When you examine the arguments for breastfeeding, most people seem to believe that it’s the best thing a woman can do for her children. Proponents point to the nutritional content of breastmilk, the immunity it provides children and the ways in which breast-fed babies benefit in mind, body and spirit. But after breast-feeding Ayla for nine months (with no signs of slowing down), I no longer do it just for her. Breastfeeding is a selfish act too. I benefit at least as much, if not more, than my infant daughter.
Women who breastfeed for at least six months reduce their risk of contracting breast cancer. I don’t want to die of cancer. And if nursing offers me some immunity, I’ll gladly breastfeed for a decade or two. I exercise, drink water, avoid fatty foods…and nurse. I’m thankful breastfeeding helps me live longer.
Women who breast-feed also lose weight more quickly and are more likely to keep it off. I can’t tell you how good it felt to fit into my pre-maternity clothes less than six months after giving birth. I’ve lost all the weight I gained during pregnancy except now my boobs are a little bigger. And what could be better than a trim waistline and full breasts? I have nursing to thank for my healthy mommy bod.
I also save money because there is no need for formula, bottles and bottle cleaners in the house. By my calculations, those dollars accrue to me and can be spent on shopping or taking a vacation. I have already booked holidays and bought a new bikini with my breastfeeding savings. Cha-ching!
Nursing not only saves money, but it is also a sleep aid. I get more sleep because I roll over and offer the breast instead of having to get up and make a bottle. And I also benefit from the sleep hormones that are secreted while nursing—I sleep more hours and more deeply when I breastfeed. Breastfeeding is better than Ambien or a fifth of brandy when it’s time for some shut-eye.
But there’s more. I decided to nurse Ayla until she no longer wants my milk. Which in turn led to the decision to work from home rather than returning to work full-time. For the first time in my life, I work just enough hours to feel fulfilled and earn a living but not so many that I resent my job. And I am no longer chasing the mythical work/life balance; I work and play in equal measure and it feels great. I credit my newfound healthy work ethic to nursing.
I’ll say it again: I’m not a martyr for breastfeeding my child. On the contrary, it’s me who benefits the most. I’m happy, slim, well-rested, less stressed and healthier because I breastfeed. So ladies, take out your breasts and let down your milk. Because I finally understand why nursing is such a beautiful thing…for us.
What do you say? Is breastfeeding selfless or selfish?
[Note: This post is cross-posted at Taz's home blog, Labor of Love at http://laboroflove.typepad.com.]
Thank you for sharing this beautiful summary and encouraging others with it. I say this is one of the most important physical and emotional bonds in life. I am grateful to my daughter and son for having been able to experience this with them.
As a nursing student having recently completed my Maternity rotation, I can add only a tiny bit to Taz's post, but here goes. Not only is breast milk the absolute best food for the baby's 1st year, but there's also a psychological benefit. The attachment (good kind) between mom and baby starts to form at birth, but more importantly, continues during the feeding process, even when in the first hours when the Mom only produces colostrum (kinda "pre" milk) the bonding really starts. Really, breastfeeding benefits the entire family, and is normally recommended all those reasons. Taz, I think your take on this subject is certainly neither selfless nor selfish. You're doing yourself and your baby a great service, and you have every right to feel good about it!
BTW, congratulations!
Hip Hip Hurray for breast feeding, you said it beautifully—not that it should be a ~should~ when it comes to breast feeding, that is an individual decision based on what feels right in one
Breastfeeding is not a selfless or selfish act: it is a natural habit of mammals as they take good care of their young.
Go Taz! Given all the points you made why, why would a mom choose to give anything but the best to her babies? I nursed my two until they were 2 years old. It is, however tricky getting started and unless you have a gradma or nurse who can provide support and encouragement I can see why a tired new mom might give up.I In the community I live in public breastfeeding is not a problemso I felt very comfortable nursing out in the open. My children are very bonded to me it is a gift that will last them all their lives and mine.
Congratulations for Ayla.
If breast feeding is selfish so is eating right, excercising and having a positive outlook of life. That is the way nature intended us to be.
We have a month old daughter and we plan to breast feed her for the first 6 months (or even more).
Great Post Taz. There is a basic biological principle which is "if you don't use it you lose it." The vast majority of women who breast feed before age 30 are protected against breast cancer. It won't protect you if you live in a toxic dump or have the BRCA gene but it is very protective.
love and light,
Stuart
http://stuartmarkberlin.com
Can they prove scientifically and medically that breast feeding bonds mom and child more?