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Breastfeeding

While breastfeeding is usually the healthiest option for feeding your baby, many new moms are hesitant about it. Although breastfeeding can be a bit intimidating, studies have shown that children who are breastfed generally turn out to be happier, healthier people in the long run.

Along with being a healthier choice for your baby, breastfeeding also gives you a chance to connect and intensely bond with your child. This is one reason why mothers who have chosen breastfeeding may have such a difficult time letting go.

Breastfeeding Benefits

For mothers who are still undecided about whether to breastfeed or formula-feed their babies, it may help to know that both the U.S. Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control recommend breastfeeding as the primary form of nourishment for babies at least six months and younger.

Research has provided evidence that breastfed babies tend to respond to medical treatment much better than formula-fed babies. This is due to the fact that breast milk carries natural antibodies (disease-fighting proteins) from the mother to the baby. Babies who are not breastfed are more susceptible to pneumonia, diarrhea and a number of other diseases.

Public Breastfeeding

As breasts have become more of a sex symbol in popular culture, some people have forgotten that one of the primary functions of the breast is for feeding children. Unfortunately, the sexuality of the breast versus the need to breastfeed, at times, in public has stirred up some controversy. Because infants need be fed every two to three hours, public breastfeeding is sometimes unavoidable.

To pacify this controversy, manufacturers have designed items that can help minimize public breast exposure. For example, breastfeeding shirts and bras allow mothers to easily breastfeed their babies while still being discreet. Baby blankets can also be draped over your shoulder (and your feeding baby) to help cover you up if you need to breastfeed in more public places.

Discrete Public Breastfeeding Practices

Because new mothers will, at some point, need to feed their babies in more public arenas, they may want to learn some ways to be discreet and divert attention away from themselves as they breastfeed

First off, invest in a few of breastfeeding shirts and/or breastfeeding bras. These clothing items are designed to disassemble in a way that provides you with some privacy and ease of use when it comes to breast feeding near other people.

These bras are also a bit easier on the nipples, as they can become a bit chafed and irritated during feeding. While many mothers use ice to help numb and ease the pain of breastfeeding, specialized breastfeeding shirts, bras and even breast feeding pumps can greatly help to take some of the stress off of your breasts.

Also, if you can, try to find a quiet corner in which to feed your child. While you should have the freedom to feed your baby wherever you want to, the reality is that some people are uncomfortable with it and may cause a scene.

Many mothers prefer to have someone shield them if they must breast feed in public.

Breastfeeding Resources