Breastfeeding briefs

One of the best wonders of nature is that everything in our physical body is intertwined with each other. A mother’s ability to breastfeed, for example, is a natural medicine that allows her uterus to contract, which expels the placenta upon delivery of her baby. It is also what triggers the uterus to return to its original size. It is what gives her baby colostrum, which coats the baby’s stomach with amazing antibodies that protect the baby from all sorts of diseases.

The baby’s constant sucking of the breast is what allows the mother to produce tons of milk for the baby’s survival. Through breastfeeding, the mother is given the ability to interact with her baby on a regular basis, which triggers connection, increases emotional and intellectual intelligence, etc.

It is not a coincidence that a baby is able to see only objects between 8-13 inches away, which is the same distance, more or less, from the breast to the mother’s eyes.

I have had the privilege of breastfeeding all my four children exclusively and I believe it is one of the best decisions I have made as a mother in terms of giving my best for my children’s development. All of them have strong bones, all of them love to cuddle with me as they were accustomed to being wrapped around my embrace for many, many days, hours, and minutes.

I remember as a new mother, although I had intentions to breastfeed my firstborn, I found it very difficult to get started because it was extremely painful to do so, took a lot of my time, attention, and energy.I was never breastfed as a child because at the time I was born, mothers were encouraged to give the formula as it was marketed as the best source of nutrition for babies.I thought to myself, well I turned out all right.It was my husband who encouraged me to be faithful in giving my breasts to stimulate milk production and when I had difficulty doing so, he patiently waited with the baby while praying I get to see the “light” about the importance of breastfeeding.He reminded me about all of it. All nine of them were breastfed as babies so he had a lot of knowledge about its benefits.He was also very convinced about its importance.I think that if every mother has enough support to breastfeed, she will do so without hesitation.

So here I am with my fifth baby, Solana, who constantly relies on my breasts for her optimum source of nutrition and I for her constant companionship and love. Yes, I have huge eye bags due to lack of sleep as I’m on call 24 hours a day for her milk supply. My body aches from having to adjust to positions, which Solana finds most comfortable to feed. I’ve had to deal with engorged milk and fever at times, etc.All that though are temporary inconveniences that in the long run do not matter when compared to all the benefits, savings, and joy that this whole process brings.

So, if you’re thinking twice about breastfeeding,-just do it. It’s well worth it and you’ll be glad you did as a mother.

August is breastfeeding month.Breastfeed because, indeed, it is the very best for your baby.

* * *

Follow author on twitter@mommymaricel.