Nursing baby at the lake

1. It is convenient!
There is no preparation involved whatsoever to nurse a baby. Whenever or wherever baby is hungry, breast milk is readily available on demand. I find this especially appealing during night feedings; I can simply pull up my shirt and viola, baby can nurse and I can continue to ‘sleep’. Breastfeeding is also convenient when you have to go anywhere. There’s no extra planning or packing involved when taking a nursing baby somewhere for a few hours or even a few days. Breasts travel easily. 🙂

2. It is Free!
Even if you invest in a high-end pump, nursing bras, and nursing attire, you are STILL spending less than you would on the alternative. Especially considering all of those breast feeding accessories are reusable, so you can use them with multiple children or pass them on to a friend.

3. It is a Cure-all!
Shortly after the birth of my first baby I discovered the curative powers of breast milk. It seemed no matter what ailment he experienced, breast milk was the perfect solution. If he was fussy, needed to poop, uncomfortable, tired…you name it, breastfeeding resolved it.

Nursing baby during a hike

4. It is Odorless!
I remember when a friend who did not have children of her own, however was a nanny of newborn twins asked me in all seriousness why my baby’s diapers did not smell like the twin’s diapers. Of course when I asked if they were breastfed, she answered no. “That’s why; breast milk poop doesn’t stink” was my reply. It’s not until solids are introduced that diaper changes become a “stinky” task so enjoy those odor-free diapers while they last.

5. It induces sleep anywhere, anytime
This kind of goes along with being convenient and a cure-all, but is worthy enough to be mentioned separately. The ability to put baby asleep anywhere, anytime has been a life-saver for me so many times! Late evening events, air travel, long social outings…whatever the case may be, breastfeeding is an extremely helpful sleep aide when needed.

Nursing baby right after finishing a 10k race

6. It Reduces Risk of Breast Cancer!
For some reason the leading and most prevalent breast cancer awareness campaigns often don’t emphasize the benefits of breastfeeding. Studies have demonstrated up to a 50% decreased rate of breast cancer in women who breastfeed two or more years. It is wonderful knowing that something good for baby’s health is also beneficial to mama’s health.

7. It is a comfort only I can provide my baby!
While for some this might fall under a ‘con’ of breastfeeding, for me it’s definitely something I enjoy about nursing. I like that it is something special shared just between me and my baby. It gives me a connection to them and a responsibility for them that no one else can claim. I enjoy being the sole source of nutrition for my baby’s first 6 months of life. It provides a unique sense of purpose as well as a renewed confidence in my body.

8. It is multi-functional!
You thought breast milk was just for baby’s nourishment and comfort? Nope…it can serve many more functions. You can use breast milk to soothe diaper rash. You can use it to heal pink eye. You can squirt it in baby’s stuffy nose to help reduce inflammation and encourage drainage. You can use it to help heal an ear infection. You can use it to soothe sore and/or cracked nipples. It is like having your own free little pharmacy right at your disposal, open 24 hours a day.

Nursing baby in the desert

What do you love about breastfeeding? I would love to hear from you!

Tomorrow’s post will examine 5 reasons I love babywearing!

-Sarah