Breastfeeding is a journey many mothers embark on, and while health benefits often take center stage, there are also some less serious, yet undeniably appealing, reasons to consider. As a passionate advocate for breastfeeding, I can confidently say that some motivations might just be a little more self-serving. Here are 10 mildly shallow reasons that helped keep me going through the ups and downs of nursing.
- The Transformation of Breasts: Let’s face it—postpartum breasts can look pretty spectacular. When milk comes in, they can be fuller and perkier than ever before, resembling something out of a glamorous magazine. This unexpected perk is a delightful surprise, especially for both partners involved.
- Weight Management with Minimal Effort: Breastfeeding can burn an impressive 500-800 calories a day. Forget restrictive diets or exhausting workouts; nursing allows me to shed baby weight while cozying up with my little one. Why would I skip this convenient calorie burn?
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: Since nursing requires additional caloric intake, I can indulge in my cravings without guilt. Thank you, pizza and milkshakes, for your vital contributions to my milk supply. It’s all about keeping those calories up for the sake of nourishment.
- Less to Remember When Leaving the House: As any parent knows, packing for outings can be a chaotic affair. Amidst the chaos, I’ve forgotten everything from diapers to bottles. However, I’ve never left the house without my milk supply. It’s one less thing to stress over!
- Excuses to Take Breaks at Social Gatherings: Attending social events can sometimes feel overwhelming. Thankfully, I can easily excuse myself to nurse my baby. This not only provides a perfect opportunity for a break but also allows me to escape awkward conversations.
- A Break from Menstruation: Breastfeeding can delay the return of Aunt Flo. After my daughter was born, I enjoyed nearly 50 weeks without her presence, and even now with my son, she seems to be on an extended vacation. This added benefit is one I wholeheartedly appreciate.
- Quick Calming Solution: When my baby cries, sometimes my first instinct isn’t to troubleshoot the issue—it’s to nurse him. More often than not, the simple act of breastfeeding soothes him instantly. It’s a quick fix, and, surprisingly, it works wonders on his dad too.
- Temporary Birth Control: Breastfeeding can serve as a natural form of contraception for the first six months post-birth. It’s crucial to follow the right guidelines, though, or you might end up with a surprise sibling for your little one, like my parents did.
- Better Smelling Diapers: One of the lesser-known benefits of breastfeeding is the difference in diaper contents. Breast milk poop tends to smell much more tolerable than formula-fed counterparts, making diaper changes a bit less traumatic. I learned this the hard way when changing a friend’s formula-fed baby.
- Bragging Rights for Future Generations: When my children have children of their own, I’ll be able to remind them of my dedication to breastfeeding. The effort I put into nursing provides me with some serious credibility when it comes to parenting advice down the line.
In conclusion, while the health benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented, these lighter reasons can be just as motivating. Whether it’s the physical changes, the calorie burn, or the social perks, there are plenty of reasons to embrace the nursing journey.
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