Everything you wanted to know about breastfeeding and some things you didn't

Breastfeeding hurts. It hurts badly. At least it will temporarily. And anyone who tells you differently is either lying or was graced with some kind of super breasts. The reality is that whether it’s nursing your first baby or your third, there is going to be a time that you want to quit.

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Your nipples will be sore from the suckling action. They will leak at the sound of your baby’s cry and will become as hard as a rock if you’ve gone too long between feedings. Jumping up and down will be impossibly uncomfortable (so leave the jump rope on the shelf for a while) and you will be the sole source of food for your growing little one. Your skin may break out, your hair may temporarily thin and after the baby is weaned from your breastmilk, your breasts may be left pointing a little more southward.

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Sounds horrible right? Makes you want to not even start the process of breastfeeding doesn’t it? Absolutely not. While all of the above statements are true and you should be aware of them before making your ‘to breastfeed or to not breastfeed’ decision, you should know that the benefits can well outweigh the downsides.

Your baby will thrive. There is no formula on the marketplace shelf that can match the nutritional benefits found naturally in a mother’s milk. Try as they may, the manufacturers can’t quite create the secret formula. In addition, your stomach will contract and become smaller naturally. You will have a bond with your baby like no other and a sense of accomplishment for being the capable provider for your new little one.

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Another benefit to consider is the cost savings per month. Diapers and wipes are expensive enough without the additional formula charges. The pain will subside and before you know it, you’ll be as comfortable breastfeeding as you are sitting and relaxing on the couch. So if you are considering breastfeeding, think of it as an extension of your prenatal care and the effort you made to try to help ensure a healthy baby. Or think of it as an investment in your baby’s future health and development. There truly are women out there who cannot breastfeed for whatever reason and wish that they could do what you are so naturally able to. And as is their right, some simply choose not to do it. But if you’d like to nurse your child, make a plan and stick to the plan. Set your mind to it and surround yourself with knowledgeable women who can be your support system. Be your own cheerleader and keep telling yourself that you can do it! The gift of breastfeeding is just another amazing thing that a woman’s body is capable of. And hey, there’s always post-childbearing surgery to lift your sagging suppliers.

SPECIAL NOTE: Many area festivals and fairs are now providing “nursing stations” for mothers and babes. The Indiana County Fair will have an indoor facility to accommodate nursing the last week of August.

Everything you wanted to know about breastfeeding and some things you didn't