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Thursday, August 12, 2010

My Post Pregnancy Work-Out... Breast Feeding!

I couldn't even begin to tell you how much I enjoy breast feeding little Renzo... It's our exclusive mommy-baby bonding time and I love to cuddle him in my arms, listen to the sound he makes while he sucks and the adorable look on his face when he finally falls asleep.  

I have to admit that it was not easy at first, from sore/cracked nipples to low milk supply... Attending breast feeding classes and reading as much as I can about it, and even getting help from lactation consultants/Nurses does help. However, the first few days was a learning process for both me and the baby.  We both don't have prior experience, hence, patience is key.  At least on my part.  My little one, a growing boy that he is, can really wear me out.  Patience is a virtue he has yet to learn.

There are many benefits of breast feeding aside from the maternal-child bond it creates.  It helps improve the child's immune system to fight off infections as otitis media, pneumonia and meningitis.  They're also less likely to have allergies, vomiting and diarrhea.  It is also cheap and is very good for the environment.  For the mother, benefits includes reduction of risk of ovarian and breast cancer, builds bones and helps the uterus return to its regular size more quickly.  The plus is that it burns calories and helps one go back to prepregnacny weight faster.

Yes! Breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories a day! And that makes it even more worthwhile for me. Wink! 



7 comments:

Barry said...

There are few things in life I find more beautiful than a woman breastfeeding a baby. It's such a wonderfully intimate act, seeing that bond is something that resonates within me deeply. The effect it has on me is something I've never understood as I've never felt a paternal instinct.

I find the physiology of it all very interesting. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin (the "cuddle hormone", which triggers milk let-down), dopamine (a neurotransmitter, linked with the brain's motivation and reward system) and prolactin (which regulates lactation). All of these chemicals come together to help form this loving, perfect moment.

Cosmic said...

You GLOW girl!

xoxox

Leah said...

Can I breastfeed Renzo too? Hahaha! I want to burn calories.

Adorable mother and child photo... you look so happy and Renzo looks so contented. xoxo

Anonymous said...

Way to go ate! Drink lots of fluids , have plenty of rest and think happy thoughts to get the milk flowing. Malunggay capsules, oatmeal and i found this tea which helps boost milk supply worked for me. Breastfeeding makes a mom's life easier and sweeter ;).

Keep it up! Love, sasa

Boutzie' said...

Thanks hunns for following my blog. I think it real sweet that you are keep a track of everything
of your child.

God Bless you and your family.

^_^

Erin L. Delaney said...

It's so awesome that you are breastfeeding! It seems like there aren't many of us that have braved nursing our children. Any idea on how long you plan to nurse cute little Renzo?

aCupOfJoy said...

Thanks for the comments, everyone!

Erin, I hope to breastfeed for at least 6 months to a year...