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How breastfeeding makes life easier for mom
By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC
Going
Out
Breastfed babies are incredibly portable, particularly in the first
six months or so before they become mobile and before they are eating
solids.
Breastfeeding moms can travel light. It will take less time to
pack the diaper bag - all you need is a diaper & wipes, and
perhaps a change of clothes for baby. I keep a couple of diapers,
wipes and a change of clothes for baby in a backpack or hip pack
(which doubles as my purse), but I don't even take these with me
if I'm going on a short shopping trip. I leave the bag in the car,
put money and keys in my pocket and baby in the sling, and we're
off. For longer trips we'll take the bag and sometimes a stroller.
You can go places on the spur of the moment, or stay out longer
than you planned without worrying about what baby will eat.
No need to find a place to heat a bottle or a safe water source.
You will also cancel fewer social events and miss less work due
to a sick baby.
Nervous about nursing in public? Read more here about Breastfeeding
in Public.
Need
an extra hand?
With breastfeeding, you have an extra hand free (if you use a sling,
you might have both hands free). With a little practice (once breastfeeding
is going well), mom can breastfeed and eat at the same time, breastfeed
and talk on the phone at the same time, etc. You can also breastfeed
while you shop, care for other children or read.
Save
Time
Breastfeeding allows you to feed or calm your baby immediately,
which leads to a happier baby who cries less.
With breastfeeding, there is nothing to prepare, buy or clean.
No shopping for formula, measuring, mixing, warming or sterilizing.
No time washing bottles and other feeding equipment.
If you work and pump or exclusively pump, you lose some of the
timesaving benefits, but pumping moms have found that it is worth
the extra time to provide baby with breastmilk.
Rest
& Relax
Nursing hormones help mom to feel relaxed and peaceful. Nursing
your child can be a relaxing break, and can help a postpartum mom
get enough rest. The calming hormones can also be really helpful
when dealing with your older children!
Once mom and baby get the hang of it, mom can nurse and sleep at
the same time. Being able to nurse immediately means that it's easier
to nurse baby as soon as he cues hunger and before baby gets upset
- this way, mom and baby can both go back to sleep faster.
Soothe
illness
Nursing provides both superior nutrition, hydration and comfort
when
your baby is sick. Many times, nursing is the only way a sick
child will be willing to eat or drink - breastfeeding children are
much less likely to be hospitalized for dehydration. Nursing is
extremely comforting to an ill baby and a major part of the healing
process.
Get
your body back
Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its regular size more
quickly, so mom can get her tummy back into shape quicker.
Breastfeeding uses extra calories. Many moms have an easier time
losing
weight even without restricting calories. Research shows that
exclusively breastfeeding mothers tend to have a greater loss of
weight, body fat percentage, and hip and upper thigh circumference.
Don't forget the many health
benefits that mom gets by breastfeeding.
Increase
self esteem
Breastfeeding builds mom's self-esteem.
Space
babies
Breastfeeding moms often go many months without a period. Exclusive
breastfeeding delays
fertility and helps with child spacing.
Save
Money
You can breastfeed without buying anything extra whatsoever: no
formula costs; save money on birth control and menstrual supplies;
save money on doctor bills, medications and future orthodontist
bills; fewer missed work days.
No waste is involved in breastfeeding. You don't have to throw
out milk that baby doesn't drink in a sitting. Even if you pump,
the antibacterial qualities of breastmilk allow you to keep milk
that baby doesn't drink for the next feeding. In addition, no packaging
materials are generated by breastfeeding.
More here on the cost
benefits of breastfeeding.
Other
perks
Baby's diapers smell better. Spit up doesn't stain or smell bad.
Breastfed babies tend to be less gassy, spit up less, don't get
constipated, and have fewer diaper rashes.
The frequency and closeness of nursing and attention to baby's
cues helps mom to bond with baby and learn baby's cues more quickly.
Enjoy
peace of mind
Mom can be certain that baby is getting the absolute best in nutrition
and immunities.
If your electricity or water goes out, no need to worry about baby's
food. Snowed in? No need to worry about getting to the store to
buy formula. During natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes
and floods, breastmilk is available and safe.
Page last modified:
10/10/2005
Written: 02/18/03
Additional information
Cost benefits
of breastfeeding @ 
Breastfeeding
Fits Your Lifestyle from the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition
Breastfeeding
- It's So Easy by Lois J. Henrickson
Your
Life is Easier When You Breastfeed by Gail Lombardi, MS, RD,
CLC
Breastfeeding,
Natural and Cheap: Frugal Advantages to Breast Feeding from
Frugal Living at About.com
Breastfeeding
does not mean you have to trapped in your apartment
Breastfeeding
makes a busy lifestyle so much easier
Testament
to Breastfeeding by Patricia Lynn Janes
The
Easy Way by Wendy Merron Goldenthal, Certified Breastfeeding
Counselor
Yes,
Busy Moms Can Keep Breastfeeding (WIC brochure)
A
Well-Kept Secret: Breastfeeding's Benefits to Mothers by Alicia
Dermer, MD, IBCLC
Links:
Dads and Breastfeeding @
has information on how breastfeeding can benefit Dad and other family
members
