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"A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three. ~Grantly Dick-Read" Breastmilk is nature's intended form of nutrition for all babies. Your body produces milk that is specifically made for your own baby. It is a living fluid and it changes as your baby grows to meet his needs. It changes when it is super hot out to be more hydrating. It changes when your baby is sick to provide extra antibodies (but, breastfed babies are rarely ever sick!). It even changes during the course of each feeding! Breastmilk is easily digested by your baby because your baby's digestive tract is designed to be compatible with mommy's milk. Breastmilk has several types of stem cells in it, many different antibodies and immune factors, as well as a perfect combination of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. It is always available, completely portable and it comes in great packaging! Plus, it's free (as compared to the $1500-$2000 that would be spent on formula per year)! You never need to worry about sterilizing bottles or mixing and heating formula in the middle of the night as your baby screams in hunger. You simply roll over and feed your baby and drift back to sleep! Breastfed babies have higher IQs than formula-fed babies, have significantly less illnesses, ear infections and other disease. They are at a lower risk of developing obesity, diabetes and even certain cancers. The list of benefits associated with breastfeeding is endless and ever-growing. The risks of formula-feeding and the misinformation surrounding this popular practice in our society is truly overwhelming. Breastfeeding is not without its challenges for some moms. Formula companies have largely succeeded in making mothers believe that their canned and bottled artificial products made with other species' proteins, oils and other byproducts are somehow similar to or better than mother's milk. It is simply not true. Sadly, due to a lack of education and awareness about breastfeeding, many mothers are set up to fail before they even begin to try! Part of my job as a doula is to provide expectant mothers with evidence-based information, so that they can make informed decisions about critical issues in their pregnancies, births and immediate postpartum care. I, personally, feel strongly about the importance of breastfeeding. I am proud to be nursing my son and I absolutely love the incredible bond that we have, much of which I owe to our breastfeeding relationship. I will provide basic information regarding breastfeeding to all mothers who contact me about my services and answer any and all questions that I can regarding breastfeeding and the risks of formula feeding. I will also provide mothers with local and internet-based resources, so that they can seek further support and information. As part of my doula service, I assist new mothers in establishing a breastfeeding relationship with their newborn if desired. It is not my place to judge a mother who does not wish to breastfeed. I will not push my agenda on a mother who has chosen to formula-feed her infant. That is not my place. It is my place to serve and to educate all mothers regardless of their parenting choices. Breastfeeding is amazing and while it was not always easy for me, I am so glad that I stuck with it. Of all the things I have done in my life, this has and continues to be by far one of the most worthwhile things that I have ever done. I could write pages on how nursing my son has developed my relationship with him and I probably will--one day! I will just leave you with this thought, for now...breastfeeding is natural. Your milk, human milk, is designed for your human baby. It is the perfect food. Being able to feed our young from our own bodies is one of the most miraculous aspects of our feminine nature. I strongly encourage you to embrace your womahood and give your baby what he is entitled to--your milk!
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