Breastfeeding, O breastfeeding... As a doula, lamaze educator and advocate this is one of my most talked about subjects. You may have attended a breastfeeding class, seen the pamphlets in your doctor's office, or done some research online. Whatever the case may be, you've no doubt seen the nutritional superiority of breast milk, that you will lose post baby pounds faster, and read about the blissful bonding experiences with you soon-to-be baby.
Of course if you decided to breastfeed, you are giving your baby the best start, the "liquid gold", the best yumminess... yada yada yada. You all know that already. But this, what I'm about to tell you ... is what really happens if you decide to breast feed.
1. You will look at your breasts as amazing things forever. Three words: They. Make. Food! And forget that people say nursing ruins your breasts. Nursing make them more beautiful! They become multi-functional! Immune boasting, sweet golden goodness brewed and prepared by God himself specifically for your baby 24/7 for FREE........ Yea, top that!
2. Your kids may grab your boobs like they own them long after you stop nursing. I had to build a strategy with my youngest daughter as I noticed she was naturally weining. Yet had become very territorial. No matter how preocuppied she became with her new independance. Mommies "Ninnies" belonged to her and her ALONE (sorry...not sorry Daddy....lol). One weekend she went with her older sister to stay at her grandma's house and when she came back and tried to nurse, I had this confused look on my face and said, "ALL GONE??!" ...she said, "ALL GONE??" .... and that was that.... it did not stop her from trying to nurse or pulling up my shirt for the next 2 months but it was more giggles and "just kidding" jokes than anything.
3. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. (Not all side effects have to be bad in case you didn't realize this until now. This is a great thing!) A new study shows that it cuts your risk of breast cancer by a third, particularly for those who have the disease in their family history.
4. Breastfeeding may result in you wanting to burn your nursing bras after you have weaned, (depending on the mama). Some of the bras I bought were so hideous I don't know how my baby didn't up-chuck (yea, I said up-chuck..hehe) at the sight of them....while I have to admit some are still surviving rotation though its been five years since I've nursed....shh, keep that between me and you!
5. You may feel a phantom letdown at the sight of a newborn. You may not only have your uterus longing for another occupant, but your breast for another barnacle.
6. Waking up with one or both boobs out............. yeaaaa, just get used to it.
7. There will be something about the smell of your baby's sour breast milk breath that you will love.
8. You may find the fact that you can hand express and squirt breast milk exhilarating. It's almost like superhero powers!
9. You may end up having no problem discussing breastfeeding with other moms or anyone who asks, and it may become one of your favorite topics. Hi, my name is LaToya, and I love talking about breastfeeding...Yay! (Breastfeeding moms UNITE!)
10. You may miss it terribly when your breastfeeding days are over. Sad, but true. But hopefully you took lots of photos of yourself nursing your little one to remember.
Were you aware of these side effects? Which ones are or were you dealing with the most?