Breastfeeding - a father’s perspective

Breastfeeding is widely considered to be the best start for baby, not only providing nutrient-packed food but also forming a bond between mother and child. In this interesting article, Stuart Hutchings shares a father’s perspective.

Breastfeeding is the most natural thing to do. It is one of the most important things that you can do to give your child the very best start in life and it is likely to be the first most important decision a mother and family will make about their baby’s health and upbringing.

We may all possibly be aware of the major benefits to mother and baby that breastfeeding confers.

But it does take commitment from both mother and family.

Possibly one of the biggest issues is that breastfed babies often spend more time ‘at the breast’ than formula fed children do whilst being fed; this is purely because bottle-feeding is functional (the activity only provides food). Breastfeeding however provides food and nurturing. It is common for the baby to snuggle up to mother and fall asleep whilst feeding in this comfortable, secure environment (this intimacy leads to bonding which is a very important aspect of breastfeeding). For this reason I personally thought for the first six months that our new baby did not have a face! I only ever saw the back of his head! This leads on to more practical matters such as making sure mother and baby are comfortable for these periods and as happy and secure as you can make them both. Although this can mean a lot of ‘nurse-maiding’ it is wise for dads to remember that they are part of a team giving baby the best food, on tap, when he or she needs it. It comes out of the breast ‘ready to serve’ and is tailored to the baby’s age and nutritional needs. There are also no bottles to worry about, no formulas to mix, you don’t have to worry about sterilising everything, getting the temperature right, and, baby’s poo even smells better!!

Breastfeeding is not just the best source of food but also a good source of comfort and security. Mother’s bonding with her child can start here, if it has not already happened during pregnancy; breastfeeding is the most natural way of bonding. The eye-to-eye and skin-to-skin contact that breastfeeding requires strengthens the attachment and bonding between mother and child. Breastfeeding helps mother to get to know and understand her baby. It is an important step in building a trusting relationship that extends well beyond baby years; it is not just the best source of food for a growing baby but the ultimate in terms of safety and security. There are some emotional adjustments to be made. Family members may become jealous of the intimacy and attachments that occur between mother and baby through breastfeeding. From a father’s perspective, one sometimes has to wrestle with one’s feelings for baby, as this new-comer muscles in on what was your sole territory. But this time is very important for mother and baby, and it is often easy to forget that a family’s job is to care for and support mother as well as baby. The help required from family members is very important but the most important is the care and support from dad. He can provide physical and emotional reassurance, he can head off discouragement and negative criticisms from other family members, and he can make mother comfortable whilst breastfeeding with such simple things as providing food and drinks, or even helping with the household chores or with other siblings.

Sleeping can also be an awkward time. If you do not want to sleep with baby in the bed, the cot should be placed in close proximity so that mother can virtually ‘do it in her sleep’. But here breastfeeding can be a major benefit to other family members because they may not be woken in the middle of the night. Mother simply attaches the baby and satisfaction is guaranteed!

There are other lifestyle modifications that are required for breastfeeding:

• Having the right clothing to allow easy access for baby
• Being willing to stop your routine for unplanned feeds
• Continuing with a cessation of drinking and smoking
• Watching what drugs or medications are taken

There are many other reasons that breastfeeding should be the first choice food for babies.

Just remember breastfeeding can be good for baby, mother and family - breast milk is perfectly formulated to meet your baby’s nutritional needs and…

It’s what breasts were designed for!

Breast really is best.

For more extensive information on breastfeeding its benefits and practical implications visit breastfeeding at From Little Acorns Academy

This article is provided by Amazines.com - The ULTIMATE Article Database

Glamourous breastfeeding with Pickle & Boo’s exclusive bracelets

Breastfeeding is wonderful and should be celebrated, but at the same time, new mums probably don’t want to advertise which side is next in line for baby. Neither should they have to remember — there’s enough else to think about with a new-born.

Enter Pickle & Boo’s exclusive breastfeeding bracelets, which not only subtly remind mums which breast is next, but add a touch of glamour too. Just what’s needed when a lot of other things involve sick, poo, and nappy changes.

These ten bracelets are made with Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, and Pickle & Boo’s signature “This Side Next” engraved sterling silver heart tag.

Threaded onto a strong stretch cord to make it easy to switch the bracelet from wrist to wrist, they are generously strung
(8.5 inches approx) to be worn slightly loose for comfort. The bracelets are elegant and discreet — chicly designed and genuinely functional — yet virtually unrecognisable as obvious ‘nursing jewellery’.

1. Smokey Sparkle: a sophisticated combination of sparkling smokey topaz Swarovski crystals and gleaming olive freshwater pearls
2. Light Sapphire: beautiful light sapphire blue and aquamarine Swarovski crystals, combined with pale blue Swarovski pearls
3. Black Diamond: understatedly glamorous combination of black diamond Swarovski crystals and silver grey freshwater pearls
4. Maybe Baby: palest blue and rose pink Swarovski pearls and crystals, entwined with sterling silver dazzle dust beads and heart charms
5. Glamour Puss: dazzlingly pretty peacock green freshwater stick pearls with topaz and palest green Swarovski crystals
6. Fabulous Fuschia: (pictured) bright fuschia Swarovski crystals, complimented by rose and ivory Swarovski pearls
7. Lovely Lavender: gorgeous lavender and tanzanite Swarovski crystals, accented with creamy Swarovski pearls
8. Linen Glow: a sophisticated and classic combination of ivory fresh water pearls, sparkling Swarovski crystals and sterling silver rondelles
9. Palest Jade: washed green Swarovski crystals and creamy Swarovski pearls
10. Vintage Rose: attractive vintage rose Swarovski crystals and pale pink Swarovski pearls

Joanne Pibworth, founder of Pickle & Boo said, “We know that breastfeeding a new baby can be very demanding both physically and mentally, so it’s easy to lose track of which side you fed from last. Our bracelets are designed to keep life simple for new mums — just switch the breastfeeding bracelet to your other wrist after each feed and you’ll never need to wrack your tired brain again!””

The bracelets are packaged in a shimmering lavender organza bag concealed within an ivory gift box complete with tissue, ribbons and an explanatory notelet, making them the perfect gift for a new mum.

Available from PickleAndBoo.co.uk

Breastfeeding in Style

A lot of people think that nursing clothing is maternity clothing. It isn’t. In fact, it looks just like your casual attire. The only difference is that, nursing clothing is designed with specially concealed openings. It makes breastfeeding and feeding in public more comfortable and unobtrusive. This special bonding time doesn’t have to be vulgar right?

Although nursing clothes aren’t really a necessity, having these specially designed clothing for breastfeeding can make life a lot easier. If you’re constantly on the move, nursing clothing makes those breastfeeding moments more discreet. Whether you’re in the supermarket, restaurants or shopping malls, you can feed your baby via a hidden opening and nurse in privacy. No need to run around looking for a secluded area or nursing spot anymore.

There are so many styles and trendy nursing clothing that looks just as nice as your favorite casual wear. Gone are the days of big t-shirts and loose-fitting separates. The mommies of today can enjoy and maintain their sense of style and still nurture their babies.