Can We Influence Breastfeeding With a Positive Expectation?

The role our thoughts and expectations play in breastfeeding.

Happy Newborn Happy Mom

When you first know you want a baby in your life, you begin to plan for the best experience for both of you. You realize you have many choices to make, and one of those important choices is how to feed your baby. If you choose breastfeeding, I believe there is something you can do to positively influence your experience. Epigenetics, and my own experience, each convince me that it is possible, and therefore worth sharing.

Epigenetics

There is an interesting article I just discovered about epigenetics. The scientist in me is intrigued by the results of the experiment shared in “Genetics, Epigenetics, and the Mind-Body Connection” by Eric Nelson, posted in the PaloAltoPatch 6/6/13. (Click here)

Essentially the experiment demonstrates that taking identical stem cells (growing in a Petri dish), and dividing them into three different Petri dishes with three different environments causes the originally-identical stem cells to grow into three different things (in this case muscle, bone, and fat). The only change was their environment. I find that amazing!

What It Means for Us

The article goes on to say that the human body is just a Petri dish full of cells (about 50 trillion cells) covered by skin. Like the stem cells in the experiment above, our environment has an influence on us. Everything from what we eat to how we think influences the cells in our body. Think of the possibilities!

My Breastfeeding Experience

Because I’ve loved babies all of my life I started making choices about the baby in my future long before I became pregnant. When I discovered the benefits breastfeeding offers babies, I decided at that moment that I would breastfeed my baby.

It was several years before I had my baby, but my conviction to breastfeed held true. The thought never ever crossed my mind that I could not breastfeed.

My positive thoughts and unwavering conviction about breastfeeding gave me a wonderful experience. I sincerely believe your positive thoughts and beliefs can do the same for you too!

The Future

And now, inspired by the thought that I am a walking Petri dish, I am excited to think about the possibilities!

For you and yours,

D. Fravert, RN