Happy World Breastfeeding week! Breastfeeding is something that I’m passionate about and I’m thankful that I was able to breastfeed our 10 babies.
After thousands of years of babies being nourished by their mothers’ milk, someone developed an alternative, and pushed it, sometimes forcing it, on mothers throughout our nation and throughout the world. My own grandma was given a shot at the hospital that made her unable to produce breastmilk.
While it’s now recognized that breastmilk is the best thing for babies, too many mothers don’t know how to breastfeed, and too many grandmas and healthcare professionals don’t know how to help them. Other mothers simply choose not to breastfeed, but I’m convinced that with enough education about it, more moms would try.
I hope that I can help change that.
Breastfeeding can be hard at times. Sometimes it can make you feel very stuck. But the vast majority of the time that I nursed our sweet babies, it was a sweet, snuggly experience where I felt so close to my baby and so pleased with their contentment. And I always felt like I was doing what was best for them.
Today I’m going to share 10 reasons why to breastfeed, and pics of our 10 babies.
Baby #1 was a little boy born in Sept. 2003. We were so excited to become parents!
- Breastfeeding is very comforting to babies. Just the skin-to-skin time during feedings physically regulates their blood sugar and body temperature.
Baby #2 was a girl born in Sept. 2005.
It was fun to have one of each gender.
2. Breastfeeding releases happy hormones including oxytocin in moms.
Baby #3 was born April 2007, another sweet girl.
3. Breastfeeding helps babies mouths develop properly.
Baby #4, our 3rd girl, was a little ray of sunshine born Dec. 2008.
4. Although breastfeeding can be hard to learn, once you get it, it’s way more convenient than bottles and formula, especially in the night.
Baby #5, Sept 2010. We were excited to get a 2nd boy!
5. Breastmilk is easier for babies to digest than formula.
We got another little girl in Oct 2012. This one would keep us on our toes.
6. There are nutrients inside breastmilk specifically designed to help develop a healthy gut, which is very important for both digestion and immunity for baby’s whole life.
Baby #7, a boy, was born Jan 2015. Because he was actually due in December, we tease him that he was a year late.
7. There are other nutrients inside breastmilk that are specifically designed to aid in human brain development.
Baby #8, a boy, was born Dec. 2016. He was our smallest, and we got lots of comments on how tiny he was.
8. Breastmilk passes mom’s immunities to baby, which is a big blessing for their immature immune system.
Baby #9, a boy, was born Apr. 2019. He was the hardest to breastfeed because of a tied lip. Even though he never could exclusively breastfeed, I nursed him for 18 months.
9. Each type of mammal has a set balance of fat, lactose, and protein in their milk specific to their baby’s need, and humans are no exception. Mother’s milk is the perfect milk for human growth and development.
Baby #10, a girl, is a joy to her parents and all her siblings. We love her so much, and she loves us all back. She was born on Halloween, 2021.
10. Breastfeeding is nature’s way to feed a baby.
So there are 10 reasons why you should breastfeed. For information on how to breastfeed, see How to Start Breastfeeding.
You can also read some of my Breastfeeding Stories.
Admittedly the pics of 10 Thomas babies are my favorite part of this one! It’s so frustrating to realize another way that society has complicated what “should be” the most natural and appropriate way to feed your child. I’m grateful that you were willing to pay the full personal price for each one of those kids! Keep sharing!
Thanks Love, it was my pleasure.