Keep Your Germs to Yourself

Why I should of persevered with breastfeeding

This week the Burgess household fended off another sickness bug. In actual fact, we failed pretty miserable and succumbed to the bug. This week we have had endless hours lounging on the sofa, watching film after film after film - until I was quite frankly sick of listening to "Do you want to build a snowman..." - Yup we watched this numerous times. Daily. Its times like this when I want to smack myself. Darcie is always picking up bugs, well in all fairness she hasn't had one in a long time, but I often go back to wondering whether its because breastfeeding didn't work out for us. Whether I didn't give her the best possible start in life? It really is an irrational thought. I know deep down it ridiculous to think that way and beat yourself up. Though I think it only natural that occasionally us mums do that. I breastfed Darcie exclusively for 4 weeks and then topped up with formula until enough was enough six weeks later. Everytime Darcie got a cold, chest infection or the sickness bug, I would beat myself up how I didn't persevere through to breastfeed and subsequently help build a possible barrier to these awful bugs.  Did you know that a drop of breast milk contains around one million white blood cells? These cells, called macrophages eat up germs. Breast milk is also packed with immunoglobulin A, which coats the lining of babies intestines helping to prevent germs from leaking through. Amazing hey? What ever your stance is on breast feeding, there is no denying these amazing benefits.  For everyone, breastfeeding is a personal choice. One that I don't judge people on, like I hope other's wouldn't judge me on my own experience. I know for me, that next I time I want to persevere through. Having said that, all these bugs will hopefully build up her defences too!  Anyway, thats my one "woe is me" moment for the week - looking forward to the Christmas festivities starting this weekend! Mummy B xoxox