I am sure the title has now gotten your attention.  Let me explain why ANY size family will benefit from breastfeeding, improving your family dynamic in more ways...than you probably imagined.

Breastfeeding Baby

If you are expecting a baby, the time to start thinking about breastfeeding is now.  There are preparations you can make to support your breastfeeding decision:  with your spouse and your mom (studies have shown in some cultures that have the mother’s mother supporting her, greatly influences the success of the breastfeeding mommy).*  Reading books and joining breastfeeding support groups is considering very beneficial to do before and after baby is born. Another idea is making breastfeeding support items (pumps, nursing bras, great dresses and shirts that make nursing easy) as part of your baby shower registry.

Many of you have probably heard why it is good to breastfeed your baby…higher IQ, stronger immune system, less colds, reduced asthma and eczema episodes, reduced risk of juvenile diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and cancer prior to the age of 15, as well as several recent studies that have shown that children who were breast-fed are significantly less likely to become obese later in childhood. A large UK research study (10,000 boys)  co-author Associate Professor Wendy Oddy said in a media release:

"We know that there are vital nutrients in breast milk that support brain development, particularly in terms of long-chain fatty acids....Previous studies have shown that breastfeeding accelerates boys' maturation. Males are also known to be more vulnerable to adversity during critical periods of development than females; therefore the neuro-protective effect of estrodiols, the female hormones, in breast milk, would have greater benefits for boys."**

This is a very significant statement in light of the dramatic (and as yet, not fully explained) rise in autism spectrum disorders, particularly high in males. The current birth impact is 1/88.  This is a tremendous shift from just 40 years ago. It’s important to take note.

The World Health Organization recommends babies are breastfed exclusively for at least the first six months of life, with complementary foods and breastfeeding recommended up to two years of age. This significantly reduces allergies and increases immune system benefits.

Benefits for the Family

• Breastfeeding reduces the size of the uterus after birth, so you get back into your favorite pair of jeans sooner rather than later which reduces your risk of obesity.  It reduces the risk and frequency of some cysts and cancers.
• There is one more important point:  breastfeeding reduces your STRESS!
• Yes, this amazing all natural stress reducer not only helps you produce hormones that reduce your stress, but because you chose to breastfeed, you get more sleep, and that reduces your stress (and your spouse’s).
• Babies who are breastfed get their food sooner, so there is less waiting for formula preparation.  Babies who are fed sooner get less air in their belly.  Less air means less spitting up, and getting back to sleep…that means you get back to sleep sooner, too.
• Breast milk is always the right temperature-never a worry that it might be too hot.  Breast milk is ready to serve, and with only a few exceptions, there is usually enough of it. (Exceptions are in certain foods moms should not eat that will decrease the baby’s supply: dill (the herb), alcohol (yes, this is a highly controversial issue, I know, but trust me, you can go without the drinks, can’t you?) and a few other no-no’s.

Now, if your sleep improves and stress is reduced…we have a happier spouse don’t we? Have multiple children in the toddler range? Not to worry-if one of them wants to imitate baby, the world will NOT come to an end.  The average world nursing average is 4.5 years. Americans seem to have some pretty big hang-ups about doing what is natural and healthy for their babies-it is an aberration in global statistics.  So…if you have multiple children at nursing stage, don’t worry.  It aids them all.  The areoles of the breast are very intelligent, and actually sense the needs of the nursing child via the saliva and provide the proper nutrition for all.  No worries.  Relax. Even adoptive mothers can breastfeed since those smart areoles send signals to the pituitary gland to begin the production of prolactin. We have the smartest bodies, don’t we?

Hey dads- you are not out of this.  There are breast feeding males in some cultures, and if that is just too far out to you, just imagine the nights of additional sleep you will have with baby breasting and not needing to make, heat and feed baby a bottle. This will also mean less crying at night to wake the family, because the breast is right there.

Imagine saving up to $800-1200 a year on average from formula costs!  Breastfeeding is free.  That’s a lot of money for weekends relaxing, dinners and a movie, etc.    Babies who need fewer antibiotics for things like ear infections (breastfed babies get fewer infections) are happier babies.  Less illness means more money in your pocket and less doctor’s visits in inclement weather, missing days of work, less chaos.
Children with healthier immune systems miss less school and day care; that not only saves you money now, but in the years to come.

Our children are only little for a little while.  It seems some days that they will wake us up at 4 am forever, but they won’t.  There are a couple short years that they want to spend in our arms, under our armpits, and thinking parents are the smartest, coolest people in the universe.  Then, those years are gone.  As hectic and stressful as they can be, these are precious times.  Try to enjoy them more by doing one simple process that is a win-win for everyone.

Breastfeed your baby; your family will thank you. One day, so will your baby. 

RESOURCES

• *Ertem, I.,Votto, N., & Leventhal, J. (2001). The timing and predictors of early termination of breastfeeding. Pediatrics 107(3), 543-548.

• **Mother and Baby Magazine, citing the UK study on boys and breastfeeding; impacts on intelligence, Oxford University 1997-2001, along with a companion study in Western Australia-The Raine Study, which was conducted by the Telethon Institute and the School of Women's and Infant's Health at the University of Western Australia. The results are published in the January 2011 issue of international health journal Pediatrics.

• Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC)

• Gabriel-Doxtater, B. K., & Van den Hende, A. K. (1995). At the Wood’s edge. Quebec: Kanesatake Education Center.

• Health Canada. (1999). Nutrition for healthy pregnancy: National guidelines for childbearing years. Ottawa: Department of Public Works and Government Services.

• Houghton, M., & Graybeal, T. (2001). Breast-feeding practices of Native American mothers participating in WIC,  Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 101(2), 245-247.

• Prevention of hypertension in adulthood by breastfeeding, Midwifery Today (62).Moreland, J., & Coombs, J. (2000).

• Promoting and supporting breast-feeding. American Family Physician, 61(7), 2093-2100

• Breastfeeding Milla, by Angela Worthington, Midwifery Today, Spring 2012, Number 101

Many of us are aware of the many benefits that breastfeeding offers, both to our nurslings and ourselves. We know that breast milk is a complete food for our babies which sets the stage for lifelong health. We also know that breastfeeding helps our bodies fight off PPD (Postpartum Depression), reduces our risk of developing feminine cancers, and forms a bond with our children that will last a lifetime.

The WHO (World Health Organization)  advises breastfeeding to continue at least until the 2nd year and many studies show that breast milk continues to provide immune support, vitamins, and enzymes to the developing child. Breastfed children are  also sick less often and have higher I.Q.’s than their formula-fed peers.

With all this evidence, breastfeeding sounds like something we would want to continue as long as possible to ensure the health of our children, right? After all, we wouldn’t deliberately subject them to disease, junk food, and death metal.  Would it not seem natural that breastfeeding would be the obvious choice? Yet the debate rages on.

Breast milk doesn’t suddenly expire when your child turns one, and your child doesn’t automatically give up the only thing he’s ever known by his first birthday.

We may struggle with the preconceived notions regarding breastfeeding beyond the first year and may feel a huge social pressure to wean after our child’s first birthday (or even before). We may even feel ashamed when our child asks to nurse in a social situation because we feel the need to defend our actions.

In the La Leche League International book, “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding”, There is some advice for such occasions:

“If you even suspect you might end up nursing into the toddler years, start using a word for breasts or breastfeeding early on that you’ll feel comfortable hearing your two-year-old yell across the room at a family reunion or grocery store.”

Some suggestions include: “milkies,” “nummies,” and “nursies.”

Many women may be entirely comfortable nursing in public. Babies have the right to eat, like anyone else! Others, may feel the need to cover up or feed their baby in private. It completely depends on each woman’s preference and comfort level, although no one should ever feel ashamed to feed their baby.

Tips for extended breastfeeding success:

Sleeping with your baby.

Co-sleeping is a great way to keep your milk flowing and reconnect at the end of the day, especially if you are a working mom. It can also guard against painful plugged ducts which can occur after an absence from your child.

Set limits.

If your toddler is eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day, you may want to  limit breastfeeding to times of comfort, such as nap or bedtime. Limits may be essential, especially in the case of tandem-nursing.

Go out and have some fun!

The beauty of extended breastfeeding is flexibility! Your tot is eating at regular intervals, and that gives you the time to go out and pursue your own interests.

Buy a good pump.

Women who are facing a return to work, may feel a huge pressure to wean completely and unnecessarily. Pumping at work may seem less than desirable, but if you make the commitment to keep breastfeeding, you can find a schedule that suits you best. Perhaps you could have your child’s daytime caregiver visit you on lunch hour with your baby so you can nurse while you eat. Talk to your boss and work out a spot where you can nurse or pump quietly without interruption. Your workplace may be more accommodating than you think.

Ignore the nay-sayers.

They may be family, friends, neighbours or that little old lady in the grocery store, but they are not YOU. They have no right to make a judgement call on your own personal decisions. You can either choose to ignore them, or think of something witty to say back.

Educate Yourself

Some great books on the subject include:

Adventures in Tandem Nursing: Breastfeeding During Pregnancy and Beyond, by Hilary Flower
And, Mothering Your Nursing Toddler, by Norma Jane Bumgarner

Enjoy it! It won’t last.

Nursing doesn’t go on forever, but your fierce love and enduring bond will stand the test of time. You’ll never regret the time you spent with your child in those quiet moments when you were all they could see, and you were the source of their comfort.

During my personal nursing journey with my 6 children, each experience was different and each shaped my perception a little more. It wasn’t until I had my last 3 children that tandem nursing occurred to me. My 3 year old daughter and I just ended our nursing relationship, but she still asks to sniff my breasts to fall asleep. My one year old son is still nursing full time.

I had many a sleepless night (still do) and more frustrating moments than I can count, but I would not trade those sweet moments of my son and daughter gazing at each other and laughing while at my breasts.

Any women who have tandem-fed their babies can relate, and I salute you! In those moments, I would sometimes step back and think of all the women who had done this before me, or who were doing the same thing in that moment. It’s all about perspective.

 Click  here for information regarding breastmilk banks in Canada.