This time a year ago, a new study coming out about the benefits of breastfeeding kids wouldn’t have caused me to raise an eyebrow. I just assumed a woman had a kid, she breastfed it for awhile, then started spooning strained peas down its throat when it got older. Who knew there were other ways of doing it?
Times – and circumstances – have changed. This fall, my wife and I are expecting our first child. Which means suddenly I actually care about things like what kinds of effects breastfeeding or not breastfeeding can have on the little tyke.
My wife, an inquisitive type, has read volumes of information on the topic. And it seems like every day there’s another story coming out touting the benefits of breastfeeding. This study indicates that breastfed children tend to be smarter. Other studies suggest kids will be healthier overall in the long run if they receive mother’s milk. And if those reasons aren’t enough, here’s a study that any fan of peer pressure will enjoy – everyone else is doing it.
The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends that children should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months and for a year or longer if the mother and baby so desire.
But not every woman is able to breastfeed, even if they want to. Sometimes there are physical issues, with the child or the mother, or logistic concerns that make it difficult or impossible. It’s an issue for enough women that a cottage industry has been launched to help provide practical solutions for moms – this woman is so good they call her “The Breast Whisperer.”
Fortunately, there are some resources out there for new moms who want information and help with breastfeeding.
Martin Memorial’s maternal-child department has a lactation consultant for new moms and offers classes that can help provide the tools they need to successfully breastfeed. And La Leche League is an organization dedicated to providing information and support on the topic.
Now if they’d just come out with a study on how to prevent sympathy weight gain in new fathers to be, I’d be most appreciative.
--Scott Samples
Public Information Coordinator
2 comments:
I am so glad to see you post this information about breastfeeding. I have been reading your posts for a few months.
Martin Memorial has a wonderful IBCLC, Jodi Smart. She has helped me in so many ways with breastfeeding, personally and professionally. I have not met your new lactation consultant yet, but I look foward too.
I am glad to see the link to the local La Leche League. This group is active and thriving!
I find that most woman can breastfeed. The woman's desire is most important and if she desires, I find that the obstacles can be worked through.
Thank you again for posting on this important subject. I hope to see more posts related to birth and breastfeeding.
Denise Punger MD FAAFP IBCLC
Saint Lucie County
Thanks for writing such a positive article on breastfeeding from the male perspective. If a dad doesn't support a mom's desire to breastfeed, it isn't going to be easy for mom. Support is the greatest gift. League is a great support group, with mother to mother help. We have meetings in Port St Lucie and Ft Pierce. Jodi Smart has been a great help with medical issues and she has always been a great support to league too. When a hospital supports breastfeeding, it goes so much smoother. Thanks for your support.
Anne ALexander
La Leche League Leader
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
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