When I got pregnant in 2008 with Langston, I knew I wanted to be breastfeeding for his first year. The beginning was tough, but I was determined to make it work.
When he was 8 months old, I already knew I was pregnant with Riverson and Langston’s weight gain had stalled. I had to give it up and I was actually ok with it.
With Riverson, I stopped around the same time but it was mostly because my supply had plummeted and with a toddler to chase around, I was frustrated and ready to be done with it. I was ok with that decision, too.
Now that I’m breastfeeding Brantley, I know we’re just about on the downhill side of her breastfeeding days. If I don’t see some improvement in her skin within the next month, I might be seeing the end sooner than I’d like.
Nevertheless, I wanted to document reasons why I love breastfeeding, before my time comes to an end, forever.
It’s Free
This is the obvious reason and probably my favorite reason why I love it so much. I remember after I was finished breastfeeding the boys how much I hated having to pay for formula. I was constantly on the lookout for coupons, sales, and where to find the best price for their formula. That hunt wore me out.
The Bond
The time spent nursing each of my babies has been very special to me and by the time Brantley got here, I had realized how fast the first year passes by. I was actually ok with waking up a couple of times during the night to nurse her. I wish I had had the same attitude when Langston was nursing. I was pretty bitter about those middle of the night feedings. Once again, it’s funny how you change as a mom with each one of your kids.
It’s Easy
There’s no bottle to prepare and it’s always warm and ready to go. 
After the first two weeks, which can be REALLY REALLY hard, the rest is pretty easy, assuming you’re complication free, which I was, thank goodness. You’d be surprised how fast I can get my little one from crying to sleeping, without ever having to walk to the kitchen for a bottle. I’m lazy like that.
Diet
Basically, whenever I’ve been breastfeeding, I can eat whatever the heck I want! I drop weight pretty easily after pregnancy and the ONLY thing I can really attribute it to is breastfeeding, since I’ve struggled with my weight my entire adult life. Well, that and the fact that I’m chasing kids around all day and don’t have much time to eat.
Now that Brantley has food allergies and I’m trying to push through with nursing, I’m eating even healthier and my old clothes are actually loose.
Basically, breastfeeding does good things for my body.
Your Turn
Aside from losing the weight, this is my favorite reason I love breastfeeding. My husband doesn’t usually read my blog so just don’t tell him, m’kay?
Whenever one of the boys wakes up in the middle of the night, just needing some comforting, it’s REALLY easy for me to say, “Can you go? I’m feeding the baby.” I may or may not be feeding the baby. 
**Disclosure**
As much as I absolutely love breastfeeding, you will never find me as one of those people who tells every mother why it’s the best thing for their baby. There are plenty of other women and websites out there to do that. I hope you do not read this post that way. This is just simply a few reasons why it’s good for me and my babies.
I genuinely feel that how you feed your baby is your business, not mine. My very best friend did not produce milk. At. All. She wanted it to work, but it just didn’t, no matter how hard she tried. My heart broke for her, but I never once thought she should feel guilty for not nursing her baby.
There are people I know who really just have no desire, and that is ok.
Only you know what is best for you and your baby!
Check out my post on 5 reasons I HATE breastfeeding.
If you nursed your baby/ies, what was your favorite thing about it?
Twitter: giggleglitzglam
says:
Since I was unable to breastfeed Ems I have more than a zillion times been told “but breastfeeding is so much better.” One of the main reasons this irritates me is because I tried and I really gave it my best. I pumped for 4 months after the tata’s didn’t suffice. I am wondering if I will want to try breastfeeding #2 or not after experiencing the easy side of not breastfeeding… (And no I’m not pregnant)
Jana´s last [type] ..It Takes a "Village"
I have a love/hate relationship with breast feeding. I breast fed my oldest daughter for 9 1/2 months, and I’m currently breast feeding my 4 month old daughter. I love it for all the same reasons you do. It is such an amazing bond and who doesn’t love a free way to burn calories?!
I also hate a few things about it. Neither of my girls have tolerated a nursing cover well, which makes public feeding almost impossible. I also hate public feeding, while I’m on the topic. I know I shouldn’t. There’s nothing wrong with it. I’m just self conscious about it. Neither of my girls have been crazy about bottles either, which makes it difficult to have more than a couple of hours away.
This being my last child, I know it will be bitter sweet when the day comes to end nursing.
Twitter: gapgrad
says:
The complaint, first: I’ve been pregnant and/or nursing for the last 2 1/2 years, and my daughter will be born in April, so I’ve got at least another 12+ months to go before I can call my body my own!! I’m not gonna lie, I will really enjoy the feeling of being able to drink a margarita, pop a Zyrtec D, or eat whatever without having to think about it affecting either a nursing child or an unborn child.
That said…nursing is precious. I remember looking at my then-12 mo old, who had been almost exclusively breastfed, and think “my own body built him.” It’s incredible!
And I like the “your turn” idea…I will definitely have to use that one
Sarah´s last [type] ..Snapshot
I love breastfeeding too! I did it with Jax just past his 1st birthday and plan on doing the same with Lexi. I completely agree with each of your 5 reasons, especially that last one
Jenna´s last [type] ..Big Changes
Hey Jamie!
I can’t wait to meet you at Blissdom! Thanks for letting me crash the party.
I’ve never read your blog before but I couldn’t think of a more appropriate post to start with than this one today! I am pregnant with my first and intend on breastfeeding and can’t wait to try it. I know it will be hard and trying and a challenge but I am ready to go for it and I love this list
skye @ neathering our fest´s last [type] ..tuesday things
Yay Skye!! I’m so glad you stopped by!! And I’m glad you’re rooming with us, too!! It will be a fun weekend!!
I’ve gotten better at breast feeding with each of my three kids. If I only knew with #1 what I know now! I am actually trying so hard to wean my 16 month old, he is not on board and may have his own blog entry on why he loves it.
I take guest bloggers!
That would be a funny one, I’m sure, from his perspective!
Thanks for the last paragraphs on why you’re just sharing your own experience and thoughts, but not saying it’s the best thing for everyone. I was like your best friend. I really really really wanted to breastfeed and I tried everything with my first. It was so discouraging and just plain shocking to me that I couldn’t do it. I had never considered that possibility. Lots of tears were spilled with my first and second babies over not being able to nurse them full time. It was just hard to accept the reality. I’m more comfortable with my story now and appreciate when others understand. Thank you!
stacey @ http://www.gettingthroughtheday.com´s last [type] ..Using a Garbage Bowl While Cooking
Like you, I had no idea there was even a possibility of not being able to nurse. It wasn’t until watching my girlfriend try everything with both of her babies that I finally understood. I even thought that with her 2nd she would be more relaxed, so maybe the nursing wouldn’t be so hard for her. She was definitely more relaxed but it wasn’t any easier. Breaks my heart for moms like y’all who want it so badly.