Why Breastmilk is Best and tips to help you succeed!!

Breastfeeding is by far the greenest option for feeding your newborn. You do not have the manufacturing of formula and you can also go without bottles for as long as you wish. No clean up! I have successfully breastfed my baby for almost 6 months. There is a great sense of accomplishment that comes with this. Breastmilk has the best nutrients, antibodies to fight off viruses, and it is free! I breastfed my first child til she was almost 17 months! My first child needed a supplement of formula(so I was told) once a day which I gave at night. The only reason I had started that in the first place was because the hospital instructed me to do so because she had lost too much weight after birth. They said they would not release us if I didn't give her formula to help her gain some weight back. Since the hospital did not have organic formula my husband was taking taxi's around NYC to find a store that had organic formula. Now organic formula is much easier to find. Talk about drama!! After my milk fully came, I may have been able to feed her just breastmilk but I continued with one bottle a day for 6 months. Since I was a new mom who didn't know what to do, I listened to the hospital's advice. Hence, mostly at night after the bottle she became collicky for a few weeks. To help with milk production I drink Traditional Medicinals Mother's Milk tea. I brought it with me to the hospital and drank a few cups a day. Now I drink a cup a day or every other day. It really works great and tastes good with Stevia to sweeten it.

My second baby has rarely been collicky!! She has only had breastmilk. The only thing I had to change in my diet was stop drinking goat milk because it made her spit up more. She only seems fussy when she is hungry and gets gassy if I eat too much garlic or broccoli. I have read about what to eat and what not to eat to prevent colic or fussiness. It seems to vary among babies. What I have found to be a common factor among several women is that they must stop eating dairy because it has a negative effect on the infant. What I did find surprising is that you should avoid peppermint and parsley because it can halt milk production. Remember also to avoid caffeine and alcohol or use the test strips to check your milk after you have a drink. I truly believe each baby is different and you just have to see what works for you. If you have a family history of certain food allergies, your baby may be allergic as well. Common allergens are things such as wheat, eggs, corn, dairy, shellfish and soy.

If you plan on breastfeeding there are certain things I feel are essential to make it as easy as possible. First you need Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Cream. There are other brands but this is lanolin free, organic and doesn't need to be washed off before feeding your baby. A breast pump is great to have. They are pricey but well worth it! The Medela Freetyle is what I have and it also comes in handy when it is time to mix milk with baby cereal like oatmeal. Or you can express by hand which works to add milk to oatmeal... but it is not easy...milk just seems to go all over the kitchen and not much in the oatmeal bowl! So I suggest a pump of some sort! As far as bottles...right now I am using the medela BPA free that go with the breast pump. I have read that glass is not good for breast milk according to Dr. Sears. I have not frozen any milk this time or reheated. It is fresh at room temp and then tossed after a few hours. This baby won't take a bottle so easily after 2 weeks of not having one after hurricane Sandy. Luckily she just started eating oatmeal so my husband can help out again!!! Nursing bras and tanks are great too. You will want to have one per day or you will smell like sour milk. I like the nursing tanks for the winter to keep extra warm. Instead of the disposable breastpads filling up landfills, I like the organic cotton reusable breastpads. It is also good to have a few nursing tops to make it easier to feed when you are in public. Gap Maternity has the best quality and most comfortable selection of nursing tops in my opinion and if they are on sale...even better! A button down shirt will work also but if you have a fussy baby, easy access is best! A good nursing pillow is helpful but the popular brands are made from toxic materials such as polyurethane foam!! Here are Natural options for nursing pillows. You can use a latex pillow which is safe as well or lay down to nurse which is so relaxing. Remember women have breastfed for ages without a nursing pillow!!! Whatever option is best for you, please give breastfeeding a try! You can contact your local Le Leche League for help if your hospital does not have a lactation consultant.