• Breastfeeding
  • Why breastfeeding is important
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  • Learning to breastfeed
  • Common breastfeeding challenges
  • Breastfeeding in public
  • Pumping and milk storage
  • Going back to work
  • Breastfeeding and everyday life
  • Government in action on breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding in Spanish (en español)

My mom breastfeed seven healthy kids, so when I had mine, I had no doubt about breastfeeding. When he was born he knew what to do; he latched on and sucked away. In the first week it was so painful, but I kept it up because I was determined and wanted to do what was best for my baby. Soon my nipples became crusted over, and I just had to take a day off. I tried pumping instead. My nipples didn't improve. I felt guilty giving him formula, but after the day of rest I went back to breastfeeding and focused on baby's positioning. Within the month it was MUCH better and became painless. He's so strong, healthy and developmentally advanced. We have a close bond. It truly is the best and is what nature intended. I wish I could encourage all to breastfeed. If you think it's too hard or painful or whatever, think of all of the benefits for baby AND for mom. It gets easier as you go, and there are many resources out there to support you if you need the help.

I breastfed my first child for a very short period of time, but when I switched to formula he became irritable and gassy, and it took me two formulas but even then he seemed quite unhappy with his feeding times. My second son I fed longer and with him I lost my baby fat fast. I felt really healthy and it was extremely natural. I also weaned him unlike my first whom I just cut off cold turkey, I guess we learn with each child. My third child was on the breast the longest, she had cut teeth when I started to wean...and practically went straight to a sippy...and cereal from her bottle. I may not be idea for all mothers but I will tell you this I have always felt healthy and my children had very little problems, besides the wonderful bonding experience! I would definitely encourage all wemon to do it for your health and the babies!!

For me breastfeeding was fun, because i knew through several health books that i read and from my mom the importance of breast milk in a child. So had already made up my mind to do baby friendly with my baby without water for six weeks, which am proud i was able to achieve with the help of God.

To crown it i lactate well enough that my baby just cling to breast milk. The breast milk makes him strong and active, does not fall ill.

I encourage mothers to please breastfeed their babies because it help their immune system.

After giving birth to my first baby and after 24 hours I have tried to breastfeed my baby(I forgot to mention that I had a c-section).
At first I tried to breastfeed by myself but my baby who was sleepy did not open his mouth.The second time I tried to breastfeed him I asked for a lactation consultant at the hospital.The problems started when I came home.I called La Leche League
and they sent a lactation consultant to my home.She encouraged me to keep on trying and breastfeed my baby more frequently even if I felt pain. From this point everything went well, my baby gained weight which was the sign that I succeeded to breastfeed him. I continued to breastfeed and enjoyed every moment.
I invite to visit http://www.my-practical-baby-guide.com/breastfeedingstories.html
where you can study from other moms about breastfeeding.
Thank you for reading my story , I hope it will give you the power to continue!!!

I am a mother of four boys all range from 14 years to 6 months and all of them have been breastfed. A great choice I feel that I have made up to this point. The bonding time and care that each one I see I have made is timeless.

I'm a first time mom. I have a 21 month old little boy who I still breastfeed! To say I love every minute of it, I also knew I was going to breastfeed since I heard it was healthier. I love the bond my son and I have. Its his comfort zone and everyone one around me see how smart and healthy he is that I encourage some of my friends to do it. So don't let no one tell you your child is to old if you enjoy it keep doing it!

I had four children that were bottle fed. I was 18 years old when I had my first child. I tried breastfeeding for a week or so, but didn't have support, and didn't know how to access resources. I tried to breastfeed all four, with my fifth child I was determined to breastfeed. She was born early at 36 weeks, and breastfeeding was a real challenge, but we overcame and breastfed until she was 13 months. I breastfed my 6th child until he was 2 years old, and am breastfeeding my 7th who is 3 months old. Sometimes it feels like bottles would be easier, but the bond we have is so special, and I love my special time with my son.

I have 3 children and have breastfed them all. I find that with each child breastfeeding became easier. I think one of the most important thing moms need to know when choosing to breastfeed is don't give up on it, most every mom can. Another thing to remember is that breast milk is natural and the best for growing babies. With lots of practice for new moms and babies breastfeeding can be very relaxing and the best bonding experience. The benefits of breastfeeding are great, reduced risk of certain cancers, burn more calories, helps body get back to normal. There are many people who can help with questions or showing proper ways to hold baby during feeding and how to have a proper latch. Remember you are doing your best!

A girlfriend offered the most important advice: the first 6 weeks are torture but then, like magic, it's easy and wonderful. I found feeding to be incredibly painful and one of the hardest things I've ever tried to do. My nipples were sore and I had hard painful lumps in my breasts that would ache if a cotton ball touched them. But after 6 weeks, suddenly, it became the most natural, pleasurable and beautiful experience of my life. As my son suckled he would look into my eyes, stroke my breast, and lightly pinch my arm. And as he grew older I could see him smile behind my nipple while I read to him during nursing. He is a healthy, intelligent 11 yr old. 6 weeks is it, I promise.

I'm a 20 year old first time mother to my beautiful son Noah. When I found out I was pregnant, I was determined to breastfeed. I started hearing all these stories about how much it hurts, but I didn't change my mind. I was bracing myself more than anything. Anyways, after he was born he wasn't latching on hardly ever by himself. We always needed a nurse to help. By the second day, I was not only exhausted, emotional, and overwhelmed, but so scared to go home and be alone. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to give him the amount of milk he needed. I stayed a couple extra days in the hospital. Even though colostrum was still coming out they had me try a nipple shield and it was an absolute life saver. He is now almost 10 weeks old and latching on withough the shield! I am so happy I stuck it out through all of the complications. It is the best feeling in the world! I can't imagine it any other way.