1. You can eat an entire extra 500 calories a day and you will not gain weight - based on the fact, it is nutritious calories and not empty calories, like a chocolate bar or packet of crisps.
*adds an extra portion of spaghetti bolognese to her bowl*
Make sure you ignore the raised eyebrow look from your SIL, too.
2. You can be anti-social at family gatherings because it's time for a feed - and, no MIL, if you're reading this, I obviously do not mean your family gatherings...
3. You are at a lesser risk of breast and ovarian cancer. No brainer.
4. You can be lazy with breastfeeding. You do not have to worry about sterilisation kits, carrying so much around with you when you're out and about, the milk is at the perfect temperature so you don't have to fuss over the kettle to boil water and heat the milk up, the night feeds are easy - one whinge, pull your top up and just plonk them on your breast and they're quiet. And, as long as you're not drunk/taking drugs it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if you dozed off slightly!
5. You can breastfeed lying down. Self-explanatory.
6. You save money by not having to buy bottles, teats, sterilising kits, sterilising solution, formula, cleaning products, etc. So, buy that handbag you've been eyeing up and don't feel guilty - you earned it.
7. You delay the return of your periods. Another no brainer.
8. You can hog your baby from the other family members, as they prefer your smell. Muhahaha.
9. You're less stressed if you're nursing as it releases that hormone the midwives bang on about at ante-natal classes, which is oxytocin. The hormone with the 'mmm' factor which is proven to promote relaxation and nurturing.
10. Also, due to the release of oxytocin, it means your uterus returning back to it's normal size is faster and the post-partum bleeding stops sooner. I mean, really, I think the
11. You will win all the arguments at home. Guaranteed. Because he isn't providing for the baby like you can. Such an empowering feeling, being a woman and your baby solely relying on your milk.
12. You can sit down and relax whilst breastfeeding, giving you a beautiful opportunity to bond with your baby. It also means you can have a cup of tea, read a book, or even write a blogpost... ;)
13. You have an excuse to buy a whole new wardrobe in the attempts to make breastfeeding easier by buying front zip blouses, buttoned shirts and waterfall cardigans to discreetly hide your baby whilst nursing. Again, don't feel guilty!
14. You'll have less sick days to claim at work as statistically speaking, your baby will be healthier than formula-fed babies. Wahey - that's more money towards that handbag!
15. You'll have a much more pleasant experience changing your baby's nappy if they're breastfed over a formula-fed baby. Trust me. Stinky nappies ahoy for formula-fed babies!
Is it bad that I actually thought about these benefits? Because, they truly are beneficial! However, I must state, the main reason I breastfeed is for the enormous number of benefits that my baby is having and the feeling of accomplishment when I can squeeze a chubby thigh!
This post is meant to be taken lightheartedly, but it's always nice to see the benefits you gain out of sharing your breasts.
Are there any other selfish benefits that you could think of? Let me know below! And, please tell me I'm not alone in thinking these points?!
Much love,
