Those of you that follow me know that I have been blessed to have the pleasure and duty of raising 4 kids. Their ages are 10, 6, 3, and 3 weeks as of today. Just like my new friend @Canadian-Coconut, all my kids are unvaxxed and students of natural immunity. One of the first steps to natural immunity would be the decision to breastfeed your child.

Colostrum

Is a mild form of milk that is produced during pregnancy. It passes antibodies to your newborn that gives them the ability to fight off diseases, as their immune system isn't fully developed. The reason that colostrum is mild is because a newborn's digestive system isn't fully developed either. Colostrum also acts as a laxative to help move meconium. Just the simple act of ensuring your baby consumes colostrum gives their immune system an amazing natural boost.

Natural Economics

One of the craziest things about breastfeeding is how economically efficient it is. People we encounter always inquire about what formulas we use and how expensive it must be. We always respond with

Why would we need formula when there is breastmilk?

I am uncertain of the origin of baby formula, but it certainly has been marketed so well that people have decided to completely bypass breastfeeding to use it. At the end of the day, breast milk is healthier and free and formulated just for your baby.

WARNING

For the last decade, breastfeeding has been a part of my daily life. The toughest part that we faced was the dreaded latch. No every baby will get a perfect latch to the breast. I won't go into too much detail but just know that there are midwives, doulas, and lactation consultants that can help with this. Just remember that breastfeeding isn't suppose to be painful.

One of the other obstacles you will undoubtedly face will be feeding in public and defending your decision. Remember the human anatomy has been over sexualized in western society so much that the idea of a baby feeding on its mom's bosom is considered inappropriate.

Where does fatherhood come into play?

Well remember that I told you how you will have to defend your decision to breastfeed? Well you as a father and partner, you need to be behind her 110%. Family may scoff at the idea and not support your family's decision. Your baby will have to eat in public and you will have to play the role of her champion. Remember, it's good for your baby.

One of the things that can happen is the feeling of inadequacy. You may feel a bit detached because all your baby wants to do is latch on to mommy and suck the life out of her lol. Well that creates a bond between mommy and baby. That skin to skin contact releases endorphins and allows your baby to feel secure and connected. I know the feeling of championing your partner to breastfeed while also feeling inadequate. One of the ways that my wife I were able to combat this was by having her breastfeed and having me to burp the baby. It felt really nice to take my shirt off and rest my baby on my shoulder while he or she burped and ultimately went to sleep. I can't stress enough how important it is that when a mother is breastfeeding, both parents play an active role. When parents make this decision, it's a good idea to spend some quality time with both parents and baby prior to people coming over and wanting to hold your baby and pass her around {insert angry face emoji here}.

I know that not everyone's situations are ideal or the same as ours. Some parents may be separated, some people may have to go back to work, or just simply don't have the desire to breastfeed. It doesn't matter if we are sharing a feast with friends or feeding our baby's one on one, eating is always a bonding moment.