Thursday, April 28, 2011

To Breastfeed or Not to Breastfeed


















Before I write this, having looked at recent, (and not so recent) posts of mine... I have to imagine there are parents reading this thinking something along the lines of "Where does this woman get off? She's never had kids, has virtually no experience with kids, (or any that we know of anyway), and here she is spouting off about what parents should and shouldn't do... what's right and what's wrong... and so on and so forth."

And, I kind of don't blame anyone for thinking that, but here's the deal, I'm an opinionated gal, so experience or not... chances are, I've got something to say about whatever it is. I've never been President either, but I can tell you that I've got some serious opinions about politics and what a President should or shouldn't be... but I digress.

That said, I haven't blogged in a while because I've been too damn busy. So, I was happy when an old friend of mine suggested a topic... breastfeeding. He wanted to know what other people's take on the matter is. In this particular case, I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other, given that I've never done it and have read so many differing opinions on the matter, that I wouldn't even know where to start. It's kind of like whether or not coffee is good or bad for you, if cell phones cause brain tumors, or if artificial sweeteners will kill you or preserve you like a fossil for the rest of time. The debate rages on. There are still people who say breast feeding is by far much healthier for a multitude of reasons, but others who say it makes no difference whatsoever.

I am inclined to think breastfeeding is the way to go, (particularly given my devotion to organic everything nowadays), but much like every other woman on the planet with any amount of vanity, the thought of how it allegedly wreaks havoc on your bosom is very, very disconcerting. Why women have to suffer all the collateral damage from pregnancy is beyond me.

Anyway, I have heard that the husbands of the women who breastfeed are almost ALL holding on to hope that their wives will eventually correct the problem, (as in, saggy, deflated boobs that have lost their luster).

So, I'm curious, (mostly for my friend's sake), as to whether or not you think breastfeeding is/was/would be worth it, and whether or not you would do something about the unhappy boobs issue after the fact, (if you're the woman doing the breastfeeding), or if you're the guy who is secretly, (or not so secretly), hoping your honey will hop on the breast lift bandwagon.

ALL COMMENTS/THOUGHTS WELCOME!!!

5 comments:

  1. For some - for me - it was a profound time spent with my child. Something I could give her and share with her that no one else could. That said, after 5 months I was happily done. As for the collateral damage, I can't wait to have a bonus check sizeable enough to make my boobs a sizeable bonus for my husband. But I wouldn't change a thing about the experience.

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  2. Always love your input Christine! Thanks!

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  3. My feeling is that breastfeeding is a good idea. we did it for four months. during that time, we were not worried about my wife's boobs. There are studies that show it is worth it. Most women who become parents feel a connection with being a woman on a universal level, and really feel purposeful in breastfeeding. We also topped off and integrated formula b/c he needed it. It then became nice that he liked formula b/c it made the transition easier, allowed me to play a larger roll during feedings and allowed her to be more restful.
    Her boobs have held up amazingly. Still round and sit up, however, I do have an interest of her boobs always looking good and anyone who breastfeeds will risk that. But in my opinion, if you are going to not breastfeed b/c you are worried what the boobs would like later is a bit concerning and selfish. Having kids is all about sacrifice. And I told my wife, (and she also is on board), that if she wants to "fix" her boobs later, I'm all for it. Whatever makes her feel sexy and whole.

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  4. My beautiful wife and I are very pleased with her ability to breastfeed. I know there are women who are biologically unable to breastfeed for one reason or another and I truly feel for them.
    Breast fed babies are more likely to have stronger immune systems compared to babies not breast fed. The bond between mother and infant is also probably stronger too. There's that emotional connection a women
    must feel while and after breast feeding.

    Women who are more concerned about saving the virgin shape of their bosoms, may want to reconsider having children. As a parent of almost six years, I have learned the hard way. Having a child is an immense sacrifice, but never a burden. Let me repeat that, having a child has never been a burden.
    I love my daughter, and she is the best gift my life and my wife have ever provided me
    with.
    This being said, I'm very happy my wife sacrificed her beautiful voluptuous breasts and decided to breast feed. We wouldn't have it any other way.

    Great blog and thanks for sharing!

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  5. Nursing my baby was the very best thing I ever did. Not only did I provide her with the most natural form of nutrition, but it was a beautiful bonding experience. There are loads of studies that show the health benefits for both mom and baby, I'm not sure how many there are to show the emotional benefits, but I can tell you that every nursing mommy I know will tell you that it was definitely the way to go.

    I did it for 18 months. That length of time isn't for everyone, but it was great for me... and for the bird.

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