While not the most popular form (or easiest) of feeding your child, and definitely one that is (unfortunately) usually frowned upon, I am a firm believer in the benefits (for both mom and baby) of breastfeeding. From the time we found out we were expecting, I had my mind set on breastfeeding. However, I wasn't aware just how challenging it would be during those first few weeks. Camden and I had to overcome some bumps in the road, (thank God for friends who walked this path before me and a very supportive husband) but we stuck it out and I could not be happier. Don't get me wrong, I do realize there are a certain percent of mothers that simply cannot breastfeed (or choose not to), so I am not saying it is always the best choice for everyone, but for me, it is/was. Although it is tiring and drains me physically, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I stole this list from a sweet friend, but here are several reasons that keep me going/will keep me going.
-The way that God designed a mother's body to nurture her child is mind blowing. As if I needed MORE proof that God exists, BF proves it over and over :)
-Looking in your babies eyes.
-Holding your sweet little one.
-Getting a BREAK to sit down with a super good excuse.
-Makes you feel relaxed.
-It really is easier in the long run.
-Even after a busy, crazy, day with a baby and a bunch of other people/visitors, you can look back and know that you held your baby a few times that day.
-Getting an extra hour of sleep after the morning wake up when you nurse them back to sleep.
-Being the person who feeds your baby skin to skin is a good feeling. It is like you and only you fed somebody and helped them grow. Amazing.
-You know when you are nursing a baby that you were productive that day even if the dishes need doing.
-It magically makes them stay babies. For real.
-Babies are quiet when they nurse.
-Fixing sadness.
-Portable.
-No runs to the store.
-Breasts are easy to clean, and don’t usually need to be sanitized. (I am just kidding. I never sanitize mine.)
-La Leche League- cool ladies, great friends.
-It just makes sense.
-Sneaking out of church to go to the mother’s room where it is quiet, but you can still hear the sermon.
-No getting up to prep anything in the middle of the night- it is a self-serve system!
-Lactating breasts are like a free pharmacy for the whole family! Ear infection, gooey eye, runny nose- NO PROBLEM! A little milk can fix it up.
-Unoffensive poo.
-Liquid diet for sickies means they still get nourishment when they are sick.
-Milk sharing. It just makes a mama feel like she is helping someone when she can share milk with a friend who really needs it for their baby.
-One less thing to buy.
-Seems to magically calm the whole house.
-Gives you time to read a little (before they are grabby) which is just so NICE when you are a busy mom.
-A meal that requires NO DISHES!!!!
-A meal that requires no preparation!
-A meal that requires no shopping!
-One less thing in the diaper bag.
-MONEY- it is saved.
-The little games they play that only you see while they nurse.
-Sweet nursing noises. Nothing like a slurping baby.
-Getting thin faster.
-Of course, there is also the added bonus of being able to say, “I’m nursing, I need the extra 500 calories,” as you mainline donuts. Though admittedly, this may interfere with previous reason.
-Perspective. It teaches you what your body is capable of.
-Milk drunk babies.
-Milky drool. Cute.
-Sleepy milky smiles.
-Putting a baby to sleep with your body is really pretty special.
-Legal protection to nurse most anywhere.
-It ticks off Barbra Walters.
-Such HEALTHY babies! The nursing baby is the healthiest person in the house.
-Calmer baby
-You can travel light! Baby, mama, diaper- GO!
-Sisterhood.
-It is fabulous to do something for your baby that nobody else can do.
-Feeling fabulous about something after you just had a baby can be a big bonus when your hormones are going wacko.
-NO AUNT FLOW!!!!!!!!!
-A quiet phone call (while they nurse.)
-Makes you love them more.
-Slows you down for a minute.
-Oxytocin.
-Builds confidence.
-Hello- you grew a baby- and now you are feeding one!
-Bonding.
-Never forget a snack.
-It is nice to be somebodies favorite person for a while.
-The original COMFORT food.
-Guilt free comfort food.
-At the end of the day, after all the mistakes, I know at least I did one thing right.
-Teaches you about your baby.
-Gives you your first chance to teach your baby and work together towards a common goal.
-Builds a relationship without words.
-Strangely makes me feel like a feminist.
-Feels very feminine also.
-Snuggles.
-A little person who loves you and doesn’t see chub or fluff, they just see a warm, soft, pillow.
-Memories for later.
-No leftovers.
-No waste.
-Self satisfaction of knowing you did your part to save the ozone.
-"I'm nursing"- always a good answer!
-Self regulating.
-It is just cool when your milk lets down and then the baby wakes up. Being totally in sync with another human is amazing.
-Increases and decreases as needed.
-Healthier mama.
-Happier mama.
-Being needed.
-Needing somebody else.
-Dad can do so many things I can’t do, it is nice to have something that I can do special our baby.
-Breastfed baby smell.
-Breastfed baby skin.
-I might not look that good in tights, but making milk is a superpower!
-Chatting with moms about nursing- it just is awesome to be able to share and learn and teach each other.
-Sometimes you just need a good reason to buy a new bra.
-LOVE
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