https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 28 Jun 2026 05:06:05 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-436161 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:14:05 +0000 Maysprout 436161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>All of the health reasons listed above and it helps develop a healthy gut <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/04/30/breast-feeding-may-help-babies-develop-healthy-mix-gut-bacteria/" rel="nofollow">http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/04/30/breast-feeding-may-help-babies-develop-healthy-mix-gut-bacteria/</a> . </p> <p>When I started breastfeeding my reasons multiplied though. I was a bit anxious after baby was born and the hormones when I was breastfeeding really calmed me down.</p> <p>My body was very clocked to her rhythm bc my breasts would feel full after awhile and I think for me that helped motherhood sink in since it was a physical response happening.</p> <p>This one may seem silly but we like to hike a lot and even though we didn't go out for crazy long time I always worried about taking something that might spoil or that we'd forget it and she'd be hungry, and with breastfeeding it was easy just to feed her while we were out and about. </p> <p>She was a bad teether, we tried everything, and while some things kind of work breastfeeding was the only thing that reliably calmed her down and let us all get some sleep at night.</p> <p>And somehow I weigh less than pre-preg, and I didn't weigh too much begin with. Some of it's probably a bit less muscle but for me bf is super calorie burning (though the weight didn't come off overnight). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430974 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:08:51 +0000 MusicaV 430974@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Everything everyone else said, plus two more:</p> <p>When DS gets fussy or acts hungry after a full feeding and he's really just sleepy, I pop him on and in a minute or two he's asleep.</p> <p>If you CD, EBF poop just rinses right out, no scraping necessary. I'll be a little sad when we start solids.</p> <p>I don't have the "bonding" experience yet, but he has the sweetest look on his face when he feeds and sometimes he holds onto my hand. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430970 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:06:32 +0000 Sprite 430970@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runnerd: Just wanted to thank you for starting this thread! I come from a similar background; was formula fed myself and didn't know anyone who breastfed, and it is so great to see all of these responses. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430939 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:59:46 +0000 runsyellowlites 430939@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My #1 reason is because its was P deserves. It definitely hasn't been an easy road &amp; diet changes have caused our cost to be more than formula feeding a "normal" infant, but ultimately I know breastmilk is what was designed for her so I've worked through the issues to continue bf'ing.</p> <p>@junebugmama covered all my other reasons! The bond has been great, and different than the bond I had with DS as an infant (and he was much "easier"), &amp; I haven't had to work out at all to get back into my prepreg clothes (I think I'm actually a size down). And I've pretty come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter how long we go, I'll cry when we wean. *don't wanna think about it* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430910 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:49:33 +0000 mlm2934 430910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for all these great response again! Learning a lot - I'm saving this thread aside for when the time comes! It's funny to me how many name easy being a reason - I always assumed BF sounded like a big pain in the @ss!</p> <p>@Ree723: @Bao: I really enjoyed both your responses since BF wasn't necessarily something you started with as your natural instinct, but both are very pro. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430835 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:33:48 +0000 Bluebonnet 430835@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runnerd: Kudos to you for trying to understand something that isn't familiar to you.</p> <p>I BF because of all the health benefits listed above for LO and for me. I keep BFing because I can. I didn't have major issues like so many women and I know I'm so lucky. I love it and hate it at the moment, but I keep going because I believe its best for LO. </p> <p>My mom didn't BF for long, we were mainly formula babies because that was normal where we lived when I was born. DH's mom and sister didn't BF at all, so he didn't understand why I wanted to BF. I had to educate DH and he came to BF class with me at the hospital. Then he started to "get it" and now he's my biggest supporter. </p> <p>Good luck with any route you chose. If you decide you want to try to BF, I highly recommend taking a class and bringing DH. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430711 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 09:55:44 +0000 Bao 430711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Formula feeding was pretty much the norm in my family too, and among our friends. At least I assumed since no one really talked about it. I never really put much though into it until I was pregnant and thought "how silly of me not to even try", I then became very adamant about breastfeeding. I've done so much research and read posts about breastfeeding, and belong to every breastfeeding support group on facebook I could find. I can't imagine NOT breastfeeding, it came so natural and I feel lucky that that has happened. I love the bond it gives and not to mention it's free ;) I highly recommend at least giving it a try, and then if you don't like it there's no shame in formula feeding, breastfeeding isn't cut out for everyone. I will say though, the first 2 weeks I did want to give up, and now I am so glad I didn't. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430629 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 09:17:05 +0000 Mrsbells 430629@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i breastfeed because of all the benefits to both me and the baby. </p> <p>La leche league believes that breastfeeding reduces the chances of both mom and baby developing certain illnesses and diseases in the future.</p> <p>Its cheaper than formula. Its free if you dont pump, if you do pump than its not free for all the gear.</p> <p>Its more nutritious than formula with the exception of Iron</p> <p>It helps boost immunity </p> <p>My mother didnt breastfeed me but I always knew I wanted to give it my very best try </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430616 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 09:10:55 +0000 autumnlove 430616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Free, nutritious, saves time, and I just always assumed that I would because my mom did! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430573 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:34:17 +0000 T.H.O.U. 430573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: I forgot about no AF! I made it to about 11 months before that returned! It was GREAT! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430571 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:33:30 +0000 T.H.O.U. 430571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: You outlined my same reasons so well! </p> <p>1. It whats best for baby because its the most natural. They are so tiny and little at that stage I wanted her to have the best start. Sure she will eat McDonalds french fries (or worse, chicken nuggets) sometime but when they are so little and new and sensitive, I wanted the purest thing I could give her. </p> <p>2. Its free - Yes we spent money on an expensive pump and a few nursing bras but it was free. </p> <p>3. There is a bond there that is different then bottle feeding. Not to say there isn't a bond from bottle feeding, but breastfeeding is different. Plus I agree, the greatest thing is to be able to take her from tears to an absolute look of relaxation just from nursing. </p> <p>4. I also agree with @Mrs. Bee: I was able to loose a lot of weight by breastfeeding. All of the baby weight within six months plus more by a year and never exercised. </p> <p>5. I believe that it is easier than formula feeding. When we ran out to the mall, I didn't have to worry about running out of milk for her, or needing to find a way to warm a bottle. Find a seat, put on a cover and nurse! Simple as that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430552 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:12:22 +0000 Mrs. Sunglasses 430552@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For us, apart from being good for baby, I do it because #1 it doesn't cost a thing #2 is easy (as in, no prep needed) and #3 its bond time with baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430529 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:45:49 +0000 Sammyfab 430529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: the weight loss was my initial motivation too! And the delay of my period coming back. :)</p> <p>The second biggest reason would be that it's free! Formula is expensive!!!</p> <p>We had a lot of struggles in the beginning and we didn't get into a groove until LO was 2.5 months but otherwise, I love the ease and convenience. Because we had quite the road to get where we are now it makes me sad to have to wean him in the future. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430527 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:43:37 +0000 mediagirl 430527@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's free. #1 reason. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430524 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:34:26 +0000 mrsjazz 430524@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rainbow Sprinkles: Whoa! Your mom breastfed for 10 years. I don't want 5 kids but not having my period for that long would be heaven. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430502 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 06:51:04 +0000 mamabolt 430502@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Other people have hit the major points, but I do it because it's cheaper/easier for me, it's the best food source for my baby, and the weight loss/health benefits for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430487 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:58:34 +0000 Ree723 430487@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will be completely honest and say that my main motivation going into it was because I wanted to lose the baby weight quickly. All of the other benefits mentioned above were also considered but my primary motivation was to lose the weight.</p> <p>Well, 5 months on, I don't think it's helped me lose the baby weight in the slightest (although I have lost most of it by now), and I can say that the weight loss is the furthest thing from my mind now.</p> <p>I love the special bonding time we have, I love that it's so easy and convenient. I love that it's full of goodness for my baby and is nature's perfect meal for her. I love that there is no clean up afterwards. I love that her spit up doesn't really smell, nor does it stain (I could be wrong, but I don't think that statement is true for formula fed babies). I love that she will have all the health benefits mentioned by junebug. And I love that she can feed any time, any place, at a moment's notice. Really though, it just comes down to the fact that I love our special time together. No one else can provide milk for her in the way that I do and I love that special aspect of our relationship. </p> <p>Honestly, I never thought I would be one of these rah rah breastfeeding rocks mamas, but I sort of am now. I always thought it was sort of gross but was willing to try it to lose the baby weight and now I just think it's the most beautiful thing. I love our feeding times and am actually really sad that I have to start introducing solids in the next month. I never thought I would go longer than a couple of months, but now I'm already dreading the thought of weaning at a year (we want to try for #2 at that point, if not before, but I'll keep BF'ing until the one year mark, or until I get pregnant, whichever comes first). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430486 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:58:27 +0000 hellobeeboston 430486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What everyone else said.</p> <p>My mom breastfed me and my sister and I just always assumed I would also. I would do formula if this didn't work out or was too stressful - but luckily BFing is working for us so far! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430479 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:27:27 +0000 Penny Lane 430479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>100% honest answer? I'm freakin' lazy :)</p> <p>I HATE mixing the formula. Heating the water just right, getting the exact amount of water, and powder, sterilising everything... Ugh! I'm not an exact person! Lol</p> <p>I hate the smell of formula, like a few PP's said. </p> <p>I like the fact that boobs are with me wherever I go. No accidentally leaving one of them behind. I can. Totally see myself leaving a bottle, or powder, or something behind somewhere. </p> <p>So, basically, all selfish reasons! At 4 months I still don't feel that bond people talk about. It's a nice excuse for cuddles, and he looks adorable while he's drinking, but no fireworks of love or anything. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430469 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 02:15:27 +0000 Mrs. Bee 430469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>all of the great reasons mentioned above. </p> <p>as a bonus, i can pig out and i don't gain weight because i lose so many calories from breastfeeding. and i've only had 2 periods in the past 4 years because of being pregnant and breastfeeding woohoo!</p> <p>that said after 14 months i'm ready to start weaning because i'm the only one who can put olive down at night, and she is really attached to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430463 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:43:01 +0000 sera_87 430463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>because we can't (or don't want to) afford full time formula, the benefits are too numerous to name, i need all the help with my weight I can get, I hate AF, its easy, portable, natural. oh, and I'm lazy.</p> <p>@Kemma: they don't smell funny, per say, but their poop is gross and their breath stinks after spitting up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430461 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:36:39 +0000 Kemma 430461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Because frankly at the end of the day it's the best food for my baby.</p> <p>Formula certainly isn't the devil but it can never match or replicate the benefits or qualities that breast milk provides to baby.</p> <p>And as a more trivial reason - and I hope I don't offend anyody by saying this - but in my experience, formula fed babies smell funny. On the days when I'm really struggling with breastfeeding (we have issues with tongue tie), I think about the sweet smell of my wee daughter and it strengthens my resolve to keep perservering. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430451 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:04:32 +0000 brownie 430451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My brothers and sisters were apparently bottle fed but somehow I just assumed that I would breastfeed. I wasn't gung ho about it to start and figured we had formula if we wanted/needed it. Breastfeeding was relatively easy for me. We continued to breastfeed because my son is MSPI and it was a way to control things. And if we wanted formula it was $30 a can and I'm a cheapskate.</p> <p>We also knew we wanted to breastfeed because my husband has lung problems and breastfeeding (especially the first few weeks to 6 months) is supposed to help with immunities and help the lungs. This was very important to us.</p> <p>I agree with PP I both love it and hate it and often at the same exact time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430450 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:04:23 +0000 mlm2934 430450@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>appreciate all the detailed responses!! ya'll rock! it's just something i was never exposed to, but now i feel much more knowledgeable! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430449 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:03:35 +0000 skibobrown 430449@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I so badly wanted to breastfeed. It's healthy. It's natural. It's free! ...but I didn't count on having extremely low supply to the point that I ultimately had to give up on my goals of breastfeeding. There are other things that are great about formula feeding, but I still harbor sad feelings about not being able to breastfeed. Whatever you choose, will be the right choice for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430447 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:53:03 +0000 Mrs. Pen 430447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>definitely echo what others said!!</p> <p>I feel that anything that is more "natural" (occurs on it's own, closest to original state etc) is the best option - in all things in life (food etc). so breastfeeding being something that occurs as a natural result of pregnancy/childbirth just makes sense to me I guess.</p> <p>It's not easy, nope - it's hard to keep going but for me it's worth it in so many ways.</p> <p>- I know Baby S is getting the best he can possibly get. There are SO many ways this is true. One of my favorites is that if your baby is exposed to an illness and you are as well (like you take your baby to visit a friend who you later find out is sick), your body immediately begins to develop antibodies in your milk to build up your baby's immune system. It has all the vitamins/nutrients it needs so you don't need to supplement with other vitamins (except vit D in the winter).</p> <p>- it's free. seriously this was enough to make me say - THIS WILL WORK. no matter how much it hurts in the beginning or how demanding it is, I cannot afford over $20/week for formula. It wasn't really an option. So we made it work :)</p> <p>- definitely the bond too. Although sometimes, especially in the beginning, I felt only needed/loved/wanted for my milk :-P Even now at 9 months old, Cobi for sure prefers his daddy and I still think if I didn't have milk he'd spend less time with me. So it's a perk and disadvantage at the same time. I do think we have a stronger relationship because of it.</p> <p>- I love that I always have one thing that never fails to soothe him. If he gets hurt, I just pop him on the boob and he stops crying, if he's scared, that's how I comfort him; if he cannot sleep - it's usually fool-proof to nurse him to sleep.</p> <p>Idk - love it and I hate it but I am SO glad I am still doing it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430437 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:38:08 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 430437@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pretty much everything junebug said.</p> <p>I am one of five kids and My mom breastfed each of us for two years. It was always so normal to me... so formula feeding never crossed my mind.</p> <p>LO is now almost seven months old and I absolutely love breastfeeding. It is so convenient. I love the closeness with her. It is so special. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430434 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:30:50 +0000 junebugmama 430434@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My benefits: Helped my uterus return back to it's normal size faster, it reduces the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. Reduces the risk of osteoporosis. No AF!</p> <p>Social benefits: No mixing, measuring, washing. My milk is always portable. I can breastfeed anywhere. I will never have the screaming baby on a plane or in the restaurant, because I can plug him up :) Any time I want my baby back at social functions I can tell people I'm full and they'll pass him right back. </p> <p>Emotional: Special relationship. I didn't feel a special bond at first, but as he got older and would smile at me while latched, or hold my finger it melted my heart. Gives you down time. Sometimes as Moms we forget to rest a little too. </p> <p>Economic: Saves approx $1200 first year in formula. Breastfed babies have less illness= less doctor visits, less meds, less calling out of work. Avg breastfeeding family saves $400 in medical cost per year.</p> <p>Enviromental: Breastmilk saves gas, oil, electricity, water. No waste. </p> <p>Baby: </p> <p>Breastmilk is the perfect balanced food for your baby. It contains over 200 nutrients. It changes as the baby grows providing exactly what they need at that time. Hence why bf babies poop does not smell and they often do not poop often as well. This also means less gas, less colic, and less spit up. They have less diarrhea and constipation. They are less likely do develop bowel diseases (colitis, chron's, celiac).<br /> Less urinary tract infections.<br /> Less respiratory and ear infections.<br /> Reduces risk of obesity<br /> Lowers risk of asthma, food allergies, eczema<br /> Promotes nervous system development which increases IQ<br /> Reduces risk of SIDS<br /> Reduces juvenile diabetes<br /> Fewer cavities<br /> Better speech development<br /> It's organic<br /> Breastmilk actually contains certain chemicals that have a tranquilizing effect. Helps calm baby during stressful/painful times. (nursing after vaccinations is much more effective to calm baby than a pacifier will ever be)</p> <p>Formula fed babies have an increased risk of developing breast cancer themselves later in life as well as greater risk of developing childhood lymphoma. Formula is also linked to Hodgkins. Formula fed babies have a higher risk of death prior to 3rd birthday.<br /> The World Health Organization and the American Pediatrics Association Recommends it<br /> No Recalls. </p> <p>I have more reasons if you need them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430433 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:29:49 +0000 lemondrop 430433@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Growing up breastfeeding was the norm to me, I didn't know anyone who fed formula. </p> <p>And same reasons as above-<br /> 1) baby health health benefits<br /> 2) cost<br /> 3) my own "diet"- bye bye baby weight!<br /> 4) the bond- didn't happen until closer to 6 months<br /> 5) convenience, food anytime, any place </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-breast-feed#post-430432 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:29:37 +0000 Freckles 430432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I never even thought about not breastfeeding when i was pregnant. I just assumed i would do it. I continued to do it because i felt if i could produce milk, i would give what i think is best for my baby. It is free (minus all the pumping tools) and so much more convenient. It is less stressful whipping out the boob to calm down a crying baby than it is to hear her scream while you are boiling water for formula and waiting for it to cool down. </p> <p>I dont know if breastfeeding really helped me lose weight. I feel like i am still holding onto a few pounds because i cant diet while breastfeeding. </p>