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Expectant moms all over the world face the breastfeeding decision. One of the reasons to nurse instead of using formula, besides the well-known health benefits, is that it’s free.
You are able to meet your baby’s nutritional needs, and the money saved can go into your baby’s college fund. However, there are some expenses associated with breastfeeding.
A breast pump, nursing bras and clothes, as well as lactation consultants are not free.The decision to breastfeed is a very personal one and moms don’t need to spend a lot to nurse their baby.
For example, you don’t necessarily have to fork over extra money for expensive nursing clothes or bras. When you go shopping for maternity clothes, buy ones that also allow you to nurse. You can save money on bra pads by buying reusable ones.
Besides the financial cost, there is also an emotional cost that comes with breastfeeding. Even though you plan to nurse, sometimes there are obstacles. For example, moms of preemies aren’t able to breastfeed right away for various reasons. Their milk might not be ready, breast or nipple feedings are too strenuous, or it’s impossible for baby to swallow, suck, and breathe on their own.
Jessica Valenti, contributor to Huffington Post, was one of these moms. “I never made a conscious decision to stop breastfeeding…it was a slow mental, well, wean,” she says. Her baby girl was born prematurely so Valenti wasn’t able to breastfeed right away. “So instead of breastfeeding, my only ‘job’ while she spent two months in the NICU was to pump,” she said.
And pump she did! Eight to ten times a day for fifteen minutes on each breast. She felt helpless sitting by her daughter’s incubator, and pumping was a tangible way for her to provide what her baby needed. Valenti believed in the benefits of breast milk and committed herself to providing what is best for her little girl. Some moms who pump often find they have more milk than their baby will ever consume so they generously donate their excess supply. If you decide to donate, Prolacta can reimburse you for the cost of your breast pump up to $300 and for storage supplies.
Though moms may struggle with breastfeeding the rewards for them and their baby outweigh the work. Through breastfeeding moms provide their little one with the healthiest source of nutrition and enhance the closeness that comes from breastfeeding.
As many moms have struggled with breastfeeding they’ve also found the rewards outweigh the efforts. Through breastfeeding, moms are giving the healthiest nutrition to their little one and they are enhancing the closeness with their baby.
Breastfeeding provides full nutrition and protection during illness, but that’s only the beginning. Nursing moms provide more than food. They provide comfort and nurturing. It’s an opportunity for both baby and mom to memorize each other’s faces and develop trust. If you are struggling or frustrated, give yourself a break.
Talk to other nursing moms, even if you just need to vent, or look for a support group to see if there is a solution to the problem at hand. A combination of patience, a good technique, support, and perseverance will help you be successful at breastfeeding.