I think most people know the benefits for the baby with breastfeeding. If they dont, snowy did a good job explaining up top. I dont think there is any disagreement that info should always be made public and widely available, including word of mouth. Im going back the OP here from gg.
Breastfeeding is the most comfortable, bonding, sensual, pleasing experience Ive ever had. If I could do it for life, I would. If wetnursing were a profession, Id be a PhD. I dont know if I think it should be a profession, just that I would be at the head of the class.
It was surprising the first couple of times because no one had told me it would feel physically sexual - not the action itself, but the effect. Perhaps it shouldnt surprise anyone given that the breast is an errogenous zone, but I have never heard anyone else talk about this. It was readily apparent those first couple of times, and then quickly became not so. I dont know why, and sometimes wonder if it has to do with chemicals of some sort being released right after that first milk comes down.
I understand lately that some women are reluctant to breastfeed because they feel it will change the shape of their breasts. It might, but pregnancy itself might change the shape of your body. I would hope these women (and their partners) might look beyond this and themselves, and to their new child (I dont believe most thoughtful people would take this stance, but you never know). Look to Brad and Angie!
Also lately Ive heard some women find breastfeeding "hard". I would encourage those who felt that way to stay the course, and think of how much easier it is then getting up in the middle of the night to find a bottle, wash it, mix formula, warm it, and then sit and feed it to the child. Instead, why not nestle right up cozy and warm in your own bed, with your partner nearby hearing the coos and wet pursing of lips? Let everyone enjoy. During the day, you learn to do things in a natural manner that feels comfortable and you find your spots.
If you truly cant or wont breastfeed, at least do everyone the favor of taking the babe in your bed and nestling up with the bottle for a little bonding. And of course no mother should be bullied for her choice, but she should be aware of the the way it works, why it might be a little painful at first, and how it will stop hurting at all given just a little time. The pain is quite manageable in that first week of so, and then you begin to get the rhythm, and so does your body, and your child. It all begins to sync and then its smooth sailing, and fun! and still sometimes surprising!
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As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons...be cheerful; strive for happiness - Desiderata
Last edited by girldetective; 03-17-2010 at 06:03 PM..
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