PLEASE DON'T CLOSE THIS WINDOW - because If you know anyone who is having or has a baby you could be a support to them if they wish to breastfeed.
I don't want to start an arguement about breast versus bottle, we need to move on from that and make sure that anyone who wants to breastfeed their baby gets the support they need and that it becomes an option more people consider. Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are really low. This is a pity as breastfeeding provides many benefits for mother, baby, siblings and dad.
This article in the Irish Times by Sheila Wayman gets to the heart of the real issues facing mothers who are breastfeeding their children. It shows that everyone needs to look at their attitudes and make sure they are open and supportive. I am not going to repeat the benefits so well explained in this article, but here's a little slice of my experience:
My grandmother breastfed in Germany in the 1960's, she received a payment from the state for as long as she breastfed each child. This was because they recognised the benefits and therefore savings to be made by the state in the long run. Imagine, in the 1960's, just when Ireland was about to lose almost a whole generation of breastfeeding knowledge and experience, which would be such an asset now.
I breastfed both my babies until they were 6/7 months, many people do it for a shorter time, many for longer. I didn't do it because I am a martyr earth mother but because I am lazy! There is no doubt starting out, it is tough. As natural as it is, both mum and baby need to learn how to do it, but the first few weeks with a new baby are no picnic for anyone, the shame is that many women give up at this point and despite the hard work they have put in, so never get to really reap the benefits for themselves. Their baby of course benefits from any amount of time they are breastfed!
I joined a breastfeeding support group locally that was fantastic, a social outlet and there was weeks we talked about everything but breastfeeding, a chance to relax among people who knew what you were experiencing (the highs and the lows) and of course expert advice and experience on hand for any issues. I would recommend it to any new mum. I also learnt alot from the breastfeeding forum on www.rollercoaster.ie, even before my first baby was born. The mums who spend time replying to questions there help people more than they will ever realise.
I was really lucky, friends and family without exception were supportive and accepting of my decision to breastfeed. Thank you all!
I must preface the next 2 paragraphs with the fact that I only ever had one negative reaction to feeding my children in public, thankfully it was on my second child. I was so shocked I didn't make all the arguments that I could have, but this was only one experience out of what must be close to 100 public venues that I fed in, and if anything it made me more determined to continue. It really is quite discreet when you and your baby get the hang of it. Breastfeeding mums and babies are protected by law in Ireland, but my negative experience occurred abroad.
I flew off to London when The Happy One was 11 weeks old to visit a friend. We stayed in a city centre hotel, shopped, ate out, all with only nappies, wipes and clothes for himself. If he started to grizzle we stopped, found a cosy corner in a coffee shop and I fed him. A short while later we were out again loading the buggy with more purchases! I can't imagine I'd have done that with bottles to be sterilised, water to boil and formula to be mixed. There are little tetra paks of formula available but not all brands and types offer this convenience.
When The Princess was 7 weeks old we went to Galway for the weekend to celebrate our friend Stephen's 30th Birthday, we stayed in a lovely hotel (we didn't need access to a kitchen as her food was on tap, at the right temperature) This was our first big venture into the world as parents and all our friends were supportive and positive which meant I happily fed her among them and out and about all weekend. It confirmed our hopes that life with small children needn't be lonely or boring, that our friends are wonderful (I never thanked them, but they had a huge influence on my decision to continue feeding, - so thank you!) and that breastfeeding is the way to go...anywhere!
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