Beth Kruger

Breastfeeding is hard. But someone’s got to do it. Who better than us moms?
My daughter asked me today what her nipples were for. (She’s almost four) I told her that they were there so that she could feed her babies when she grows up. That answer seemed to please her. She sees me nursing her little sister, and so the whole breastfeeding thing is pretty normal for her.
I was a formula fed baby. My mother went back to work shortly after I was born, and really did not even think about breastfeeding, even for a short while. Luckily, today we know better. Mothers are better informed about the many benefits of breastfeeding for themselves and their children.
Breastfeeding can reduce a woman’s risk for certain cancers like breast, ovarian, and uterine. It can also help women lose weight after having their baby. It is often used as a natural way of spacing your children.
It’s benefits for babies are really immeasurable. Breastfed babies are generally ill much less than bottle-fed babes. They have less indigestion, are comforted more easily, and seem to bond much more readily to their mothers.

Here are some of my favorite resources for breastfeeding mothers.

“The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” A La Leche League International Publication. This is truly the Bible of all breastfeeding books. My friends mother gave me a copy while I was pregnant with my first. She was a Lactation consultant and breastfed six babies. Each time I open it I think of her…thank you Marilyn. She passed away just before I had my baby, but each time I opened the book, I felt like she was there with me. I had moments of doubt while breastfeeding my first, but this book and Marilyn’s spirit took me through the rough patches. It has such a wealth of information, and is told in woman’s voices and stories, so has a really commonsense feel to it.

“The Real Deal on Breastfeeding: Real Women. Real Experts. Real Answers.” Video 25mins. This video is a great one because again it is filled with real women talking about breastfeeding. (See a theme here?) Many of the women are not just saying how wonderful it is to feed your baby, but also talk about it’s challenges. Something any new mother can appreciate. There is also a great five minute sequence with a newborn nursing. There is a nice explanation of latch-on and different positions and holds for you to try with your baby.

Nothing can really replace a live resource however, so be sure to check out a local LL League meeting, or call a local lactation consultant, or better yet join a new mothers’ breastfeeding group.