If you were trying to encourage a young new mom to breastfeed but you were only "allowed" to say one thing, what would it be?

The best relationship I've ever had is the one between my nursling and I. Not to say that I don't love and adore my dd and dh but this is the closest I've ever been to someone. His ability to live and thrive is in my hands.

If I had known it was going to be 'this easy' (after a few days) I would have tried harder with my 1st baby.

It really helped me bond with my children. Nothing compares to snuggling in the wee hours of the morning with a little one at your breast:)

And you feel quite accomplished that you "grew" a child on your milk alone!

Bonding and such aside, I really think if people really understood (generally speaking) how cheap and easy it is (far easier that making bottles and storing them and heating them and washing them).

It's for the lazy...no bottles to clean, no formula to make, no store to go to in order to buy it, less diapers to change, and I get more sleep because the boobie is always ready to roll over and get sucked on.

There's no way I'm making bottles, going to the store, heating bottles, waking up to make a bottle for a crying baby and then feed the baby. I am just too lazy for all that craziness.

Lets see... how should I make it a "one thing"?...

OK:

1. Efficient, because:

a) cheap
b) easy
c) more sleep
d) less doctor trips

Did I cheat? :lol:

Not that I don't totally agree w/ all the other posters, but one thing?
It reduces the chance of SIDS.

One thing? I would say:

"It would save you a lot of money which otherwise would be spent on formula. That can really add up!"

One thing only?!:lol: It's the best decision I've ever made!

You wouldn't feed human milk to a baby cow would you? Breastmilk is the ONLY food made for babies! Its worth it!

I would say, "It is the absolute best thing you can do for a baby's health overall"

If I could say a 2nd thing I'd add my vote for cheap :D

That breastmilk contains at least 100 ingredients that formula does not..it's perfection (assuming mother has a decent diet).

there is nothing like bonding with your baby as you nurse it and know that you are giving it nurishment and life.

Its the most natural, precious and bonding experience there ever is! I wouldnt trade it for anything!

Charleene

It is the best hardest thing I've ever done.

It's for the lazy...no bottles to clean, no formula to make, no store to go to in order to buy it, less diapers to change, and I get more sleep because the boobie is always ready to roll over and get sucked on.

There's no way I'm making bottles, going to the store, heating bottles, waking up to make a bottle for a crying baby and then feed the baby. I am just too lazy for all that craziness.

:ditto:

Once you get the hang of it, it makes your life with a baby so much easier!

Well Id pass on the best advice I recieved.


"Don't give up until you've given it at least 6 weeks" By then I had the hang of it but had I not made the promise from my friends advice , to MYSELF and to my dd , I'd quit by the end of week 2 ,period.

Oh and my aunt swears that I made bf in public easier for her by telling her"Everyone has a nipple!" :lol:

I just keep thinking about the health issue so I am going to change my previous post to say that bf'd babies have a lower mortality rate (even in developed countries).

I loved that it creates "mandatory" snuggle time with your baby. The bond it creates with your child is amazing. :)

Baby humans need human milk. They are not calves or baby soybeans :D

It also lowers Mom's chances of many different types of cancer and lowers the babies chance of cancers too.

It's always perfect ...temperature, ingredients, ready to use

Only 1 thing, Jen???

Hmmm...


...it will be the most bonding, rewarding experience of your friends life. :) I can't think of too many people who regret breastfeeding. However, i can think of many people who regret NOT breastfeeding or quitting after 2 days, etc.

In my residency, I would always tell parents that there are very few things you can do for your baby that would make it healthy now and also far into the future. Breastfeeding enhances health not just while the baby is nursing, but also for its entire childhood and life -- playing a part in preventing everything from ulcerative colitis and crohns to leukemia to childhood obesity to diabetes. It may even promote better intelligence.

What other food, medicine or vitamin can make that claim?

It can be really hard the first 3-6 weeks, but if you have difficulties during that time stick it out and get help if you need it.....the rewards are HUGE.

It may sound trite, but


Breastfeeding is life-giving...

breastfeeding is one of my most valuable parenting tools. Nothing calms a sad/scared/sick child better than nursing.

I would tell them how when a baby gets sick they pass the illness through your breasts and your body makes antibodies and passes them back - how anyone, knowing that, could choose not to BF is beyond me - it's custom-made medicine!

My 1 comment about breastfeeding-

Don't listen to anyone who discourages you. Don't give up. Stick with it through the rough beginning stage.

When Nora was a baby, my grandmother told me that she used to love nursing my mom. It was HER time. She usually went to her bedroom, laid down and nursed. She could read, rest, etc. When you are breastfeeding the baby, you aren't at anyone else's beck and call.

Second-- fewer dishes to wash.

I'd tell them, it's free. Go price out formula at the store & think of what you could do with ALL that money you won't be spending.

Chole

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking of the 1000s of reasons what if you could only say one? no other option just 1 statement and you were trying to convince someone.

The foundation, single best thing I did for my children.

Michelle

It taught me selfless giving and the value of human touch. I wouldn't trade the experience for the world.