Breastfeeding in this country has made some headway lately. I
know that it was a topic in the media in 2016. Mothers could not breastfeed
where they wanted. They were treated like aliens and it was not liked if they
did the act in public. However, in the private, public, and even in the
Military world breastfeeding has changed. It is a victory. For me breastfeeding
is important studies have shown that the babies that are breastfeed are less
likely to get sick, awesome attachments are formed between mother and child,
and the growth that takes place for a child that is breastfeed is right on.
Now, just because it seems like I am very supportive of the breastfeed process,
I do not want anyone to think that I am oppose to bottle feeding or choosing
not to breastfeed. Everyone has a choice. I am in support of whatever you do
and just want a healthy baby no matter how you choose to feed your child. I
have had friends who made choices not to feed and I did not make them feel it
was a bad choice, let’s be real no one wants to be told that the decisions they
make for their child is bad and we should not make them feel that way. Like I
was saying, I have had friends who did not breastfeed because they did not want
to cause they thought it might hurt or could not because baby could not latch
on, I mean there are several reasons for not choosing to breastfeed. But
remember it is a choice.
Now, me personally, I chose to breastfeed all three of my
daughters. My decision was to do it for about 6 months. After that, my decision
it would be enough because at that point, they would be getting regular foods
to support their diet, just like I did. For me, at that point too, research
said that it wasn’t needed for nutrients or things it would be just for
attachment purposes. Now I did the best with each child to meet my goal. We all
know that all children are different, plus you have society and environmental
issues that change. For my oldest 2 I was successful in breastfeeding them till
we reached our 6 month mark. However I was at home with them for the 1st
year due to various reasons. I was not a stay at home mom but circumstances
helped to support that and it made it easier to meet that goal. Now, with my 3rd
child, I worked before, during and still and going hard and strong in the work
environment. I think that may have been small factor as to why we did not meet
the 6-month goal. I was older so my milk supply was not as prosperous with her
as it was her 2 siblings. But I did what I needed to with supplements and
tricks it wasn’t too bad an issue. But when we hit month 4, and she began to
get other sources of food, like jar and cereal; she wanted less and less of the
breast milk and was fine with formula. For me, this was the crushing part. It
hurt and devastated me when she didn’t want to nurse anymore. In some cases, I
have seen that the nursing process is more for mom than it is for the child. So,
we have to remember who the breastfeeding is for, us or the child. Yes, we want
them to reap the benefits of breastfeeding but when it is time to let go, you
must let go. Children are more resilient that we give them credit for. So, I
pretty much stopped breastfeeding my youngest at around 4 mohths. Looking back
I do contribute some of that to my crazy work schedule. Like, I said before, I
did not work during the same time period with my other 2 but with her I worked
all along and did the traditional 6 weeks off for maternity leave. I don’t know
if that really is enough time. Looking at other countries, they get WAY more
than us Americans. But as far as the attachment thing goes, she is the most
clingy child of the bunch. She is always around me, even today and she is
nearly 8. She is like that gnat that just seems to always chase you, not that I
comparing my child to a gnat, but you get the point.
I love all my girls and totally back up my decision to
breastfeed. I do encourage it because the benefits are amazing. I bounced back body
wise each time and contribute that to breastfeeding. My kids rarely got sick or
even now rarely get sick. Their healthy and happy. Now they have support groups
for breastfeeding moms and I have seen the friendships established and that is
great. I did not have that at any time during the time I was breastfeeding my
children. Would have been nice to talk with other women or get help if I needed
it in the area. But again, this movement has made progress.
Breastfeeding in other countries is just as important to our
country as it is in other parts of the world. Norway, for example has the highest rate of
breastfeeding with a 99% of new moms attempt it at the hospital. I think it is
that way because breastfeeding in public is not as taboo there as it is in
other places.
France on the other hand has a low rate of
breastfeeding they feel as though it is an act of slavery. The French see boobs
as more for the husbands and not the babies. Totally different mindset in
France than the rest of the world.
Brazil has a very
supportive breastfeeding culture. Interesting to me since they have a beauty
minded culture. However, they have milk banks available there. It is in support
to mom’s who can’t.
I also found information that says that in the predominantly Muslim cultures they support
breastfeeding because it is seen as a part of their religious duty. It is
referred to in the Qu’ran. They would have relatives or neighbors with babies
sharing the nursing duties if need be.
Lastly, in Mongolia, breast
milk is considered healthy and appetizing, not only for babies but for adults
too. It is often given to the elderly for medical purposes.
All this information has been interesting. I does not change my
thoughts on breastfeeding but in my line of work I will encourage the
attachments and bonds that are created in support of. I will also try to
encourage those that do decide to breast feed their infants to join a
breastfeeding support group. I love the idea and have gone to one for support
and to see what they do. It was interesting and gave me ideas that I will
continue to push and support. We all need support or confirmation that the
decisions we make for our kids is the right one.
Hello Lisa,
ReplyDeleteWow! I loved reading the viewpoints on breastfeeding in different countries. What a stance France has taken- it is much different then our western views. Then you have the complete opposite, as you expressed in the Muslim culture, where they would be willing to pass of their own child to a mother who is able to breastfeed which I believe is not common in Canada and the United States.
Neat facts! It is fascinating seeing how cultural norms change from place to place.
Hello Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this topic with the group. I come from Mexico and it is very common to breast feed or at least it was when I was small. My mom breastfeed all of her children and I also breastfeed my four children. I think it creates a great attachment between mom and child. I also read that breastfeed helps to prevent SIDS. Like Holly says, I also find it interesting the difference between France and Muslim culture. I also breastfeed my husbands oldest granddaughter. My youngest daughter is a couple of months older then her so when her mom got the chickenpox; we decided that I would breastfeed her so she wouldn't get the chicken pox. But, she ended up getting them anyway.
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016, February, 8). Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/sids/aboutsuidandsids.htm
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI can identify with your statement that sometimes breastfeeding is more for the mother's attachment. When my little girl weaned herself I was so sad, but she knew what she needed. The countries you chose for comparison are an eye opener. 99% in Norway is amazing! Your piece of information about breast milk being given to the elders in Mongolia is very interesting. I wonder if other countries practice this too?
Katie, I think they do. I remember a time when I was breastfeeding my middle daughter and my father-in-law mentioned to me that there were elders out there who needed it too. It makes sense though, if we look at the evolution of the body or how the body works. We grow from infants peek at adulthood and then revert to the same ways an infant does. Feeding is no different so why should breastfeeding be any different.
DeleteHi Lisa
ReplyDeleteI like what you did about breast feeding my mother breast feed me,sister and brother and she loved it was more of a connection with us. I like what you said about the information on the Muslim culture that they support breastfeeding because it is a part of their religion duty.