Breastfeed for Just a While?
Is it worth it?
©1993 Beth Weiss, Posted to misc.kids Usenet newsgroup, January 6, 1993
I wrote this when a woman asked if it was beneficial to breastfeed for a
short period of time rather than not at all.
Absolutely. During the first days after birth, the mother's body
produces colostrum, which contains antibodies and other great things that
formulas can't even begin to duplicate. During the first few weeks, breast
milk provides exactly what a newborn needs, unlike formula, which doesn't adjust
to the changing needs of a newborn, six month old, etc.
During the first few weeks is when baby is most sensitive to new things, and
babies who might not respond well to formulas (milk problems) have no problems
with their mother's milk.
When a breastfeeding mother returns to work, she doesn't necessarily
have to stop breastfeeding. Not everyone realizes this, but there
are lots of choices, and complete weaning to bottles isn't the only option.
A mother can pump breast milk at work and have the daycare provider feed it
to her child. I used this option (and also went back to work at six
weeks).
Another option is to combine breastfeeding and formula. There are
several ways to do this. One is to pump as much as one can at work, and
supplement with formula. Another is to use formula during the days
(including weekends) and breastfeed in the evenings and in the morning before
work.
Even though I had to return to work 3 days a week when Jordan was 5.5 weeks
old, he was exclusively on breast milk until he started solids at almost six
months. Other women find it more effective to supplement and only pump
enough during the day to keep supply up, and don't worry about the occasional
(or frequent) bottle of formula at daycare.
Good luck with your decision making process!
    
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