SPOILING
Letting babies eat when they are hungry does not spoil them, in fact it teaches them to eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full. They won't over eat in fear of having to wait, instead they will associate nursing with comfort and trust. How does mom get sleep?- Sleep is different for every family but there is something to be said about the fact that traditionally and still in many cultures babies and children co-sleep with their parents. It seems that like breastfeeding, our bodies were designed for co-sleeping. Moms and babies get better sleep when they don't have to get up to nurse. Sleeping with baby has many other uses besides helping mom sleep better though. It prevents SIDS, keeps moms cycle from coming back, and night time milk even contains amino acids that aid in sleep for baby.
SUPPLEMENTS
When babies are around two months old, moms breasts start to stabilize production. They don't feel as full, and many moms start to worry that they aren't making enough milk and turn to supplemental formula. Supplementing can become a vicious circle though. The more formula is used the less the baby nurses and as result less breast milk is made. The same can be said about introducing cereals at a young age. Even though many doctors recommended cereal at 3-4 months there is much evidence that it is hard to digest and unhealthy for babies. And of course, it lowers the amount of breast milk ingested and made by mom. Six to twelve months, or when baby shows signs of interest in food is a much better time to introduce solids.
CEREALS
Sometimes cereals or medications are recommended for babies who spit up. While there are instances when medications can help, most of the time babies just need time to adjust their brand new bodies and spitting up is a natural part of that. I am a firm believer that cereals only complicate things.
NIP
Nursing in public or NIP as it is fondly shortened, is something that may take practice and time to get used to but there are many tips and tricks to make it easier without having to hide while nursing. One easy way to breastfeed discreetly is by babywearing. Many moms can nurse while wearing their baby without anyone even realizing. Some moms like to use nursing blankets but babies tend to dislike having something over them while eating. Wearing nursing friendly clothing helps. Loose fitting shirts, scarves, and layers all work well.