice but to get some bruises and chaps on the first few days as it is still adjusting to the fact that the baby latches on it. You would have to learn to teach your baby how to properly latch (the act of baby's mouth attaching to it) so as not to hurt you. During the first few weeks, you would need to do it every 2-3 hours.

BREASTMILK SUPPLY
When you and your baby get the hang of it, it becomes easier and becomes less of a task. It will also help if your breasts have enough supply to satisfy baby. I wrote a different article about breastmilk supply.

LACTATION
They have a term called "let down," it is when the milk actually comes out of your breast, when stimulated by your baby's latch. It will come to a point where you lactate at a mere sight or sound of a baby. Yes! No joke, you will have to use nursing pads to absorb the leaks. You would have to accept that you will smell like rotten milk for most of the day. Hihihi.

VITAMIN D
I also learned that the only nutrient that is not in breastmilk is Vitamin D. This is why your OB will most likely give a Vit D supplement for your baby. Our doctor said the need for the Vit D supplement for baby depends on your race too. As for Filipinos like me, it is really not needed, especially becaue we live in a tropical island where sunlight (a natural source of Vit D) is oh-so-abundant!