Monmouth County's Ask the Doctor Sept/Oct

Breast vs. Bottle Breast vs. Bottle is a personal choice; each woman has to weigh her own personal pros and cons based on her lifestyle and personality. Breastfeeding your baby has so many positives and so many people benefit from it. Just ask my ex-husband who never lost a night’s sleep raising three children. By, Susan Heckler

On a more serious side, being a nursing mother is so much easier now than it was 30 years ago when my first was born, and certainly much more accepted than in our parent’s generation. Back in the 50’s it was frowned upon. The focus seems to be on the baby; however, there are tremendous benefits to themother too. Benefits to the Mother; breastfeeding can: • Reduces your stress level • Lower your risk of postpartum depression • A menstruation vacation- breastfeeding causes the release of prolactin, which keeps estrogen and progesterone at bay so ovulation isn't triggered

K I D S ’ H E A L T H & C A M P

• It’s free - the cost of formula can range anywhere from $134 to $491 per month • It’s easy - breast milk is always available and always at the right temperature • Lowers the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, certain types of Breast Cancer, and Ovarian Cancer • Non-breastfeeding women have a four times greater chance of developing osteoporosis. • Breastfeeding provides a unique contact between mother and child with automatic, skin-to-skin closeness and nurturing • Nursing burns up to 500 calories a day. Benefits to Baby; breastfeeding can: • Lower incidences of pneumonia, colds and viruses are reduced among breastfed babies. • Reduced risk of baby developing chronic conditions, such as type I diabetes, celiac disease and Crohn's disease • Breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome by about half. • Breastfeeding can decrease your baby's risk of some childhood cancers • Breastfed babies have a better antibody response to vaccines than formula-fed babies • Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler • Significantly decreases the chances that your breastfeeding baby will suffer from ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or certain types of spinal meningitis • Human milk encourages the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract of the breastfed baby. • Breastfeeding protects babies born to families with a history of allergies In New Jersey you have the right to nurse in public. Enacted in 1997, this sets forth the importance of breastfeeding, and clarifies that women have a right to breastfeed her baby in public. This was one of the first laws that provided a fine and penalty for its violation. 26:4B-4. Right to breast feed in public 2. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a mother shall be entitled to breast feed her baby in any location of a place of public accommodation, resort or amusement wherein the mother is otherwise permitted In the United States, breasts are considered sexual objects, so some people may not appreciate the sight of a nursing mother. I remember my father’s reaction to my nursing his grandchildren…he didn’t want to see his daughter’s private parts. To a degree, it is understandable even though you have every right to do it. Breastfeeding is not an excretory function, and there is no reason to hide when you feed your baby. As with anything, opinions run rampant. That being said, discretion may be in order depending upon when and where you need to feed. Here are some helpful tips to make you more at ease and those around you too:

• Breastfeed your baby before he or she becomes fussy, so that you have time to get into a comfortable place or position to feed • Wear clothes that allow easy access to your breasts, such as tops that pull up from the waist or button down. They make special nursing tops that allow access but give Mom some privacy too. • Use a blanket around your shoulders to cover anything you don't want to expose in public. • Use a women's lounge or dressing room in stores if you pre- fer to breastfeed in a private or quiet space. • Practice breastfeeding at home with the blanket or other covering techniques if you plan to use them so that you and

your baby are comfortable breastfeeding that way. • Create your own privacy zone, if you are with a compan- ion; have them position themselves to create a more private space for you. • Consider breastfeeding while your baby is in a sling that provides maximum coverage. Most people won’t know what your baby is doing in the sling. • Lactation counselors say that any nursing mom can learn to breastfeed so modestly, the public will scarcely notice -- let alone object. Avoiding a confrontation is best for all con- cerned, including your baby. You are a loving, nurturing mother who is doing what women have done for thousands of years.

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ASK THE DOCTOR

FALL 2020