For pregnant ladies undecided about breastfeeding

[tiredbuthappy]

I wanted to share a quick story for those of you unaware of some of breastfeeding's benefits, or for those who are undecided.
We all know they say bf'ing helps babies stay healthy. I had no idea how well!
My toddler got a nasty cold on Monday. Moderate fever (101+) for a couple of day, terrible congestion, the works. I struggled to keep them separate, but we all know how well that works. I kept finding her sucking on her sister's toys, sippy cups, even her sister :) So on Thursday when the baby started to show cold symptoms, I prepared myself for the worst. We did have a terrible night thursday night. The toddler was still in pretty bad shape, and the baby couldn't eat or sleep. By last night (Friday), the baby was in better shape than the toddler! Even today, the 2 yr old, while feeling fine, is covered in boogers. This is the 6th day of symptoms for her. The baby barely has any congestion. She never developed a fever. I can't believe it. I know it's most likely the same cold, because we have been home and inside all week because the older one is sick. No exposure to anyone else. And for 18 hours, it was full-blown disgusting, boogery cold.

Breastfeeding is a very personal decision (although everyone will ask you if you are and give you their opinion about it!!) I know many women are unaware of the benefits and have only heard the horror stories. If you would like to know more about it's health benefits to both mom and baby, feel free to pop in to the breastfeeding forum. You can also ask here, as many of these lovely ladies have tons of info too.

[tiredbuthappy]

i knew about the long term benefits... lots of reading up on that :)

What honestly surprised me and blew me away was the immediate benefit. There are few things worse than a sick infant and I was prepared for the worst. Seems my body fought it off and gave her the antibodies too. Truly remarkable that nature works that way, in my opinion. =)

[Victoria01]

While I agree with the post, I would like others to know that I did not breastfeed my children for a variety of reason, and my son has never had a single cold, and only one runny nose in his 3 1/2 years of life. I think that educating yourself and making the right decision for you and your family is what is most important and nobody should feel bad or that they are doing something that is unhealthy for their children if they decide not to or can't breastfeed.

This is a great post and education and information is the key. =)

[LosingMyMindInGA]

While breastfeeding IS beneficial and I agree wholeheartdely, bottle fed babies can have great immune systems too.  I strictly bottle fed my oldest but with the rest I breastfed or did a combination of the two.  My oldest is now my healthiest one, she almost never gets sick, even when her brothers and sisters are.  When she DOES get something it's very minor and short lived.  Not sure how this is, she was full term but only 4 lbs 15 oz when she was born.  But I do agree, ATLEAST do colustrum its extremely beneficial.  

[Ashelen]

I want to add something...if you can't breastfeed (or pump) like what happened to me (lost so much blood during delivery that my milk supply dried up early despite desperate regular pumping AND breast-feeding)...ALWAYS try to give your baby colostrum.

I only managed to keep enough supply for a month, but over my daughter's 19 months of life she's had only one serious sickness (about a month ago actually) despite the fact that I've been VERY sick 4 or 5 times, my husband the same...and I was so sick I was hospitalized and my husband was bedridden for almost a week....and my daughter barely got the sniffles.

so just remember...at least try to get the colostrum (the milk that comes directly after delivery and lasts several weeks) because it can make a huge difference.

[Limonada]

Great post!

We had something similar happen back in February when Gil was only a month old, if that:  Daniel brought home a NASTY cold from daycare that we all caught....fever, horrible congestion, sore, sore throat.  DH and I were sick the longest (for about 3 weeks with the darn thing!), Daniel was sick for about a week, and Gil barely had the sniffles.....and only for a couple of days at best.  Breastfeeding really does make a difference!!! :-)

[carolina10]

I had two girls 7 and 6 both are in breastfeeding for about 7 months. All my girls are healthy, we go to the doctors office ones a year just for check up only. Its very few they had fever. very energetic. Good choice to nurse the baby.

[Mybabypooh]

Thank you for the information. I am planning on breast feeding. I will check out the forum:-)