Breast or Bottle: The Ultimate Choice for You and Your Baby
The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mums Over 35: What You Need to Know
Breastfeeding at 35-40+ comes with some fabulous perks for both you and bébé! First, it helps you bounce back faster—think post-baby weight loss and your uterus snapping back into shape. Plus, it lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and gives your heart some love—super important as we age gracefully, of course.
Breastfeeding also gives you that oxytocin boost—the “feel-good” hormone that helps you bond with bébé while easing stress and warding off postpartum blues. Sure, breastfeeding can have its challenges, but with all the experience and patience you’ve gained over the years, you’re ready for it!
And for bébé? It’s the ultimate custom-made nutrition. Full of antibodies, it protects them from infections and helps build a strong immune system—key, especially for babies of older moms. Not to mention, breast milk fuels brain development, setting them up for future brilliance.
In short, breastfeeding brings big-time benefits, especially for us fabulous 35+ mamas. Worth considering? Absolutely!
Revolutionary Freedom: Bottle Feeding your Baby
Why bottle feeding?
Ah, ma chérie, if there’s one thing French women love, it’s freedom—whether it’s in fashion, food, or how we feed our little bébés. It’s no secret that France has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe. In fact, in 2016, only 68% of French women reported breastfeeding right after birth, and many stop within the first few weeks. But guess what? French babies are thriving, bien sûr! So, let’s embrace the “biberon” (bottle) with style and confidence, knowing our little ones will grow up healthy, happy, and maybe even with a taste for croissants!
Well, for starters, “liberté!” Many French women choose the bottle for the freedom it offers—from balancing work and life to letting dads and grandmas get in on the feeding action. And whether you’re using formula or pumping breast milk, feeding with a bottle lets you keep that Parisian “joie de vivre” without being tethered to the breast. Plus, no need to stress—French studies show that babies who are formula-fed are just as healthy, hitting all their milestones and growing like “champions”.
Tips for bottle-feeding like a Parisian pro:
- Choose the right bottle, darling!
There’s a bottle for every baby. Whether you’re going for glass, plastic, or eco-friendly options, make sure the nipple flow is just right—slow at first, like savoring that first sip of Château Margaux. Let baby ease into it!
- Hold baby close, always!
Just because you’re using a bottle doesn’t mean you can’t recreate that magical bonding moment. Hold bébé close, skin-to-skin if possible. Whether you’re feeding in a cozy corner or strolling through a Parisian park, keep it intimate.
- Watch for baby’s cues
Like a true French foodie, bébé will tell you when they’re hungry—or full. Watch for those little signs: rooting, lip-smacking, or hand-sucking. And when baby’s done? Voilà, no need to finish the bottle. Let them set the pace, like a leisurely Sunday brunch.
- Feeding on demand or on a schedule?
Both work! Whether you’re offering bottles as needed (“à la demande”) or sticking to a set routine, find what fits your lifestyle. French moms often love a bit of structure—because who doesn’t appreciate a little order amidst the “charmant” chaos?
- Burp break, please!
Give baby a little break mid-feed to burp. Just a gentle pat on the back to avoid any tummy troubles. Like taking a pause between courses, it’s all about pacing yourself!
- Nighttime feeding without the fuss
Need to catch up on your beauty sleep? Bottle feeding makes those late-night sessions smoother—share the load with your partner or anyone else on “team bébé” and grab a few extra Zzz’s!
- Sterilize like a boss
Keeping bottles clean is a must. Sterilize them regularly—French mamas might prefer the old-school boil method or a fancy sterilizing gadget. Either way, hygiene is key!
So, whether you’re embracing the “biberon” from day one or switching to the bottle after breastfeeding, remember—you’re still giving your baby all the love and nourishment they need to grow into a strong, healthy “petit”. The choice is yours, “maman”, and whatever you decide, know that you’re raising your little one “à la perfection”!
Key facts about Breastfeeding
- Breast milk provides ideal nutrition: It contains the perfect balance of nutrients specifically tailored to your baby’s needs.
- Enhanced immune protection: Breastfeeding transfers antibodies and other germ-fighting factors from mother to baby, strengthening the infant’s immune system.
- Reduced risk of infections: Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections.
- Improved digestion: Breast milk is easier for babies to digest compared to formula, resulting in fewer instances of diarrhea or constipation.
- Protection against allergies: Breastfed infants have a lower risk of developing allergies and related skin conditions.
- Reduced risk of obesity: Breastfeeding is linked to a lower likelihood of obesity in childhood and later life.
- Enhanced brain development: The nutrients in breast milk support optimal brain growth and nervous system development.
- Better visual development: Certain fats in breast milk contribute to improved eye function in infants.
- Lower risk of diabetes: Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of developing diabetes later in life.
- Protection against childhood leukemia: Breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing leukemia.
- Exposure to varied flavors: Breast milk changes flavor based on the mother’s diet, potentially making babies more accepting of different foods later on.
- Improved bonding: The skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding enhances the emotional connection between mother and baby.
- Cost-effective and convenient: Breast milk is always available and at the right temperature, requiring no preparation.
- Long-term health benefits: Breastfeeding is associated with better overall health outcomes and reduced risk of various chronic conditions in adulthood.
- Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers in mothers. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the protective effect against these cancers.
Ready to breastfeed like a pro, minus the ouch?
- Get comfy, chérie!
Before baby latches on, set yourself up for success. Think pillows, a cozy chair, or even that chic nursing pillow. You want to be so relaxed it feels like you’re lounging at a Parisian café!
- Position, position, position!
Cradle, football, or side-lying—find your jam. Experiment with positions until you and bébé feel like a well-synchronized dance duo. Make sure baby’s body is facing you fully, not just their head. That twisty-turny thing? Non, merci!
- Nose-to-nipple is the name of the game!
Bring baby’s nose to your nipple, not the other way around. Oui, it sounds odd, but trust me—this sets bébé up for a perfect latch. When baby opens wide like they’re about to devour a croissant, that’s your cue! - Latch à la perfection!
Baby’s lips should cover not just the nipple but a good part of the areola too—think “big bite.” If it’s only the nipple? Oh là là, that’s where the pain begins! We want a full, comfy latch that feels more like a tug and less like a pinch.
- Listen for the sweet sound of success.
Once bébé is latched, listen for a steady suck-swallow rhythm. No clicking sounds, no sucking on just air—just smooth, delicious milk-flowing action. That means you’ve nailed it!
- Pain? Non, merci!
If there’s pain, unlatch (gently slide a finger into baby’s mouth to break the seal) and try again. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt—period. If it does, your latch needs a little tweak. It’s like finding the right shoes: a little adjustment goes a long way
- Change sides like a pro.
When one side is done, switch it up! Offer bébé the other breast, and don’t be shy to shift positions for comfort. Think of it as your breastfeeding ballet—graceful, smooth, and oh-so-elegant.