Why do you choose to breastfeed?

Lately, there has been a plethora of articles debating a mother's choice to breastfeed. Do women choose to breastfeed because of the increased health benefits for them and their babies? Do they choose not to breastfeed because they have heard it will hurt and make their boobs sag? Whether a mom has sore nipples, twins, a premature baby, or a difficult birth scenario, it seems like the choice to continue breastfeeding often comes down to whether the mom has the appropriate support system in place, as is described on my favorite new web site, Best for Babes.
I always start my prenatal breastfeeding class by asking the soon-to-be moms to state one benefit of breastfeeding and one concern they have about breastfeeding. While I listen to my moms list the benefit that is most important to them, I haven't really thought about my own reasons for why I support breastfeeding.

Here are my Top 10 Reasons I Choose to Breastfeed

10. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity.

9. Breastmilk is free; formula is expensive.

8. Breastmilk is always available, no matter where you are or time of day.

7. Breastmilk has never been recalled due to manufacturing problems.

6. Breastfeeding protects again respiratory infections and ear infections.

5. Breastfeeding protects against SIDS.

4. Breastmilk provides perfect infant nutrition.

3. Breastmilk provides on-going immunity to the baby, as well as helps to build the baby's own immune system.

2. Colostrum seals the baby's gut closed, providing immediate protection from infection and disease.

1. Breastmilk is what nature intended for women to feed their babies. If I had the milk, then I planned on giving it to my baby.

For 91 more reasons to choose to breastfeed, see the list of 101 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child at ProMoM, Inc.

Does traveling cause a dip in milk supply?

A close friend of mine was at a breastfeeding support group recently and was told that many moms see a dip in their milk supplies when traveling with their babies. My friend speculated that this may be a reaction to the stress of traveling with an infant. I told her I would look into this, since I couldn't fathom why traveling would make a mom's milk supply decrease. A mom's milk supply could surely decrease when traveling WITHOUT her infant, but why WITH her infant? After some internet and article searching, I couldn't find any scientific reasons that would cause this phenomenon. But, since a few moms have seen this happen, I thought I would offer some advice on how to make sure that this doesn't happen to you.

5 WAYS TO MAINTAIN YOUR MILK SUPPLY WHEN TRAVELING WITH AN INFANT

1. If traveling by plane, nurse your baby during take-off, landing, and turbulents. This will relieve the pressure in your baby's ears, thereby relieving your stress level.

2. Keep to your baby's regular feeding schedule. If this means you will have to nurse in public, practice before you go on your trip so that you are confident and comfortable. A baby wrap is a great way to nurse discreetly in public.

3. If you plan to go out and have someone else watch your baby, pump before you leave so that you are not full and uncomfortable while away from your baby. A hand pump should suffice for this moderate use.

4. Some babies have a difficult time sleeping away from home, so plan to take a few naps during your trip, so that you can make up for some lost sleep during those restless times.

5. Don't plan too many activities during your trip. Try to keep your stress level down, which will preserve your milk supply, making for a happier, more content baby....maybe even a rested and relaxed mommy!

Happy travels!