Breast vs. Bottle

In our child birthing class they pitched the mantra "Breast is Best" and we all laughed. Now I couldn't agree more.  I know that many women have struggled with breast feeding and I feel honored that it came so naturally for Ashton--as I certainly didn't have a clue at first. I've learned to really slow down and appreciate "food" and nourishment on a whole new level. It is amazing that I alone can sustain her life in a very primal way. That being said, our doctor reminded us to try the bottle several times before I go back to work. His sister's baby is currently on a hunger strike because they didn't practice. Although the pumping part is strange, it is fun to watch Jake feed the wee one. She chugs at an alarming rate to keep up with the flow, and before we all can blink it is gone. I can see why they have research linking bottle fed babies to obesity. The comfort evaporates and getting down to the business of eating remains.  

Jake made a funny observation and bottle-feeding analogy this morning:

Bottle feeding is like a pie-eating contest, whereas breast-feeding is like nibbling at a fancy restaurant. Perhaps this is so, but regardless, the girl can eat!

This afternoon Ms. Ashton was rooting so aggressively after her nap that I thought she might learn to roll over much sooner than I had expected just for the sake of a nibble.

Regardless of whether it is breast or bottle, the results are the same. Who can't smile at a sleeping baby? 

I most certainly am learning the truth behind the age old idiom "Don't wake a sleeping baby."