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How Long Should You Breastfeed?

Moms should not be made to feel bad if they are unable to breastfeed their children. However, for moms who are able to breastfeed their babies, they know that they will be giving their child an amazing start in life.

Author: Sandra Prior
Date: Apr 30, 2010 - 12:41:55 PM

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There are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers when it comes to breastfeeding. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first three to six months, but continued breastfeeding until the age of one or two.

 

Breastfeeding can really be continued for as long as it feels 'right' for the mom and child. Many moms breastfeed their children until the age of three, four or five. However, breastfeeding becomes less frequent as the child ages.

 

What Diet Should You Follow While Breastfeeding?

 

Moms who breastfeed use up about 500 calories a day per child in producing milk. Basically a mom needs to see to their own nutritional needs in order to look after their child's needs. A mom who is breastfeeding needs to get plenty of fluids each day, and make sure they are eating a balanced diet with fresh fruit, vegetables and low fat dairy. There are many cultural beliefs regarding what nursing moms can and can't eat.

 

Foods do change the flavor and consistency of the breast milk. Some moms report that turnips, leeks, cauliflower, spices, onions and garlic can affect their child. There are no hard and fast rules regarding nursing moms and foods. Moms should monitor the affect certain foods have on their babies and adjust their diet as they see fit.

 

Are Your Breasts More Likely to Sag if you Breastfeed?

 

No. It is a common belief that breastfeeding leads to premature breast ageing. Sadly it's actually the increased female hormones during pregnancy which are to blame. During pregnancy the increase in female hormones leads to the enlargement of the breasts. This stretches the skin over the breasts. Pregnancy hormones also have a relaxing effect on the connective tissue, which gives the breasts their elasticity and shape. This process affects all women differently. Some women regain their former breast shape and elasticity post-pregnancy, while others struggle with sagging effects.

 

Are Moms Who Don't Breastfeed Bad Moms?

 

No. It's important to realize that many women for various reasons are unable to breastfeed or choose not to breastfeed. Many moms do struggle to breastfeed. Newborns may have problems latching on to the breasts or may be born prematurely and unable to suckle. Sometimes moms are very ill after delivery and unable to breastfeed. The practicalities of breastfeeding are very hard on the mom. While a breast pump can help the mom stockpile expressed breast milk for the occasional outing, moms are essentially at the beck-and-call of their newborn during the first three months of 'on-demand' feeding.

 

While society is meant to be tolerant of nursing moms, there are very few nursing rooms in shopping centres or work creches, which moms can actually make use of. So while some moms start with good intentions, the reality of breastfeeding is not quite so simple.

 

Can You Mix Formula With Breast?

 

It's important to make a decision regarding the feeding of your child as babies latch on differently if they are breastfed versus bottle fed. Babies who are breastfed may struggle to suckle from a bottle or suck on a pacifier. The opposite also applies. Once babies have been bottle fed they may not be able to latch on and breastfeed. This is because the sucking mechanism is different in each scenario. Babies who are breastfed should be cup fed expressed breast milk to avoid struggle when trying to latch onto the breast.

 

Making the Best Decision for You and Your Child

 

Each mom needs to discuss the pros and cons of breastfeeding with their doctor. A lactation consultant can also assist. For some moms breastfeeding is not an option and can even be harmful for their baby. Moms should not be made to feel bad if they are unable to breastfeed their children. However, for moms who are able to breastfeed their babies, they know that they will be giving their child an amazing start in life.

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View all articles by Sandra Prior

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