Updated: Aug. 13, 2015
Originally Published: July 28, 2011
Once upon a time, my breasts had that youthful charm—small, perky, and perfectly shaped. But after becoming a mom and choosing to breastfeed, those days are long gone. My second little one is quite the nursing enthusiast, and after a year of being his personal dairy bar, I barely recognize my chest anymore. Here are five things I’ve discovered along this journey:
1. Boob as Binky
It seems that my left breast has transformed into a makeshift pacifier. My son insists on pressing his tiny face against it when he’s ready for sleep. By the time bedtime rolls around, it’s like a fluffy pillow, and he has to nurse for a while to soften it enough to drift off. During the day, he even digs down my shirt to retrieve his “Binky” whenever he needs comfort—be it after a Lego theft or a bump on the head.
2. Hands Off, Dad!
Anytime my husband approaches, my son becomes a tiny guardian of the milk supply. It’s almost like he has a sixth sense for it! Sex life? Forget it. Not only is there no time for intimacy after kids, but even a simple touch can trigger an immediate milk supply response. Nature designed breasts for efficient feeding, but it didn’t account for the intricacies of couple time.
3. Public Nursing
I’ll admit, I was terrified of breastfeeding in public. Stories of women facing shaming for nursing made me anxious. Yet, one day, in the grocery store, my little one erupted into tears. Without a second thought, I pulled out my breast and started feeding him while trying to locate some organic baby wipes. To my surprise, it felt liberating—like a badge of honor.
4. More Whining than Wine
One of the hardest truths of breastfeeding is the restriction on adult beverages. Unless I want to pump and dump like a champ, my wine consumption is limited. I love a good glass of wine, but I must be cautious, ensuring that it doesn’t seep into my milk supply. So, I find myself whining more often than indulging. But hey, at least I know he’ll wean someday…hopefully within the next 500 years!
5. Free-Range Breasts
Gone are the days of my colorful bra collection. With my cup size fluctuating throughout the day and my little one always trying to access a breast, wearing a bra feels pointless—like trying to wear a turtleneck to prom. So, I’ve embraced the simplicity of free-range boobs under my shirt.
Breastfeeding is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor. It tests a mother’s patience, body, and time management. I would love to say that the effort is wholly worth it and that I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything, but that’s only partially true. I adore my little one, but I do miss my pre-baby body.
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Summary
Breastfeeding brings its own set of challenges and transformations, both physically and emotionally. From adapting to public nursing to realizing the constraints on personal time and enjoyment, it is a journey filled with valuable lessons.
Keyphrase: breastfeeding insights
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