I am writing this post because I am feeling crazy cross …and in need of a completely biased rant about the state of childbirth and all things related in Australia today…as I see it!
So fogive me if I ruffle a few feathers.. but sometimes, one's opinions just need to be out there!
An American study recently published in the American Journal of Paediatrics concluded that babies can survive for up to 6 months on breast milk alone.
Astonishing fact indeed…that as mammals, we are able to do what every single other mammal does – provide adequate nutrition for our babies.
So the question is – why do we need to waste valuable medical resources establishing this fact? Have we come to a place of such disbelief in our capacity as mothers that we need science to prove us wrong…or right, if you have that strange notion that your breastmilk may be OK for your baby?
When did we lose sight of our natural state and fall into the hands of the big formula giants?
Note the wording of the results – we can feed our babies for up to 6 months – and not provide adequate nutrition beyond??
How does that sit with a big bouncy baby who 8 months of age has no interest in solid food, a passion for boobies and keeps growing off the chart that we dutifully are handed out in the birthing suite and feel a need to reference at all times…to double check our baby is growing…as if we can’t tell for ourselves when those size 00’s no longer fit.
Personally, I gave up all weigh ins and health checks after number 2….relying on my in built mother instinct to provide me with a belief that bub was alright…feeding, sleeping and doing Ok thank you very much – did cave woman have a weight chart to follow when feeding her little mammal?
Isn’t it time that women had the proper support in childbirth and in raising their baby?
Rather than throwing a load of science at her, along with a belief that there is no way you can survive the pain of childbirth, that all births must be done and dusted within 24 hours and that the hospital is THE place to be in order to survive the dangerous and traumatic road to giving birth? (really??)
Rather than giving her weight charts to panic over, implying that measuring baby (and thus measuring intake) is that best way forward.
Isn’t it time that medical professionals actually started saying…this is how it is meant to be, you were made to do this – give birth, provide milk etc., we will help you achieve this?
It isn’t rocket science. But it isn’t easy either. But that doesn’t excuse the professional will to make it so.
Time to give women faith, empower them in their choices and nurture and support them on their journey.
The medical profession takes a vow to nurture life….so do just that. Allow nature to breathe, allow women to do what they do best and only interfere when life is really at risk.
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