2007-09-23 07:00:28 · 25 answers · asked by chloe 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I just love it soo soo much, and I can't explain exactly why. I always enjoyed nursing even at the beginning with all the problems (and we had lots). But the more we keep going the more I love it.
My baby is 9months now, and she understands so much more, which makes it all the more fun.
When she wakes up at night and searches for me with her little mouth wide open, and her arms reaching out, I feel so important, and when she falls asleep after nursing, looking all peaceful and satisfied, I feel like the whole world is at my feet...
I was just wondering if other moms feel the same :)
2007-09-23 07:20:45 · update #1
Dear merlot moon, I feel bad you got all the thumbs down, but don't let it upset you. I appreciate your honesty. It's a little sad you don't enjoy it, but good for you for sticking to it.
2007-09-23 21:15:26 · update #2
Tasha, you should be so proud for what you're doing for your baby. I know you've gone through so much, but you didn't give up. You're such a great mom! And somehow, through your questions, I've come to think of you as a friend, although we've never met... :)))
2007-09-24 03:12:43 · update #3
Hi there honey. I don't have any babies to nurse anymore, sadly they all grew up! However your question certainly brought back memories. I remember with great affection the very same emotions that you are talking about.
The memory that sticks in my mind the most was when I would be nursing one of the babies ( I breastfed four of them until they were between 12 and 18 months) and they would stop nursing, look up at me and just GRIN with that sweet toothless smile, a bit of milk dripping down their chin and then eagerly go back to nursing. It was as if they were just taking a moment to make sure that I knew how much they loved me! I can remember also how when they were very hungry they would be all tense and their little hands would be in fists, their brow furrowed. Then as they nursed and started to get their tummies full, they would relax, their forehead would smooth out, their hands would relax and they would be at perfect peace. I loved the way their eyes would stay fixed on my face and I also dearly loved that precious little chubby hand with the wee dimples on the back and the way it would pat and stroke at my breast while they nursed. Oh, and I remember too that sometimes when they would nurse their eyes would actually roll back in their heads when my milk would let down! lol...it makes me laugh now when I think about it, no wonder it makes us feel so important! How many chances do you get to make another person that happy!
I guess you can see that I loved quite a bit about it. The nighttime feedings were special to me also, my babies always slept next to me and even when they were just infants they would manage to position themselves so that they could reach me when they were hungry! I never had to do very much other than change a diaper in between changing sides!
There is no doubt that breastfeeding my babies was my most favorite part of their "baby-hood". To this day, I miss it. I guess that is why I spend so much time helping new mothers with breastfeeding, it keeps me involved in something that to me is a very important part of being a mother.
Thanks for your question, you made me remember some very precious memories!
Love and Blessings
Lady Trinity~
2007-09-23 07:43:22 · answer #1 · answered by Lady Trinity 5 · 9⤊ 0⤋
I breastfed for 15 months with my daughter and can't wait to do it again (I'm 9 weeks pregnant). It is a little painful as your nipples get used to it but once you get past that point it is so easy. I loved the bonding experience but I also loved not having to worry about how many ounces to make, bringing formula and bottles, etc. I had a nursing shawl (a blanket with a snap to stay around my neck). I would hook my baby up anywhere, wear the shawl, and just tell people the baby was sleeping and most people never knew I was nursing (unless they heard her slurping). The bond and closeness is the #1 reason of course. Nothing could ever replace that.
2007-09-23 14:05:51 · answer #2 · answered by Precious 7 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Love it, love it, love it! I can't really add much to what others have already said, but I'll reiterate. I love the bonding, the way it soothes her when she's upset, the way she's so obviously completely happy when she's nursing. Nursing makes everything better from her perspective. It's way more convenient at night since I've never had to get up and make a bottle, and I don't actually have to get up at all since we co-sleep. I just roll over and she just latches on and we both go back to sleep. She's so healthy, she's developing so well and I'm helping her to do so. It's our time - the world stops for us and nothing else is really important, 'cuz she's looking up at me with those big beautiful eyes. I guess THAT'S what I love most - we're so often so busy, but it forces us to slow down and share of ourselves. What could be better than an excuse to sit down and bond with your precious little one?!
2007-09-23 16:29:29 · answer #3 · answered by Lacta-intactivist Mama! 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
This is such a pleasent question to read! As you say though, words cannot completely explain the reason why I love it so much. Not gonna lie: My son at 17 months being so independent, but needs me for this one factor takes a toll on me! But when I do shut up and nurse him, his content face reminds me of why I am still breastfeeding him! And because of the this special something between my son and myself, I wish my older daughter at 3.5 could have breastfed longer so that she too can remember what I am now going through with my youngest!
2007-09-24 02:07:29 · answer #4 · answered by Sunshine Swirl 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes! I enjoy the convenience and the special nursing relationship. My baby is almost two now, but when she's nursing, she turns back into that tiny newborn for just a moment. She loves being close to me and having my attention.
To those who do not enjoy breastfeeding right now, give it time. Try to think about the wonderful things that your milk is doing for your baby. Soon, you will look back and wonder how your baby turned into a child so fast. Just concentrate on that perfect baby, kiss those hands and feet, play peek-a-boo, sing songs and rest while you nurse. Have a cool drink nearby and remember:
So settle down, cobwebs;
Dust, go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby;
And babies don't keep.
2007-09-23 14:21:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
My son is 6 months now and I've been breastfeeding since day 1. (hour 1 actually!) I love it. I love feeling so close to my baby, and knowing that what I'm doing is so good for him. I love seeing him grow, and knowing that I am nourishing his little body! And maybe it's selfish of me, but I love doing for him what nobody else can, it sort of makes him still MINE in a way, like he was all MINE when I was pregnant with him.
Just this week we started him on baby food and I'm actually a little sad in a way (even though it's super exciting!!) because it means he's growing up and soon he won't need me in that way anymore.
Oh, and on the practical side, it's cheap, convenient, easy, always ready, never too hot or cold, no dishes to wash, no bottles to sterilize, and no mixing up formula!
Of course it's hard in the beginning, but SO worth it!
2007-09-23 14:32:51 · answer #6 · answered by Maddy 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I'm enjoying breastfeeding very much. I honestly think that it's the most important thing I've ever done. What do I enjoy about it? Everything!
I love the benefits my son is getting. Less risk of obesity, less risk of SIDS, less risk of food allergies, less risk of illness, etc. I love that I don't have to spend OH SO MUCH money on formula. I love that I don't have to carry a huge diaper bag. All I need is a diaper and a few wipes. No bottles or formula. I love that my son knows he can count on me for nourishment. I love the bond we've built due to breastfeeding. I love the way he just looks into my eyes as he eats. I love the way he'll just come up to me and latch on, now that he's starting to get a little mobile.
And best of all? I love knowing that I am giving my son the very best that I possibly can, and also knowing that one day, due to his raising, he'll encourage the mother of my grandchildren to do the same.
2007-09-23 14:07:01 · answer #7 · answered by Mandi 3 · 10⤊ 0⤋
I have a 3 year old,but I remember each time I would nurse him I just felt so much bonding and the thought that I-ME,was giving him the nutrients and love to make him grow big,strong and healthy...It was just so amazing.
I miss it now...He used to 'nuzzle' to find his 'food' and it was just so cute!!
The first 3 months were really difficult for us,but I refused to give up on it and I knew that breastfeeding was the best thing for him.
I'm TTC again and I will breastfeed my next baby as well.
2007-09-23 17:55:51 · answer #8 · answered by calebsmom85 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I breastfed my son until he was 20 months. The only reason I weaned is because I got pregnant with my daughter. Now she is 12 months and we are still going strong.
There is something so beautiful about a mother's relationship with their child at this age. The breastfeeding just intensifies the bond. Mom's who bottle feed also have the bond, but there is certainly a physiological reaction to the actual act of breasfeeding...the release of hormones, the health benefits, the ability to read the childs cues.
2007-09-23 14:05:07 · answer #9 · answered by CHH 2 · 9⤊ 0⤋
It's great bonding time, even while she's eating she plays with me and smiles, it's so cute. And it's free and way more convenient than having to go mix a bottle and warm it up everytime she's hungry!
I can't imagine not breastfeeding...it's so natural and right. I feel like the best mother in the world to be able to give her this healthy start...I love it. I'd feel so guilty giving her formula...even thinking about it makes me uncomfortable. It's just this feeling that I really am doing the best I can for my baby.
2007-09-23 14:16:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋