Babys First Year Blog
The Absolute Best Part Of Breastfeeding — Period!
I continue to feel proud of my breastfeeding success with this baby. We have made it almost two months, and while that may not seem monumental to some of you, for me, it is pretty brag-worthy!
After formula feeding my first child, I am definitely noticing some of the perks and benefits to breastfeeding.
Of course, we all know that it is the healthiest choice for the baby nutritionally, but do you want to know what I consider the absolute best part of breastfeeding?
Side-lying.
Wonderful, beautiful, fabulous side-lying.
With my son, waking up for feedings in the middle of the night required me to REALLY wake up. I had to get up out of bed, stumble into the kitchen, make a bottle, warm the bottle, pull the baby out of bed and feed him, burp him, re-swaddle him and try desperately to rock him back to sleep.
This time, with Kara, a combination of co-sleeping and the side-lying position for night feedings means I barely have to move in the middle of the night, and that is invaluable.
When she wakes up in the middle of the night, I simply pull her close, and nurse her back to sleep. It is amazing how something so simple can drastically improve the quality of sleep for both baby and mom. I am definitely a fan!
What is your favorite part of breastfeeding?
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40 Comments
autoclave239 commented on Feb 05 12 at 5:10 pmMy fav part? The blissed out look on her face as she falls asleep, though STILL not having my period back after seven months is a close second.
Amy commented on Feb 05 12 at 6:19 pmFor me its the convenience when we are out and about – no need to think how many bottles we will need, how will we warm it up, what if we dont have enough, etc. It’s always there, always the perfect temperature and no prep needed!
Glad its working out like you wanted it to!
Emma commented on Feb 05 12 at 8:44 pmI second the side-lying and no period. I also want to throw in being able to always fix everything. My LO just slammed his finger in the cabinet door. Nothing will calm him down except good ole nursing!
Karen L commented on Feb 05 12 at 11:20 pm“the absolute best part of breastfeeding? Side-lying. ” A.men. People ask me how often the baby wakes up to eat and I can’t really answer because I don’t even remember some feedings, I’m sure.
although the no-period thing is really good, too. I went 14 months with my first and 16 months with my second. 6 months and counting with my third.
franticfoodie commented on Feb 06 12 at 12:36 amThe feeling of accomplishment. I have twins and despite all the hardships and worries about not having enough milk for two, I made it through it and they are 4 months old now. I also have a 3 year old. It has taught me a lesson, if you really work at something. It might not work perfectly but it will work… And there are no words to describe the wood-pecking and snorting of two babies who want some cuddles.
Joy commented on Feb 06 12 at 12:36 amI definately agree this is a perk but you still have to get up to change the baby’s diaper at night- it is weird that no one mentions this reality. It is not just roll over feed and sleep.
sarah commented on Feb 06 12 at 12:41 amVery well said! Congrats on making it 2 months!! You only know how big that is if you have breastfed. We’re at 4 months now and you described my favorite part. Aiden pretty much sleeps all night now. I have a friend with a 17 month old,formula,and up several times a night and constantly sick..
Ashleigh commented on Feb 06 12 at 12:48 amI have been nursing for almost 5 months now and although i got my period immediately(ugh) I just love the closeness it brings. The weight loss was a big bonus as well!!
Marsha J commented on Feb 06 12 at 12:53 amI love the ability to also nurse while half asleep and n
Marsha J commented on Feb 06 12 at 12:57 amI love the ability to nurse while half asleep and now I know why I haven’t gotten my period yet… Lol.. Best part for me is truly being able to bOnd with my son. The cuddle time, the closeness. This is my second child, he and his sister are 20 years apart. I didn’t nurse her , I was terrified but nursing him has been a joy even though it was hell at first.
lindsey commented on Feb 06 12 at 1:09 amwell, its been almost 6 full months of breastfeeding, and although i am not lucky enough to not have a period, and all the side-lying has given me was a son with ear infections, i love that it is something that only my son and i share together. i absolutely love the alone time we have, and that it is something only i can give him. its just those 10 or so minutes that we have mommy and me time that actually make it worth while for me.
Brandi commented on Feb 06 12 at 1:56 amWow! Great info, i mean i didnt knw that my not havnin a period was due to any reasons from breastfeeding. Trust me, iam happy about but was confused enough i was callin obgyn tomorrow! Really! I love nursing, so glad its working out and Yes side-lyin is wonderful for a mom that bottlefeed first one and went through 2 yrs of not knw what a goodnites sleep was..
Carmen V. commented on Feb 06 12 at 2:11 amCrissy, apparently you and I have a lot in common. I had to formula feed my two oldest girls, and they are in great health. I was able to provide colostrum for them, but due to their severe prematurity, they needed to bee fed through a nasal tube, which left me with a pump. I was super bummed because when I finally was able to hold them out if the incubator…my milk had “dried” out (or whatever it’s called). So for this baby I was determined not only to carry her as close to term as I could, but to breastfeed her as much as I could. With the great support of my hubby, and family I’ve been able to nurse my baby up to now (2 months). So I can relate when you say that it is brag-worthy! Oh and I totally agree with you about the side-lying position….IT’S GREAT!! Look ma’ no hands, lol. Anyways, I wish you the best on your continued wonderful experience with your baby.
P.S.- I wrote this long message while breastdredging in the side-lying position. ;)
C. Velasquez
Carmen V. commented on Feb 06 12 at 2:17 amSorry….meant to put breastFEEDING in the side-lying position…
Oh and I’m still getting my period….blah! >=/
Phyllis commented on Feb 06 12 at 2:22 amMy best part about breastfeeding is the endorphins both me and my babies got made us all feel better :D I breastfed when it was a “NO NO” back in 1970 and then again in 1976 and again in 1978. The babies and I were all more relaxed and made it through the days and nights much better than some mothers that I knew :D I am now 62 and my daughter and one of my granddaughters both had children and followed suit and they are glad that they did it too :D
Colleen commented on Feb 06 12 at 5:38 amI think the best part is his sweet little face looking up at me so calm and happy while he nurses. Oh and Joy, I don’t co-sleep but I never change my sons diaper on the middle of the night unless he’s poopy. It is so much harder to get him back to sleep when I change him. He’s never had disper rash from doing this. I’m under the impression most parents don’t change their babies during the night.
Mandy commented on Feb 06 12 at 6:07 amI have to say the best part for me is when they start to really stare up into your eyes while nursing. I am slowly weaning my now 2 1/2 year old and I would have to say the best part about nursing a toddler is that it’s the “cure all”! It makes the world better for her. My first daughter now 15 years old I nursed for 14 months. This time I was trying the whole self weaning. I have had to give her some gentle “help” with this! I am ready to end our nursing but not wanting to do it abruptly. We are now only nursing for maybe 5 minutes at bedtime. Congrats on your 2 months!!! I wish much luck and happiness!
Ommie commented on Feb 06 12 at 6:39 amI agree with you 100%. Last night for the first night in 3 weeks, I got 4 hours of straight sleep! Despite wanting to form a abad habit with my 3-month-old, I brought my baby girl into the King bed, and when she woke up at 1:30am and 5:15am to feed, I just pulled her close, fed her, and went back to sleep. This morning we are all rested and happy, and I can’t wait for a more positive, productive day.
I guess I will have to deal with breaking her out of the habit of sleeping with me later on, because for now, as I need is sleep. I am not too worried though, because she is the type of baby who ‘goes with the flow’ so hopefully she’ll keep this same philosophy when it comes to sleeping in the new crib I just ordered for her.
Sometimes you just have to do what you need to get some rest.
Mary B. commented on Feb 06 12 at 7:26 amRight now my favourite thing about breastfeeding is the blissed-out expressions my baby makes when milk drunk. Sometimes there’s cooing and giggling involved, other times it looks like she’s carrying on one of those “I know the secret to life” conversations. Adorable.
Other favourite thing? Convenience. We’ve nursed in restaurants, libraries, waiting rooms, church…if she’s hungry or fussing, I have a very quick fix.
Jen commented on Feb 06 12 at 7:26 amI’m in my 12th week of nursing twin boys — I agree that sidelying (which I don’t get to do very often since I’m usually feeding both at once) is awesome! I also love when they’re rooting, the way they are starting to try to hold the breast, and the nuzzling. It’s just all around awesome! The ONLY down side is that I can’t get out of the house for long . . . but it’s worth it for the short 6 months they’ll be breastmilk only.
Of course – no judgment for those who can’t or don’t want to breastfeed. There’s lots of nuzzling and cuddling that bottle fed babies do too!
Jordan commented on Feb 06 12 at 8:18 amI think side lying is a scary thing I hate to be the bearer of bad news but my cousin is a police officer and has told me of two stories where the mother fell asleep and suffocated the baby. The best way to feed a baby is to be fully awake. It’s only a year of crappy sleep which at the time seems like an eternity but it’s BEST to be awake and aware. I think breastfeeding is the most wonderful thing ever and I never thought before I started that I would love it as much as I did! Though hard at first once you get through the initial transition period and get the hang of it….its the most amazing experience ever!
Katie commented on Feb 06 12 at 12:17 pm@Joy – I never change by babies during the night unless they poop. Beyond the first month, that is very rare (for my babies). I honestly cannot remember the last time I changed a diaper in the middle of the night and my 8 month old still wakes for one feeding around 430am.
@Jordan – Anecdotal stories aside, side-lying nursing is perfectly safe and normal! Unless a mother is under the influence of alcohol or drugs that make her sleep too deeply, studies show that mother’s have an awareness of their baby even when asleep. Fathers, on the other hand, can be a suffocation risk and should not sleep next to a young baby in most circumstances. Safe cosleeping is quite possible and is good for mom, baby and the bf-ing relationship.
summer commented on Feb 06 12 at 12:37 pmMy favoret thing is when He smiles at me when he is nursing… and to all of u that still havny gotten their period ugh I hate u all lol I had my period three weeks after the normal bleeding was done… it sucks u suck lol
Natalie B commented on Feb 06 12 at 1:16 pmI love EVERYTHING about bf-ing. Except occasional leaks…
But yeah, side-lying is awesome :)
Dagmar ~ Dagmar's momsense commented on Feb 07 12 at 10:06 pmThe side-lying bed sharing was so convenient, and I just LOVED having L next to me all night. We bed shared for a long time. I also loved being able to feed him anywhere I needed to – just pull up the shirt and he was happy. Most people never knew I was nursing. In all those years I only remember one grumpy look at me. I nursed in public with the “bring it on” attitude. People didn’t mess with me. :)
I’m so happy for you that this time breastfeeding is easier and you get to enjoy it, Crissy!
ava commented on Feb 15 12 at 12:34 amI like it when they look at you while there feeding and smile real big. I’m gonna miss it he will be a year soon and this is my last one so I am going to have a harder time stopping.
jenny commented on Feb 15 12 at 1:09 amJust finished nursing my daughter this weekend because after 14 months of breastfeeding I still had not had a period. Great bonus but I really want another baby so it’s time we stop. I really loved the closeness and how it was easy to calm her down if I needed to. Those that are just starting or are feeling frustrated keep it up, you can do it.
Jenn Vyse commented on Feb 15 12 at 1:13 amDitto on breast feeding lying down and the ‘blissed out baby’ reference…my first lying down nursing experience was this past Christmas day and wow, what a beautiful gift it was! No more aching back and nothing but blissed out baby afterwards!
Gayle commented on Feb 15 12 at 11:08 amI love everything about breastfeeding! My daughter is about to turn one and is now sleeping through the night in her crib for those of you worried about cosleeping and making the transition. At about 7-8 months I started putting her down for naps in her crib and then segued into starting out in her crib at night. Of course, she would still come in the bed around 3-4 when she got hungry, but it really worked out! I miss the cosleeping and now lie down with her for naps in our bed every now and then.
I also got my period back around nine months….oh well! She still looks at me so sweetly and with such love and reverence when she nurses.
Oh, and I’ve never changed a diaper in the middle of the night! We coat her with Unpetroleum Jelly before bed and she’s never had diaper rash.
Keep breastfeeding ladies! You all rock so hard!
Erin commented on Feb 15 12 at 12:00 pmI love that my berry serious 8 week old who had trouble latching and eating enough the first month can now be happily nursing, smiling and sleeping at the same time.
And thanks for all the feedback on side-laying nursing will have to try it.
Joanna Silva commented on Feb 16 12 at 12:08 pmWhat’s not to love about breastfeeding? My favorite part has to be just holding my daughter close to my heart and hearing her nursing away.
Chelsea commented on Feb 16 12 at 12:11 pmWe became unintentional co-sleepers once we figured out side nursing at about 3mos. At first it was nice, until I started feeling like a 24hrs all night booby buffet. He eventually stopped waking up every two hrs to nurse and we enjoy our family bed. Now we’re making an effort to move him into his crib at 7mos and I’m the one waking up all the time.
Kristine commented on Feb 16 12 at 12:15 pmthe best part of breastfeeding is when my boy latches on and begins his feed, he rolls his eyes back in a blissed out look. I know I gave that to him.
Jennifer commented on Feb 16 12 at 12:16 pmI don’t get a chance to eat enough during the day due to running around for my other two kids, so I supplement during the day to make sure he gets enough nutrition. However, at night I nurse him and we end up co-sleeping. My favorite part of it is when he falls asleep, lets go of me and then snuggles his head on my breast. If I could stop time it would be at that moment. Melts my heart every time :)
Chelsea Bailey commented on Feb 16 12 at 12:21 pmvirtually instant weight loss. I had big babies, and lost the baby weight with my first within two weeks, with my second I didn’t gain much and I walked out of the hospital 5 lbs below my pre pregnancy weight. The downside (one of several) is the weight didn’t stay off unless I really worked on it after I weaned them. Still, it is a beautiful thing. I would never discourage someone from nursing, and I would never put someone down because they didn’t nurse. #mommies should love each other.
Mel commented on Feb 16 12 at 12:40 pmMy first two boys were formula fed…and FUSSY! ive been exclusively nursing my two month old daughter, and i never realized babies could be so peaceful amd calm! Bf’ing has been the best feeding experience ever. From staring at her, to the lack of spit up…its an amazing gift us women have. To birth life, and the sustain it. :)
*I also strongly attribute her calmness and serenity to the fact that she had a natural and unmedictaed birth. My first two were csection. * but thats a whole topic on its own ;)
Bonnie commented on Feb 16 12 at 1:02 pmThe side lying position has ALWAYS been my favorite. Even with having to change a diaper in the night. It’s way faster than having to get up, feed, reposition, re-swaddle and put back to sleep. I am terribly missing this postion with my 3rd baby. Who is 6 weeks old. She’s had bad reflux and if I feed her like this, she throws it all up and I not only have to start over, but i have to strip the bed and change clothes. I am hoping she will grow out of the reflux. She does, however, usually only wake once at night instead of 3 or 4 times like my older kids did. With that said, I guess it evens out.
Keturah commented on Feb 16 12 at 1:44 pmIve bfeed both of my daughter till 2 1/2 now with a third on the way I know this is the way to go my favorite part is the first true latch brings tears to my eyes just knowing that my milk my diet is making them growe and stronger and healthier you gotta love it
Amanda commented on Feb 16 12 at 3:10 pmI completely agree! I was only able to nurse my now 4 year old for 3 months (and supplementing during that 3 months) due to unsupportive relationships, stress etc. This time around, my baby boy is almost 4 months and has been breastfed exclusively. I am married to a wonderful man who has been so supportive of my breastfeeding and cosleeping. I too LOVE side-lying and baby Sully loves this position too (while he will nurse no matter what position, this seems to be his favorite!) I am so much more rested now that I ever was with my first son. Thanks for sharing! I thought I was the only one who enjoyed this position so much!
Kristina commented on Feb 17 12 at 9:22 pmMy favourtie part of breastfeeding is the fact that it forces you to take a break. You have to stop your cleaning/laundry/etc. and sit down and pay attention to your little miracle. Also, breastmilk poop smells relatively pleasant compared with the formula fed variety, and if I have to change diapers…I definitely prefer a breastfed baby! Finally, I love that it costs nothing extra and it’s SO convenient.
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