What I Wish I Had Known Then....
By Suzanne Juel
During my first pregnancy, my intent to breastfeed was a common conversation topic, and advice was readily offered. Stories painted breastfeeding as everything from an idyllic bonding experience for mother and baby (cue background music) to horrific medieval torture. While much of this advice was welcome, I assumed that since breastfeeding was the "natural" way to feed a baby, I would somehow instinctively know what to do. After all, mothers had been feeding their newborns for millions of years—how could something so natural be so hard?
After an uneventful pregnancy and birth, I had a rude awakening—breastfeeding wasn't "natural" for me. After many trials and tribulations, I went on to exclusively pump, and provided breast milk until my child was nearly two. This is now one of my highest personal accomplishments, eventually resulting in my current career in lactation.
Many mothers encounter similar difficulties that undermine their breastfeeding experience. The CDC reports nearly 80% of new Texas mothers attempt breastfeeding, but less than 15% reach the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.
|
© Rohit Seth - Fotolia.com
|
