Breast is best

So here is the deal - you have heard and seen the government campaigns and you know that the World Health Organization say that breast is best. You are supposed to breast feed your child for a minimum of 6 months. Basically, my theory is that the WHO wants to make sure that the world population does not get any higher. More people in the world, more people to look after. Breast feeding is a natural contraceptive - also am not sure how many women enjoy sex when they are feeding, being nurturing throws out the sexy. Also with boobs so full of milk that they could burst, a touch from a man is the last thing a woman would want.

Ok new moms, here is the deal. If you choose to breast feed you need to invest in a really good breast pump - no make that two - one electric one manual; we live in Kenya - electricity comes and goes - you need to be able to pump when you have to otherwise they fill up and hurt like hell.
Try and feed a new born every three hours. They will take up to 1.5-2ounces a feed - which is like 20 minutes on the breast. A full feed would be about 40 minutes - that is twenty minutes on each breast - or about 3-4ounces.
Don't worry if baby does not go by the above. Each baby is different. A new born will eat and sleep pretty much the whole day - oh yah, and poop.

If you want to do the whole 6 months exclusively, good for you. I couldn't and I know I was a formula baby so babys will be OK - do not worry! Just go with your choice and stick by it. A lot of other mothers, or women like to judge, ignore them - easier said, but just ignore!
If your boobies get really full and feel like somone put stones in them - freeze some cabbage leaves and ease the pain with them. It is smelly, but it helps with the pain. Then try and express as soon as you can - or just use a warm towel to let the milk flow - best is in a hot shower.

Breast feeding is the best thing in the world. I loved it, it made me bond with my baby. If you get it right do it - do it well, do it often. It is a hell of a work out, makes you shed those kilos and it works. When you decide to stop - again, be ready - the guilt that comes with it is hard! It is horrible but you have to overcome it.

If you are one of those ladies who likes to pop a boob out in public -errrr, I wont say go for it, because I think it does make a  lot of people uneasy, yes women as well. Nursing covers are available in Kenya and they let you keep your dignity as you feed your baby and does not compromise your babys comfort.

Invest in some good nursing bras and tops so that you are not looking like a fool in public when you feed - carry an extra in case breast milk spills and buy some pads to keep the leaks at bay. Remember the boobs will leak, be prepared! Also, you need to think about your breasts - invest in a nice breast pillow - makes it easy for a feed - easy on your body and does not allow for future sag. Also good bras, even while you sleep are key!

If you have a friend or your mum who can help you for the first month or 6 weeks - get them to help with night duty. Let baby get used to the bottle from day one - avoid nipple confusion by investing in good bottles and teets. Let your friend or mum feed the baby with breast milk during the night so you can be fully rested. It won't happen - as in you will defiinitely wake when baby wakes, but it is easier on you not having to breast feed - breast feeding is like running a 10 kilometer distance really fast.
Btw, it works up an appetite, keep useful foods around and be careful what you eat - gassy foods will have baby gas.

Look after your nipples by using vaseline before you give birth (don't think, oh now she tells me!) - or use lansinoh nipple cream that is safe for baby. I know it is not available here, so diaper cream also helps but ensure you wipe it off before you feed your lil bubba.

Boobies are fun - so your man thought - not only fun but extremely essential! Enjoy giving baby boob juice and don't forget to burp bubba after every feed no matter if its from the bottle or the breast.