7 Things I Miss About Breastfeeding

My breastfeeding journey with Mason was sooo fulfilling. I honestly didn't expect it to last as long as it did.

I breastfed Mason for 11 months. That may not seem long to some mamas out there - but for me it was way longer than I anticipated.

The longest I breastfed Ava was around 6 months. And with poor little Ayden, our breastfeeding  journey lasted only 2 months.

Let me just say - I am in no way putting down the mamas out there that did not breastfeed their little ones. I believe that the choice to breastfeed is just that - a choice. You have to choose what works best for you and your little one. As long as you are happy and baby is happy and healthy, that is all that matters.

Now that the breastfeeding chapter in my life has come to a close, I can honestly say there are some parts of it that I miss. Don't get me wrong, there are a ton of things I do not miss about nursing. It was nice to get my body back to myself.

Yet, there were some aspects of the breastfeeding journey that I truly miss.

The Closeness

There is something special about breastfeeding that can't be compared to any other feeling in the world. The sense of closeness that I felt with my baby. There is nothing else like this.

Breastfeeding offers an extraordinary bond and allows for you to connect with your little one. Its the best feeling in the world.

Built in "Quiet Time"

If you have nursed in the past then you know the importance of getting into a good head space in order to produce milk. Breastfeeding and stressing out do not go hand in hand. If you are highly stressed, it may be difficult for the good ol' "let down" to occur.

For this reason its best to find a quiet room or space to settle into and try and relax. I looked forward to these times throughout the day that I could just sit down and breathe.

Knowing That I am Nourishing My Baby

Once again - this is not a blow to the non-nursing moms out there. But for me, I miss the feeling of knowing that what I am giving my baby is completely formulated for him. And 100% beneficial to him. The fact that I was producing food specially made for him was a thought that I will continually be grateful for and proud of.

 

Guaranteed Soothing Ability

If Mason was upset for any reason - teething, fever, tired, etc. - breastfeeding always did the trick. It was my guaranteed, fool proof way of getting him to calm down.

And I know - many moms don't believe in using the boob as a way to calm baby down. But hey- it worked for me.

The Sweet Milky Smell

It's true, breastfeed babies have a smell. And that smell is your milk. Not sure if that makes some people squeamish, but I LOVED the smell.

The smell of the milk mixed with sweet baby scent - nothing beats that smell! And now, I miss it. Oh, how I miss that smell so.

The Poop Smell Neutralizer 

And since were talking smells, lets talk about the obvious smell that breast milk influences - poop.   Breastfed baby poops smell tremendously different than formula fed. This is something that I remember vividly.

And by different - I mean less offensive. Just saying.

Ability To Eat Whatever I Wanted

Ok - I may have taken this "advice" a little further than I should have. But hey, I was feeding another human being. Being able to eat extra amounts, even after being pregnant was great. My doctor required me to take in an extra 500 calories a day to support my milk supply.

Breastfeeding will always be beautiful moment in my life. I'm grateful to have been able to perform this extraordinary duty.

What are some things you miss about breastfeeding your baby? Comment below.