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| Pablo Picasso Girl Before a Mirror |
One recent study performed by University of Kentucky plastic surgeon, Brian Rinker, found the main factors that did affect sagging were age, smoking habits, and number of pregnancies. Smoking breaks down a protein in the skin called elastin, which supports the breasts. And the hormones produced during pregnancy take a much harder toil on your body than breastfeeding.
So why are so many moms still NOT breastfeeding?
There are many women out there that simply can't, no matter how much they try or want to. Mothers with HIV, Hepatitis, and those taking certain medications must refrain from breastfeeding. Hospitals sometimes give babies formula without asking anyone, then the baby rejects the mother's milk. You MUST let doctors and nurses know that you intend to breastfeed, and don't feel bad about reminding them again and again.
Some women don't produce enough milk, or any at all. Being a new mom is stressful and the lack of sleep and the stress of a constantly crying baby can have a huge effect on your milk-producing capabilities. If you can't breastfeed, I encourage you to first, find a good lactation consultant to help you with your options, then look into human milk banks (I know it may seem weird) and see what you think: http://www.hmbana.org/.
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| Luis de Morales Virgen de la Leche |
Now for all you mamas who CAN but DON'T want to breastfeed, check the facts! The costs of breastfeeding your baby could never outweigh the benefits. It is undeniably the best source of nutrition for your baby. Breastfed babies are 75% less likely to suffer a serious illness in the first year, and they also have drastically reduced incidences of ear infections, allergies, pneumonia, and asthma during their first year and beyond. Breast milk also contains the mother's antibodies that help protect against polio, mumps, encephalitis and the flu.
If the health benefits for your baby aren't reason enough, then do it for the convenience! Breastfeeding is cheap, hygienic, and requires no planning. No need for bottles, bottle sterilizers, bottle heaters, purified water, and extra nipples. Breast milk comes out the perfect temperature, from the perfect source, and once you and your cutie master the art, it's no work at all! Did I mention that your breast milk is free? And there aren't a lot of things out there for free!
So what's in it for you, mama? Breastfeeding provides you with just as many benefits! First of all, it's the only magic weight loss plan that works with no diet and exercise! You're actually supposed to eat 300 more calories a day when lactating (but don't blame breastfeeding if you're not dropping weight when you're still eating ice cream and cheeseburgers). Breastfeeding moms also have a significantly reduced chance of getting breast cancer, and the hormones produced while breastfeeding help with the side effects of post-partum depression.
Also, it feels good (over time). Of course it's going to hurt at first, but the endorphins produced during feeding not only help shrink your uterus back to pre-pregnancy size, but they help you bond with your little one. It's also the same hormone that releases whenever women see a good clothing sale!
So everyone agrees, it's better to breastfeed your baby. However, it is a commitment and does require work, research, and a lot of patience. I was totally freaked out about breastfeeding the entire time I was pregnant. But once Waylon was born, I saw how natural and rewarding it could be. No Pretty Mama should miss out on this experience!
Here are some great resources:
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