Breastfeeding Opinion Review

I have breastfed all three of my children and I'm glad I did!

Here are the positives for me in no particular order:
--provides precious bonding time
--allows me to sit down for a few minutes
--provides nutrients and immunity that formula cannot
--I can't possibly forget and leave my breasts at home
--it helped me to lose weight (and I gained nearly 50 pounds each time!)
--I drink more water like I'm supposed to
--cheaper than formula
--lowers my risk of breast and ovarian cancer
--lowers my risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures
--don't have to measure things in the middle of the night
--baby doesn't have to wait as long
--smells better than formula poop
--gave me an excuse to buy new bras
--discovering new things about my friends as they shared their stories
--learning not to be so modest
--had option to donate breast milk if I had extra
--feeling great empathy for those who could and those who could not breastfeed
--improved my prayer life and brought me closer to God

Here are the negatives for me in no particular order:
--wishing I had not laughed at my sister when she told me she had to wear a G bra after her milk came in
--having to show my nipples to every healthcare provider around
--breast pump was expensive, especially when babies refused to drink from bottle during entire time I am at work
--my husband's not very good at breastfeeding baby
--can't delegate this task to anyone else very easily either
--wet spots are very noticable on shirts with solid colors
--family joke will probably forever live about the time my husband's uncle sat at the table chatting with me while I was feeding and while he was unaware I was doing so (or is this one a positive???)
--teething
--nipples that broke open and bled with first baby
--mastitis with first baby
--intraductal yeast with first baby for 3 1/2 months
--babies cried constantly until I realized they had multiple food sensitivities
--breasts that would change size once I bought a new bra

There you have it--some good/some bad/some funny.

Definitely an experience I will always remember and treasure!