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For some strange reason, when people find out you are pregnant, the first question they ask next is, “Are you breastfeeding?” Great Aunt Suzie calls to wish you congrats? “Are you breastfeeding?” A friend of a friend finds out at a dinner party? “Are you breastfeeding?” The lady behind you in line at Target notices your baby bump? “Are you breastfeeding?” I mean, come on, people!
It seems that everyone has an opinion on it and wants to share it with you whether you want them to or not. And sadly, seemingly innocent people can make breastfeeding a polarizing topic and impose their super intense feelings or get pretty defensive.
But not here! Although I’m pro breastfeeding, I’m not here to convince you to do it if you’re not! What was right for me doesn’t need to be what is right for you!
So if you’re wondering if breastfeeding is right for you (and it’s ok not to know until you actually try when the baby arrives!), read on!
Some Reasons to Consider Breastfeeding
Travel is SO much easier.
This is the reason why I decided to start breastfeeding. While pregnant, we had planned a trip to Italy for when Claire would be 14 weeks old. Since it would be our first trip overseas with baby, I wanted to make everything as easy as possible. Research had explained that traveling with a breastfed baby would be easiest. It was!
Why is traveling easier if you’re breastfeeding?
Less to pack! A breastfed baby only really needs one thing- your boob! Sure, you could pack a pump in case of a hunger strike or to keep your supply up, but say you forget or something happens to it? It’s still ok! You are all your baby needs.
More convenience when on the go! Breastfeeding is more convenient for a couple reasons. First, you don’t have to remember to pack all of the bottles, formula, etc in your bag when it’s already filled with enough baby accessories. Second, you don’t need to worry about the logistics of warming your bottles while you are out, how you will storing your milk, etc. And third, when your baby is hungry, just pop them on your boob and that’s it! No extra steps!
Less anxiety! Since you have less to remember to pack with you while out, less to forget at a hotel when you check out, and less logistics surrounding bottles and formula, you have less on your mind to worry about!
One caveat: road trips are trickier when you are breastfeeding since you will need to pull over for feeding since you can’t feed them while you drive, like if they get a bottle.
Bonding with Baby
It may sound strange, but sometimes I miss breastfeeding. Claire rarely sits still and cuddles on my lap anymore, so I really miss and cherish those moments.
Helps Your Baby’s Immune System
Breastmilk contains antibodies that will help your baby fight bacteria and virus. I would actually hop on the subway as often as possible just to challenge my immune system and create more antibodies! (Obviously, I did not scientifically validate the subway thing, but it made sense to me.)
Less Ear Infections for Baby
Breastfed babies have a lower incidence of ear infections than babies that aren’t.
Less Expensive
Guys, formula is expensive! The cost savings alone are a huge benefit to breastfeeding.
You May Lose Weight Easier
La Leche League states that “breastfeeding burns about 500-700 extra calories a day”. I’ll take it!
Breastfeeding May Reduce Your Risk of Certain Cancers.
Your risk of breast and ovarian cancer decreases if you breastfeed.
This by no means, is an all-inclusive list of reasons why you should consider breastfeeding. If you’d like to read more, check out some of these sites:
Kellymom.com Tons of research-based articles
Healthychildren.org Powered by the American Academy of Pediatrics
La Leche League International Breastfeeding support group
You may also be interested in:
Stick with it! Breastfeeding Help and Support
