You are still breastfeeding?

When people find out I am still nursing Mini Man (who is 16 mths), I have head shakes, puzzled looks, laughs and "Seriously?!"

I find I have to defend my choice for doing so more often then not and what surprises me more is so many Moms tend to give a disapproving look to me. I almost feel bad to the point where I feel I should look at my feet as though I was 4 years old! I also feel a bit sad that the world around has such a box idea at how long a woman should nurse her children.

I have found many view breastfeeding a child as a exhausting or chore. Or "Wow! Don't you want your boobs back?" Or "Isn't he old enough to drink from a cup or something?".

I enjoy the bonding that I share with my child. I enjoy the comfort as well as the good start he has as he grows! Sure, you can save a bunch in your pocket book! The true reason I breastfeed is more of the nurturing side of motherhood that I love.

My Alex, that is now 12 years old, was breastfed until she was 3 years old. I told myself that when my child is old enough to pull my shirt up for a sip or in public I would cut her off. Sure enough, we were at the park and she ran up to me, sweaty and hot, looking for a sip. I was chatting with someone and next thing you know my shirt was up to my neck and she was in process of whipping my breast out. Oh, yes thank goodness the woman I was with thought it was hilarious and no one else seemed to notice! I laugh about it now but at the time I was so embarrassed!

I nursed my first until he was 10 mths, for some reason my supply dried up on it's own. With my second, Jessica, I was only able to nurse her for a few days, due to the high blood pressure meds I was put on, but that was enough for her to ingest the ever important colostrum. And Alex, well you just learned the story about her being weaned abruptly! So, right now I am in no hurry to wean Kalven.

In many countries breastfeeding is done from birth until they are 7 years old or a wee bit older! I don't believe that will catch on here. But for a woman to give it a notion to try even if it is for a few days is a wonderful thing!

• Eat more and lose weight faster: A breastfeeding mother needs 500 extra calories a day because the body burns that amount while breastfeeding. She'll be back in her pre-pregnancy shape quickly.
  
• It's easy and convenient: There's nothing to buy or prepare so it gives the mother much more freedom. Breasts are always there and the milk is always warm and ready.
  
• The mother can snooze during night feedings and it's a wonderful thing!
  
• There's a very special bond between Mother and Baby and it's the natural way to feed
  
• There's less spitting up, no stains and the poop doesn't smell!

• Protects against some breast and ovarian cancers: While breastfeeding, estrogen levels are very low. Research has shown that the longer you breastfeed, the risks for these cancers goes down
  
• MAY delay menstrual period: Again, estrogen levels are low and many women think they're well protected from conceiving, but ovulation may still occur

•  Studies have shown breastfed babies have less allergies and ear infections!

So! Think about! Visit La Leche League for information, www.llli.org/nb.html , about breastfeeding your little one!

Why use a doula? 

Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.

I am prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. I offer a loving touch, positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
• reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
• reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows parents who receive support can:

• Feel more secure and cared for
• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
• Have greater success with breastfeeding
• Have greater self-confidence
• Have less postpartum depression
• Have lower incidence of abuse

What is a Doula?

What is a doula? 

 

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Stays with the woman throughout the labor
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
• Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.

A Postpartum Doula

• Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester
• Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying
• Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary

If you live in NW IN or South Suburbs of IL I would love to talk to you about your upcoming birth! Please email me at littlecriesandlullabies@gmail.com or call at (219)314-0517 for information on my services.

Also provide speaking engagements to discuss various issues of childbirth. I look forward to hearing from you!