5 Things I've Learned While Breastfeeding For About a Year

I've been working on a new blog schedule lately (see right hand sidebar) and am thinking that I've finally got it. With that being said, Tuesday is now for "Mama Things"-so here goes.

Now I won't get too pumped (pun unintended but kind of great- eh?) up right now because we sill have 16 days to go until we (Asa and I) have been breastfeeding for a year but since we are pretty close I thought I would chat a bit about what I have learned over the last few months.
For starters, I have felt extremely blessed for this relationship I have been able to share with Asa. I prayed so much for favor and success in breastfeeding and we quickly got the hang of it. Although I did have a terrible bout of mastitis, we were able to push through those early (very demanding, round the clock nursing) months and really hit a balanced stride. Asa is thriving, still nurses every few hours, but I don't think I would change a thing (mostly- I wish I hadn't had that case of mastitis..but what can you do). I am pretty sure I could write you a book about all of my thoughts but for the sake of time and your attention span, here are five things I have learned about breastfeeding over the last year.
#1: Educating yourself on breastfeeding will be a lifesaver. I was very determined to breastfeed from the moment I was pregnant. I knew that it wasn't possible for everyone but I also knew that I wanted to do everything within my power to give it all that I could. For me, breastfeeding was the most natural choice and of course, research has shown that it is the ideal food for babies. In order to prepare myself, I read countless forums, blogs, websites, and two books. I was up to my ears in breastfeeding information but I did feel as prepared as possible. I learned about positions, latching, milk storage and pumping (because I would be returning to work), ideas of support from your spouse, foremilk/hindmilk balance...you name it. Obviously, I am still constantly learning, reading, and discussing it with other women (who are the obvious experts- am I right?), but this early education piece was so helpful.
One of the most powerful things I learned was to not be afraid to ask for help and if help was needed, to ask immediately. I feel like this was powerful because it helped me realize that there was zero shame or guilt needed when asking for assistance. While breastfeeding is a natural thing, that doesn't mean you or your baby will get it all right on the first try, days, weeks, or even months.
#2: You learn to work with you and your baby's quirks. Each baby and Mama are unique. Some women have a HUGE supply, some women have a very delicate supply. Some nipples are inverted, some are just right for nursing. Some babies latch like a rockstar and others need a bit of help. Luckily, you and your baby only have to figure out what works for you. Asa and I have learned to work around our own personal quirks. If I don't hold him close enough- his latch will be shallow. If he gets antsy and distracted, he is more likely to bite. Ya know, the little quirks that you learn along the way but work around.
#3: It is about way more than nutrition. The media and news does a great disservice to breastfeeding. While they cover a lot of the perks- customized nutrition that is made unique for your baby, easier to digest, fights disease, lower risk of allergies, see a huge list here,- the relational aspect of breastfeeding is rarely discussed. For us, breastfeeding has been an incredible bonding experience, and one that I cannot imagine being without.
Breastfeeding requires me to stay in close proximity to Asa, which ensures quality time. We also get regular skin to skin contact multiple times a day. Sometimes we laugh, gaze into each others eyes, and sometimes we fall asleep. There is a level of intimacy in our bond that I cherish and while I do believe that a lot of it could still be achieved without breastfeeding, I do think that breastfeeding has simply made the process easier.
#4: There are more benefits for the Mom than burning extra calories. I hear all the time that breastfeeding is great because you burn a ton of extra calories. Now, don't get me wrong- this is definitely true and its pretty awesome BUT there are so many other benefits for the mom (or at least me) as well. Asa and I nursed for the first time shortly after his birth and I can honestly remember the oxytocin -a feel good hormone- response in my body. This was definitely welcome because I hadn't had anything to numb the pain. But guess what? That response is still going on. When we nurse, there is still a rush of hormones that I can literally feel and it creates feelings of peace, calmness, and love within me.
Another fun fact? I've also not had a period yet! Maybe a bit TMI- but not having a period since December 2011 has been very nice.A few other benefits that I don't necessarily "feel" but have learned about include a decreased risk of many cancers (including breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer).
#5: The financial savings really do add up. I don't know the cost of formula to be honest, but I do know that we haven't had to add any extra room in our budget to feed Asa. There have been some breastfeeding supplies to buy along the way but we have used gift certificates and coupons to cover most of those. Overall, between cloth diapers and breastfeeding I am sure we've saved thousands this year alone!
And there you have it.-five things this past year has taught me about breastfeeding! Maybe if I get ambitious I will make a part 2, but for now I have to go....feed Asa (for reals).