The Dairy Council tells us: Milk is nature's most perfect food. The Dairy Council doesn't tell us: Milk is nature's most perfect food for a baby calf, who has four stomachs, will double its weight in 47 days, and is destined to weigh 300 pounds within a year!
----- Unknown
I'm a proud co-sleeping, breastfeeding, pumping, full-time-working mom of two beautiful bubs (if you make it to the end of all this stuff, there are pictures to prove it!). I'm a breastfeeding advocate, but not a nipple nazi. I will not hesitate to debunk breastfeeding myths, however, and while that may irritate the people who prefer to plead ignorant, it won't stop me from helping to educate women about the perfect nutrition for their babies. For your educational pleasure, the most common myths about breastfeeding that I've seen on BG, busted (courtesy of the Lansinoh website [www.lansinoh.com]):
Myth: A “fussy” breastfed baby is a “hungry” baby
Fact: If a mother is breastfeeding and the baby is fussy, it’s likely that someone, a family member or a friend, will suggest that the baby isn’t getting enough to eat. While there is no way of knowing just how much milk the baby is getting from the breast, continuous weight gain and alertness is an indication that the baby is getting enough. Diapers are another good indicator that your baby is being properly nourished. Wet diapers indicate good hydration, while poop diapers indicate enough calories. By day four, moms and dads should be changing at least 4 poop diapers, and 4-5 five wet diapers each day. By day seven, the amount of wet diapers will increase to 6-8 wet diapers a day. Familiarize yourself with how a dry disposable diaper feels both wet and dry so you can feel a little more secure with recognizing a wet ultra-absorbent diaper. If you are concerned or have questions speak with your pediatrician or healthcare provider.
Myth: Alternating between the breast and bottle does not cause nipple confusion
Fact: Early on, switching your baby between a bottle and breast can cause nipple confusion. In a very short time baby could learn to prefer bottle feeding to the breast because he/she has not had the opportunity to establish the correct mouth movements for proper breastfeeding. Try to avoid using bottles and pacifiers for the first four weeks of your baby’s life.
Myth: If my baby is nursing every hour I can’t be producing enough milk
Fact: Though often cited as a main reason for not breastfeeding, only about 1% of women are unable to produce enough breastmilk for their babies. Breastmilk production works on supply and demand so more nursing will actually increase your milk. It’s absolutely normal if your baby wants to nurse every couple of hours because breastmilk is easier to digest than formula. Often babies will increase their frequency of feedings because of a growth spurt, usually around six weeks and three, six and nine months of age. If you are separated from your baby, it is important to pump as often as the baby would nurse so your body continues to produce milk.
Breastfeeding resources!
http://www.llli.org La Leche League International
http://www.kellymom.com Breastfeeding and parenting advice
http://aap.org/healthtopics/breastfeeding.cfm The American Academy of Pediatrics
And now on to my beautiful babies. They own my heart.
Birth- 6lbs 11oz, 19"
2 weeks- 7lbs 9oz, 22"
11 weeks- 12lbs 5.5oz, 25.25"
14 weeks- 13lbs, 25.25"
22 weeks- 15lbs 2oz, 25.25"
I <3 My Porker!
Tiernan Vincent born August 8, 2005. Already 34 pounds and over 3 feet tall!
