Luckily it's only a hand's full of them and I consider myself lucky as I have supportive family members and friends around me to make my breastfeeding smooth and enjoyable until today.
As I mentioned earlier, I am about to start a new job. So I've been searching high and low for a babysitter/ childcare center that is at least 90% suited to my needs for Charlotte.
Throughout my search, one thing that concerns me the most is if the new care taker will be able to distract Charlotte when she's anxious without the boob. So I'd take the initiative to tell them about our condition. Like how Charlotte has never been away from me since she was 5 months old, and that she has not taken the bottle since 5 months old and has never ever drink any formula milk...
That's when people will stop me and question
You're STILL breastfeeding?
You still have milk?
You have not mix feeding with formula yet?
ENOUGH MEH?
CAN DRINK MEH!?!?
Seriously WHAT. THE. HELL!?
My husband has been very patient with me whenever I rant about people throwing these comments at me. He'd say that they are not as well educated on breastfeeding as I am, thus the comments.
True. But sometimes I wish people could put it in another manner so that it doesn't sound offensive. Maybe they mean no harm. Maybe they say that because they care for Charlotte and I. Still, sometimes I can't help but feel like as if I was attacked on my personal parenting choice.
So, I'm gonna share a few facts and benefits about breastfeeding past infancy. These are actually results that you can easily get from the web. But just in case you're not aware, you're welcome.
(1) Breastfeeding contributes to your child’s Nutrition.
And if some days they are unwell and unwilling to eat, they'd still likely to take to the breast and you can be assured that that still get the food and nutrient they need to fight through that illness.
(2) Breastfeeding contributes to your child’s HEALTH
Per the World Health Organization, “a modest increase in breastfeeding rates could prevent up to 10% of all deaths of children under five: Breastfeeding plays an essential and sometimes underestimated role in the treatment and prevention of childhood illness.”
(3) Breastfeeding contributes to your child’s MENTAL and SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
I find it extremely easy to calm down Charlotte when she's upset by just sticking the boob right into her mouth. Literally. After calming down, she'll take her time and and starts exploring or even go play with strangers happily. She will not stick to me like a koala because she knows that I will always be there for her when she needs me.
(4) Breastfeeding your child past infancy is NORMAL
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that “Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as the mother and child desire mutually. Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother. There is NO UPPER LIMIT to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.”
Enough said.
I've also founds ways to kinda shoo these negative comments off and Imma share them with you.
(1) “I respect your opinion and value your advice, but I have thought this out carefully and done a lot of research, and my mind is made up. I will be happy to respect your opinion and listen to what you have to say, but you have to respect my decision–and it is MY decision.”
(2) “As the mother of this baby, and because of all I’ve learned about the importance of breastfeeding, in my heart this is what I want – and need – to do for my child right now.”
(3) “You know how the medical community is always changing their recommendations. Well, this is what they recommend now, and I feel good about breastfeeding.”
(4) “This is what works for our family. Unless it becomes a problem, we’re not going to change things.”
(5) "I know, but she only eats buttered bread so I have to make up for her nutritional gaps somehow."
(6) "Oh don't worry, she'll wean before she goes to college!"
(7) "I'm only doing this cause it's free!"
(8) "I have 10 more kgs to shred so I'm not stopping till I get there."
(9) "Is your name Michelle? The last I recalled, Charlotte's mom's name is Michelle."
(10) "You want some?"
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