Are you pressured for breastfeading?

Breastfeeding: Does Everyone Have to Do It?

Pregnant women today seem to worry less about hiding their baby bump and more about what to do with their boobs. For every person that rubs your tummy, there's another that asks, "Are you planning to breastfeed?" The pressure to breastfeed is everywhere—magazines, prenatal classes, pamphlets, pregnancy books, doctor's offices—even advertisements for baby formula acknowledge that breastfeeding is better. The evidence supporting breastfeeding as the healthiest choice for feeding a brand new baby is undeniable, but does everyone have to do it?

Breastfeeding Suggestions, When Do They Become Overzealous?

Though that pregnant belly is a magnet for unsolicited advice, most of the friends, family and strangers encouraging you to breastfeed have good intentions. They want the best for you and your baby. However, when it comes right down to it, choosing between breast and bottle is a very personal decision that should be between you, your baby and your doctor.

While most doctors, nurses and lactation specialists will probably suggest that you at least try to breastfeed, even if you’re not completely sure you’ll stick with it, there are some medical reasons to refrain from nursing your baby.

Medical Reasons for Not Breastfeeding

• Medications—According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many medications likely to be prescribed to nursing mothers shouldn't preclude breastfeeding. Though traces of the medication may be transferred through breast milk, it is usually in such small amounts that the baby will be unaffected. The benefits of the mother's milk outweigh any small risk the medicine may pose. However, if you are taking any medications, including herbal supplements, talk to your doctor about whether you can safely breastfeed.
• Galactosemia—Though uncommon, some infants can't metabolize the sugars in breast milk. Your baby will be tested for this disease as part of the newborn screenings done at the hospital. Symptoms to watch for are poor weight gain, lethargy, jaundice and vomiting. These infants can be fed soy formula or other alternatives.
• Allergies—In rare cases, a baby may develop a sensitivity to components found in breast milk, though a true allergy to breast milk is unlikely. Usually the mother can eliminate possible offending sources from her diet, such as cow's milk or caffeine.
• Diseases—Women suffering from HIV or active tuberculosis, receiving radiation or chemotherapy treatments, or abusing narcotics or other illegal drugs should not breastfeed.

Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression

Some studies have shown that the pressure to breastfeed may actually play a role in postpartum depression. While you're getting pushed from all sides to breastfeed your baby, few people talk about how difficult breastfeeding can be. The swelling and pain when your milk comes in, the sore and chafing nipples, a baby that won't latch on, breast infections and other problems are often overlooked. A new and inexperienced mom can be easily overwhelmed in those first few weeks postpartum. It's hard not to compare yourself to the glowing mothers on the covers of lactation magazines, and when breastfeeding isn't the blissful experience you had pictured, it can contribute to feelings of guilt.

Other women have said that their depression stems from the idea that they are tethered to their babies, trapped taking care of an infant at the expense of their own sense of wellbeing. Conversely, breastfeeding can also help to assuage postpartum depression by fostering that important bonding between mother and child. In fact, the body releases a soothing hormone called oxytocin while you breastfeed, which can act as a natural antidepressant.

Ultimately, the breastfeeding experience will be as unique as each mother and baby. Careful consultation with your doctor and with your own conscience will help you to decide what will be best for you and your child. There are excellent formula products on the market that come as close to breast milk as anything that has ever been available, and you can have a healthy and happy baby whether you decide to breastfeed exclusively, bottle feed or combine the two.