Why I Chose to Breastfeed

As I mentioned in my most recent post, I have decided to branch out with this blog.  I'm going to definitely keep posting updates of how the kids are for our families, but I also wanted to add in some of my own thoughts and ramblings, as well as home projects.  Please keep in mind that these are my opinions and to take them with a grain of salt.

In light of this week being World Breastfeeding Week, I thought that it would be appropriate to say to the world why I made the choice to breastfeed my children.  I know how hot button this topic is, especially with a lot of cafluffle surrounding breastfeeding in public.  So again, I urge anyone reading this to realize that what I'm posting are my own personal thoughts and feelings surrounding this issue.

When I was pregnant with Quinn, I always said that I wanted to breastfeed "unless there was some reason that I couldn't".  I don't know how many times I said those quoted words.  Every time I said them, whomever I was addressing would usually say "I'm sure that you'll be able to".  Well, no one really prepares you for what breastfeeding is really like...and by that, I mean how hard it is to start and the learning curve associated not only for you, but for your baby!  The feeling of your baby suckling, the engorgement, the frustration surrounding your baby's latch, potential breast infections/blocked ducts/cracked nipples...all of these things can make any new mom (or a seasoned veteran) lose even more sleep.

I had my share of issues when I was breastfeeding Quinn.  Things started out well until my milk "came in" - cue the chest watermelons (aka engorgement).  When this happened, Q didn't have a clue what to do anymore and this resulted in us syringe-finger feeding her pumped breast milk, seeing a lactation consultant, and attending a breastfeeding drop-in.  I had made a promise to myself that I wouldn't give up until I had tried absolutely everything to get breastfeeding to work.  Luckily things clicked and I successfully nursed Q for 53 weeks.  (My goal was to make it a year and I was so happy to have achieved that)

Now with Cole, I have made myself the same two promises: 1) To not give up until I had tried everything to make it work, and 2) To nurse Cole for a year.  I've already touched on my challenges with nursing Cole and am happy to say that things are definitely going well now!

OK, so now to my initial reason for this post - my reasons for breastfeeding.  Most people will automatically say that they chose to breastfeed because of the health benefits provided to the baby (improved immune function, easily digested, etc).

Well, here are my top 3 reasons why I have made the choice to exclusively breastfeed my children:

1. It's convenient
1. I love the fact that when we're at home or out in public, that I can provide food for my baby in a split second.  No heating up of bottles or planning ahead to have enough formula in my diaper bag.  I can't forget my boobs at home, so that's easy.
2. It's free
1. When we had to supplement Cole's feedings with formula for those couple of days, we actually saw how expensive formula is!  Wow!  And babies go through cans of that stuff so quickly that it doesn't take a math genius to conclude that it's expensive in the end.
3. It provides health benefits to my children
1. Who doesn't love health benefits?!

I won't completely get into my opinions on the whole "Breastfeeding in Public" debate.  You can guess what side I'm on.  It's the only time that I really get up on a soapbox about breastfeeding.  I dare someone to say something to me when I choose to nurse in public.

Finally, I came across the following link yesterday...check it out for some powerful messages.  It talks about how all mothers should support each other in whatever choice they make surrounding how they feed their children. --> I Support You

 Nursing in the car...see? Convenient!