Should I breastfeed?

Yes!

Breastfeeding is not the panacea that some people make it out to be, but it is the best thing for your baby if you are able to do it. Breastfeeding is associated with fewer newborn infections, better maternal-infant bonding, lower cost, and greater convenience. There are only a very few reasons why a mother should not attempt to breastfeed, and the vast majority of women who attempt to breastfeed will be successful. HIV was previously one of the most common reasons to not breastfeed, but a recent study states that people diagnosed with HIV who meet certain criteria should be supported if they want to attempt to breastfeed. Criteria that should be met include starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) before or early in pregnancy, maintaining viral suppression, and being committed to taking ART while breastfeeding.

That being said, we acknowledge that sometimes it can be a difficult feat and some babies have a hard time with it. Talk to your doctor if you’re struggling, find a good lactation consultant, and be persistent. If at first you don’t succeed, try again! It can take babies and moms a while to get used to the process.

Also, the old saying “breast is best” may be true, but the rest of that saying is “but follow with the bottle.” If in the beginning you are not producing milk or only producing a small amount and baby is still visibly hungry after the breast, give them the bottle. But at the next feed start with the breast again! The truth is, fed is best and whatever is needed to help your baby grow is what you should do.

If you have tried breastfeeding, done the consultations, worked with the baby and tried the tips and tricks but it still isn’t working, that’s okay! Your baby and you will be okay and it is okay to turn to bottle feeding primarily. You tried your best and you should never feel bad about that. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out.