What to Expect the First Year Read Online Free PDF

crying-baby-interruptus.
Your Feelings
    Maybe you’re convinced by the facts, but nagging doubts are still keeping you on the breastfeeding fence. Here’s how to work through a few common negative feelings about breastfeeding:
    The feeling that it’s impractical. So you’d like to give breastfeeding a shot, but you’re afraid it won’t fit a demanding work schedule? As many moms have discovered, even an early return to work doesn’t rule out breastfeeding. So consider giving it a try. Whether you end up fitting nursing into your work schedule for just a few weeks or for a year or more, offer breast milk exclusively or in combination with formula—any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial for you and baby. And with a little extra dedication and planning (okay, maybe a lot of extra dedication and planning), you may find that mixing business with breastfeeding is a lot easier than you thought ( click here ).
    The feeling that you won’t enjoy it. Having a hard time picturing yourself with a baby at your breast—or maybe you’re just not that into the idea of breastfeeding? Before you write off breastfeeding entirely, here’s a suggestion: Try it, you may like it. You might even love it. And if you’re still not feeling the breastfeeding love after 3 to 6 weeks of best breast efforts (that’s about how long it takes for moms and babies to sync up into a good nursing rhythm), you can quit, knowing you’ve given your baby a head start on a healthy life. No harm done, lots of benefits gained, especially in the form of antibodies that will boost your little one’s immune system, and particularly if you’ve given breastfeeding a full 6 weeks. Every feed counts, no matter how many or how few baby ends up racking up.
    The feeling that your partner’s not on board. Studies show that when dads are supportive of breastfeeding, moms are far more likely to stick with it. So what do you do if your partner’s not on board with breastfeeding—either because he’s turned off by it, unsettled by it, or feels threatened at the thought of sharing you in such a physical way? Try to win him over with the facts—after all, they’re pretty compelling stuff. Talking to other dads whose partners have breastfed their babies will also help him feel more comfortable, and hopefully more amenable. Or suggesta trial of breastfeeding—chances are you’ll be able to turn his feelings around quickly, and if not, you’ll still be giving your baby and yourself the best health benefits possible, something he’s bound to appreciate.
    If you choose to give breastfeeding a try—no matter what facts, feelings, or circumstances bring you to that decision, and no matter how long you end up staying with it—chances are you’ll find it a rewarding experience. Emotional and health benefits aside, you’re also likely to find it the easiest and most convenient way to feed your baby, hands down (and eventually, hands free) … at least, once you’ve worked out early kinks.
    But if you choose not to breastfeed, or you can’t breastfeed, or you can or choose to breastfeed only for the briefest of times, there’s no need for second-guessing, regret, or guilt. Almost nothing you do for your baby is right if it doesn’t end up feeling right for you—and that includes breastfeeding. You can offer your baby as much nurturing and share as much intimacy during bottle-feeds as you could with breastfeeding—and in fact, a bottle offered lovingly is better for your little one than a breast offered with reservations, or a side of stress.
Choosing to Circumcise or Not
    Circumcision is probably the oldest medical procedure still performed. Though the most widely known record of the practice is in the Old Testament, when Abraham was said to have circumcised Isaac, its origins probably date back before the use of metal tools. Practiced by Muslims