The Pros & Cons of Breast Feeding

As a breastfeeding mom, I thought I would share pros/cons & some other fun facts and sites about breastfeeding in general. I love breastfeeding - its one of the most greatest gifts I could give to my girls!

No, this is not me! I just liked the pic...

Pros of Breastfeeding:
•Eat more and lose weight faster: A breastfeeding mother needs 500 extra calories a day because the body burns that amount while breastfeeding. She'll be back in her pre-pregnancy shape quickly. (This has happened with both of my girls!)
•There's a very special bond between Mother and Baby and it's the natural way to feed
•There's less spitting up, no stains and the poop doesn't smell! (The poop does smell - the experts are crazy!)
•Protects against some breast and ovarian cancers: While breastfeeding, estrogen levels are very low. Research has shown that the longer you breastfeed, the risks for these cancers goes down.
•MAY delay menstrual period: Again, estrogen levels are low and many women think they're well protected from conceiving, but ovulation may still occur. (I didn't have my period for almost 9 mos with Destin - yay! Then when I finally got my period, we were pregnant the following month!)
•It's an amazing confidence booster: Mothers are really able to use their natural ability
•Believe it or not, there is very little embarrassment: It's easy to nurse discreetly and modestly (I agree on this to a point - it was a little embarrassing at the Dodge dealership surrounded by men).
•It's easy and convenient: There's nothing to buy or prepare so it gives the mother much more freedom. Breasts are always there and the milk is always warm and ready.

There are also health benefits for baby & its FREE (I don't pump or use bottles).

Cons of Breastfeeding:
•Nursing is definitely time-consuming: Newborn babies typically feed every 2 to 3 hours during the day and may awaken frequently at night.
•If someone else wants to feed the baby with a bottle of breast milk the mother still has to pump.
•Breastfeeding takes a lot of energy for your body to make milk, so the mother can often feel quite fatigued.

When Destin got her teeth, that was not fun - it was one of the reasons why I weaned her earlier than I wanted. She was biting & it did not feel good! Another reason is that I was pregnant & my breasts were extra tender!

Famous Celebrities who breastfeed:
I thought this was really interesting who all breastfed their babies...including Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, Carly Simon, Demi Moore, Goldie Hawn, Jodie Foster, Madonna, Queen Elizabeth & more!
http://www.breastfeeding.com/celebrities/celeb_famous_mothers.html

La Leche League
http://www.llli.org/

Kelly Mom
http://www.kellymom.com/