In this day and age, formula feeding has become more popular than ever, with fewer and fewer women opting to breastfeed. We are perpetually told that this alternative is as equally healthy as the real deal, but is it?
I certainly have my own belief on the matter and for many reasons, and I feel we should learn what is exactly in these formula concoctions, and why it is that we are encouraged to consider this other option altogether.
"Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing, one of the most beautiful things that exist in nature. Think about how a woman can literally feed a baby with her body! In my eyes, this is a certain form of beauty, of divinity. To know that my body can not only form and bring another human being into the world, but that I can actually feed babies with my own milk from my own breasts - that puts me in a state of awe each time I think about it. It is an honour to be a woman" - C. Joybell C
It is a must to talk about this as there is so much misinformation about this topic. Whether or not to breastfeed, has become a very prevalent question modern-day mothers ask themselves when expecting. There has been heavy conditioning implemented over time to make us believe formula feeding is not only equivalent nutritionally, but more "appropriate".
A notion so incredibly outrageous to me, and to many other cultures around the globe! It is a very "North-American" belief system to discredit the crucial importance and benefit of breast milk for feeding our human babies.
I have very strong opinions on this topic for many reasons, and truly from the bottom of my heart do not wish to offend any woman when writing this, I just wholeheartedly believe we have been completely misled when it comes to the health quality of these formula powders and believe we need to be looking into why. With that said, I am just going to cut to the chase and delve right in.
In a nut shell, you should absolutely without a doubt breastfeed! I recommend a year minimum, give or take. Humans are mammals, and all mammals feed their young from the milk they make by nature and design. Why would humans be any different?
It is the natural way of things, and something that has never even been questioned among humans until about the 1950's. With the ever-increasing implementation of having a more "convenient" world, formula feeding became more vastly promoted, and was just another marketing scheme to further this new "ideal". The reality is, the nutrients in breast milk are ESSENTIAL for the continual development of a new-born baby.
Our female reproductive systems are designed only to carry for the general 9-month gestation period. However, when our babies are born they need far more development for their organs, immune systems, skulls, and intestinal lining to form properly. Breast milk is rich in all vital nutrients required for this completion of development to occur. Simply, without it your child is at a deficit health-wise from day one.
No matter how much anyone will say that formula is equivalent and contains all vital nutrients, it does not, and the heads of all health organizations know that. It is completely false, as the nutrients present in breast milk are naturally occurring from the mother herself and most bioavailable to the baby, not laboratory synthesized versions added to the remaining unhealthy ingredients present in "milk" substitutions.
The base of either dairy milk or soy in these powders is extremely acidic, and causes inflammatory reactions in a newborn's digestive system. Breast milk is not only rich in all the right nutrients for proper development, but equips the baby with balanced intestinal flora and provides antibodies for natural immune development. None of which can happen from powder in a box!
There is just no way, logically, that these two versions can even be compared. On chemical formula, a baby is just more compromised in its ultimate growth and development, and is at a serious disadvantage digestively as proper intestinal bacterial balance can not be attained.
These children have higher susceptibility to colic, ear infections, digestive issues, sleep, mood and concentration problems, vision, teeth, bone issues, and just have a higher tendency to face progressive health conditions throughout their lives, in general.
Now, I am truly not stating any of this to shame or judge any of you who have formula fed your children, as it is honest misinformation out there that can lead anyone to believe it is equivalent and that you are giving your child the very best health possible.
I am just sharing my honest view based on my own personal research and experience, to inform anyone reading this who may not consider all of these factors when making the choice to shy away from breastfeeding. I have also known many women who have been shamed for breastfeeding in public places, or who have been made to feel discouraged about what breastfeeding entails.
This has created worry, fear or simple disinterest, leading women to believe it is more beneficial for both them and their child to formula feed. I couldn't disagree with this more! Breastfeeding is such an intimate bonding time for mother and baby, and one crucial to its emotional development as well.
Women have become concerned on many fronts; how to do it properly, whether or not it's painful and just how time-consuming it may be. My opinion on it is that it is a vitally important part of nourishing your baby adequately, and that is the most important thing to consider.
I feel there is not enough widely spread discussion on breastfeeding today, as formula feeding has become such a primary alternative. This has inadvertently left women feeling anxious or nervous about it, and left questioning one of the most automatic and innate functions of our miraculous reproductive systems.
Breastfeeding is mechanical, quite instinctive really, as our bodies are exactly crafted to do this. You will find your groove with your baby. The more they feed, the more milk you will produce. You must alter breasts to properly build up supply and for relief as well, preventing common issues with nursing.
As for painful nipples and such, yes some women can get some chafing or soreness for sure, but there are things like homemade coconut oil concoctions you can continuously use to soothe them that will also be healthy for your baby to consume!
The way I look at it is, we are made for this. We would not produce milk if it was not meant to be this way. Since the beginning of time women have breastfed their children, why would we be any different?
Yes, I am writing this to encourage women to breastfeed! For your baby's ultimate health and development, and for the emotional connectivity that it brings you both as well. To not be concerned or fearful about the most natural part of giving life; nourishing your offspring! It is never something to be afraid of or ashamed of, not in private nor in public. It is such a beautiful and natural gift.
My goal is to shed light on what I feel is truly false information put forth by the pharmaceutical and conventional medical industry. Knowledge I have perpetually discussed with friends, family and clients alike, in hopes of raising awareness and bringing back the prevalence of breastfeeding as the primary option for nourishing our infants.
Especially in this day and age, with the level of chemicals in our world, our babies need the best fighting chance health-wise from the start. They deserve to have the very best immune systems and constitution possible!
I truly hope this information resonates somewhere with any of you reading, and do hope it encourages some further thought to the important health benefits of breastfeeding. I want to wish happy nursing to all the mothers out there currently doing so, and for all of you expecting and soon-to-be mama's, may you feel empowered to do some serious bonding with the beautiful life you have growing inside of you!