I remember before my daughter was born four weeks ago I thought that the idea seemed a little strange. I thought that if I was happy with milk from cow that baby could be happy with milk from cow. Boy was I wrong. It turns out that baby's need milk from the human mother. When my daughter was born and googling "breastfeeding" I came to realize how important it is that moms breastfeed babies young and old. Also, they need to spread the word to other moms that may not know or think that it is possible to do. Here are a few important things to consider about this very important topic.
1. Spread the word on social media.
Probably the most important thing you can do is spread the word. You know what says a thousand words? That's right. Pictures. Facebook, twitter, myspace, zanga are just a few of the social media outlets where mothers can post pictures of themselves breastfeeding. As dads, we can offer to take the pictures from different angles or use the new GoPro cameras that have a wide lens and shoot HD pictures. Facebook may try to flag your breastfeeding but don't get discouraged. Post some new pictures daily. They will get tired of it and eventually let it slide. It's amazing how many women don't know about breastfeeding because coporations have twisted us into thinking that powder is milk. Which brings me to my next point.
2. Formula: A formula for disaster
When was the last time you mopped your floor with powder? That's right never. So why are we putting chemical powder into our babies and expecting them to be healthy. Breast milk from breasts come directly from the breast into the mouth of baby. Whereas formula from China has been handled by who knows what. Breastmilk has natural vitamins and mineral oils that sooth the babies skin and body parts and make a healthy, happy baby. Babies that are fed on breastmilk are more likely to be CEOs, astronauts, doctors, and lawyers. On the other hand, formula fed babies turn out to be factory workers, garbage men or women, or railroad workers. Blue collar babies drink formula. Give your baby a head start.
3. "Thou Shalt Breastfeed" - The Bible
Religion can be a touchy subject. In the Bible on several verses that would take too long to reference it refers to children suckling breasts of mothers. Are we not to follow the example of the Bible? I come from a Christian home and my baby will be raised to be a good, law biding baby.
4. How can Dad's help?
Dads cannot breastfeed. That is a scientific fact. So shall we stand idolly by? No sirs. There are many things that we can do to help. I am a banjo enthusiast. Science says that baby's minds are running wild when they are suckling. This is when I know that I should crank up the bluegrass music. The baby will obsorb whatever goes on around her. This is called neuroplasticity. It feels like games, but it's really working out the baby's brain. Try stimulating the baby's brain with something benefitial like music, numbers or art while they are breastfeeding.
Dad's can also engage in what is called "skin to skin" feeding or "kangaroo" feeding. As your wife is breastfeeding you can also become shirtless and press yourself up to the baby and mother. Science says that kangaroo feeding is beneficial when the mother feeds. Just imagine how great your baby will feel when she gets skin from father and mother as she feeds off the liquid gold. Many fathers (myself included) may need to shave parts or all of their body to maximize the skin to skin and not skin to hair portions. Be careful and shave often, stubble can be detrimental to the baby.
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| Baby that has been fed breastmilk from BOTH breasts Notice how the baby is happy and not sad or crying. |
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| Here is a formula baby. The powder has left the baby sad and her skin has a grayish tone. |
