Top 10 reasons to Breastfeed your little one | Morgantown, WV Lactation Education

One of my biggest fears about becoming a mom was whether or not I'd be able to successfully be able to breastfeed.  Anyone someone asked... will you breastfeed? I said, "of course!... If I am able!".  Now, as I write this, we (Hunter and I) have maintained a successful 15 months of a nursing relationship.  It has become the most rewarding (and daunting) job I have completed.  Little did I know, exclusive breastfeeding means not being apart for more than 4 hours for at least 12 months!  This sounds like no big deal, and it isn't, but this is something you have to plan for in your day.  And your work day.  And your weekend.  And every moment that first year!  More on this another day.  Anyways, I wanted to share my top 10 reasons to nurse your little one as I want to share my love of the subject.


1. The bond is unreal.  And by unreal, I mean you establish a deep connection and love nearly immediately.  It can be overwhelming immediately after birth, a new life has suddenly come demanding your attention, no matter how tired, how sore, or how emotional you may or may not be.

2. It is the perfect nutrition.  Your body has the ability to make the most perfect food for your little one.  Each feeding, each day your body changes the formulation of the milk in order to accommodate what is needed.

3. The weight loss.  Within a few months, I was back to pre - pregnancy weight, and months later I was less than I weighed pre-Hunter times.  Who knew.  This isn't the case for everyone, but it is for many.  You burn an UNREAL amount of calories each time you nurse or pump.  I felt like this was my return for all the hours and hours I sat and sat and woke up and woke up to nourish Hunter!

4. Traveling is easier.  We went to Nashville when he was 4 months and Las Vegas when he was 6 months.  No bottles to pack, no formula to bring, easy peasy!

5. Waking up at night is easier.  No need to find a bottle, measure formula, add water, heat up bottle, etc, just latch that baby!

6. Mentally it is better.  It helps regulate hormones in the immediate post partum period and releasing "happy" hormones like oxytocin which are good for the mind.

7.  The future is better.  Multiple studies have shown it decreases cancer risks in both mama and child down the road.

8. Some studies have suggested breastfed babies sleep better.  I sort of agree and sort of don't.  At the newborn stage, there are definitely so  many "milk drunk" moments that instantly relax, calm, and put the baby to sleep.  Later, I feel like nursed babies wake up more often (at least that was my experience in comparison to others).

9. No periods.  Awesome.  Not for all, but for many!

10. Comfort.  Whenever the little one is upset or hurt, nursing provides comfort, security, and maybe even alleviates pain.

Now, all this being said, there are definitely instances when medically breastfeeding isn't possible.  And maybe it's not for you.  Any mama that loves her baby and feeds her baby is doing the best thing for her little one :)

Mamas reading this, how long did you nurse your little one?  What other benefits did I forget and need to add?  New mamas just starting out, feel free to message me on facebook or email me @ kassandrapa {at} gmail {dot} com if you want to ask questions or talk more!  I know I had so many questions when I started, when I went back to work, and even now as I try to decide if I am going to do baby led weaning, me weaning, or a mixture of both!