Breastfeeding is so natural it’s beautiful. 

While I read articles, watched videos and talked to my mom and other moms that breastfeed, I was still surprised and guessing. The funny thing about nursing is that while I was learning as I go, so was my baby! Breastfeeding takes determination, perseverance, cooperation, and a little bit of luck. 

Bonding time

• When my daughter was a newborn she nursed every 90 mins or so. Yes, that often! It was a big adjustment for my body and my mind. But I went with the flow, feeding on demand, and my supply became just right for my baby. 
• Nowaways, my baby motions and signals went she’s hungry without crying. She takes breaks while nursing to smile at me and investigate noises in her surroundings. I get to kiss her feet while she’s nursing. 

The best stuff on earth

• No formula, no matter how expensive or recomended or full of vitamins, is equal to or better than breastmilk. Breastmilk is fresh, warm, and custom made for your bundle of joy. 
• Yes, there are many reasons why a mom may not be able to provide milk including allergies, drug use, illness, depression, or low milk supply. But, when possible, why not give your baby the best stuff on earth?
• Did you know that breastmilk changes constantly as your baby grows to adapt to your babies needs, including when your baby is sick or experiencing a growth spurt? Amazing!

Calorie burning

• Breastfeeding is known to cause contractions that get your womb back to pre-baby shape.
• The effort it takes for your body to produce breastmilk burns calories, approximately 600 calories. That’s equivalent to a large snack or small meal. So, if you want your shape back, breastfeeding might be the way to go. 
• On the other hand, you will be hungry and thirsty all the time as your body works hard to supply milk. Have snacks. Healthy snacks, if you can manage it, but either way, snack on! 

A money saver

• Formula cost money, and plenty of it. Reduced cost can come in the form of government assistance programs like WIC or pediatritian prescribed specialty formalua covered by health insurance. Otherwise, babies go through canisters of formula so fast that you may end up paying an average of $150 per month.  
• Breastmilk, on the other hand, is free all day every day!Most insurance companies provide breast pumps too! So speak with your midwife or ONGYN for a prescription, and call your insurance company, to avoid spending money on a costly but essential item.

Another responsibility 

• Breastfeeding isn’t for every mother. It takes sacrifice, a continuation of the sacrifices you made while pregnant. 
• While some mom’s may push their luck, I continue with the rules I held myself to while expecting. No alcohol, no drugs, limited or no caffine, limited or no medications, limited processed food/fast food/junk food. In addition to an increase in water, vitamins, nutritious meals based on whole foods, and gentle exercise. 

So, whether you breastfeed exclusively or occasionally use formula or pump so you can work or some combination of the three… great job, keep up the good work, and kuddos to you. Being a mom is hard work. Being a breastfeeding mom is incredibly hard work, and oh so worth it! I am going 8 months and counting!

What does this have to do with writing? Not much! But, it’s what I do everyday, multiple times a day. 🙂 

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Anything you’d like to add from your baby feeding experience?

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Welcome to A Book & A Baby.

My blog is a glimpse into my life as a new mom and writer.

[You might like these other A Book & A Baby Blog Posts: wild nights, silly voices, how ignorant fantastical things a spiritual experience getting cozy home alone breastfeeding playdates]