POSITIVE Parenting

While pregnant, many people asked me if I intended to breastfeed the baby. Of course, I always said. Why wouldn't I? Earlier this year my brother and his wife called me before they came down to visit from abroad. They asked me to buy six cans of ready-mix formula for their one-year-old. At this stage he was drinking one a day. I was flabbergasted when I saw the cost of it in the supermarket! Five months along at the time, I knew that there was no choice in the matter. Our son was taking breast milk until cow's milk was 'allowed' in his second year of life! Don't even get me started on the price of disposable nappies!

The truth is, numerous women are not as fortunate as I have been in the milk production department. For one reason or another, some of us are more blessed than others when it comes to nourishing a newborn baby. Sure, there are a few ladies out there who, no matter how much milk they have, absolutely hate breastfeeding. One friend said, "It's the most unnatural thing for a woman to do". Au contraire, my dear. However, I am not one to judge (well, perhaps on some subjects). It is the individual's prerogative to decide what is best for her.

Safe milk

There might be medical reasons why it's not a good idea to let one's baby drink your milk. If you have to take medication, then make sure you ask your physician if your milk is still 'safe' for the baby. For those who are returning to full-time work, unless you can express enough to leave at home with your child's carer, then your hands are tied. In these instances, formula is the only other option.

Among the medical profession in Jamaica, there is a drive for breast milk. Research has shown that it has the exact nutrients that a baby needs, and helps to build a child's immune system. For certain, it's convenient and free of cost. There is the added benefit of it allowing mama and baba to bond. For dads to enjoy this, without sacrificing the health benefits, the mother must express her milk so that he can feed with a bottle.

Some doctors and nurses are against giving babies a bottle of expressed breast milk due to nipple confusion. I'm afraid that this is a load of cod's waddle! Our baby is not confused at all. When the chap is hungry, he eats. It doesn't matter if it comes straight from the breast itself or makes it way through a Dr Brown's silicone nipple! He just wants food!

Introducing solids

My paediatrician would like me to solely breastfeed our son until he's six months, when we will start to introduce solids. She insists that it's the best thing for him. I agree, but I reiterate that I don't think it's fair to pressure the women who can't or won't. They deserve the respect of making a choice that suits them.

If only I received the same level of courtesy. "After two months, it makes no difference. In fact, it's been proven that formula is better for the baby than breast milk," I overheard one pregnant lady recently. I was stunned into silence. I know, I know, a rarity in my case.

Will Formula provide our baby with more nutrition than my own milk will? If yes, then nature must have really messed up! Aren't we a bit mistaken here? 'Commercial formulas do a pretty good job of trying to duplicate the ingredients in breast milk - and are coming closer - but haven't matched their exact combination and composition. Why? Because some of breast milk's more complex substances are too difficult to manufacture and some have not yet been identified.' (kidshealth.org/parent/food/infants/breast_bottle_feeding.html#)

So, is breast best? The debate continues.

emmadaltonbrown@gmail.com