For moms who breastfeed, what's your favorite thing about nursing? (Circle of Moms Sweepstakes)

Chrissy - posted on 02/02/2011

I did not breastfeed with my first BUT now I am expecting Twins, So I was going to do it this time. Knowing what I know now that it is the best thing for them, Even though my son is healthy and at a better weight then a 3 1/2 year old shuld be. I am going to try to breastfeed the twins in a few months and hopefully I can do a good job. Still have no idea about breast pumps ETC...

Channing - posted on 02/02/2011

It's my favorite time to relax and enjoy the love I share with my child. Breastfeeding is a moment that no one else can share with you or you child. It is exclusive to mother and baby. She needs me for comfort and perfect nourishment, and I need her to make me sit, relax and enjoy her perfect little self snuggled next to me, even for 10 minutes of pure, natural bonding.

Naomi - posted on 02/02/2011

The intimate closeness and healthful advantage of breast feeding.

Amanda - posted on 02/02/2011

The personal time you get with your child. No one else will have the same relationship we do.

Sarah - posted on 02/02/2011

I nursed my son for 20 months and can honestly say he is the healthiest boy I know. While my other friends have babies that are constantly sick my son has had nothing but small colds that last only a few days. He is now three and I am so happy we decided to breastfeed for as long as I did. The bonding is amazing too!!

Vanessa - posted on 02/02/2011

The bonding, immunity, convenience - there are too many favorites to list!!! :)

Rachel - posted on 02/02/2011

EVERYTHING! I mean what's not to love? Knowing I am providing for my baby something that no one else can, bonding and becoming one with my child, time with just my baby and myself to get centered and remember what is truly important in the world! There is nothing that is more enjoyable or more worth the work than breastfeeding!

Jen - posted on 02/02/2011

I love the closeness it allows with my son. He is able to rest and get the nutrition he needs no matter where we are. I also love that when I am sick, my body produces more antibodies so that my son won't catch whatever crap I happen to have.

Rebecca - posted on 02/02/2011

The thing I loved the most, and regreted losing when I stopped Breast Feeding was the convenience of feeding. I didn't need to worry if I had sterilized water, or if my bottles were clean. I knew that no matter where we were if my daughter was unexpectantly hungry (as they sometimes are) or we stayed longer then we planned I always had food for her.

Crystal - posted on 02/02/2011

My favorite thing about breastfeeding is knowing I am giving my child the best start to life possible

Melissa-Sue - posted on 02/02/2011

Breastfeeding is a gift for both Annabelle and I. It's calms the most heartbreaking of cries, eases her pain and allows me to have some bonding time where we are both connected and feeling at peace with the day. :)

Patricia - posted on 02/02/2011

The number one reason I loved breastfeeding is because it's the best nutrition for my babies. The bond created by a mother and child while breastfeeding is like the difference between liking someone and being in love. The uterus contracts the babies faces are formed much more beautifully than any I've ever seen. I've never seen an ugly baby at a La Leche League conference. I breast fed my children until they were 36 months.. Now my son is taller than both my husband and my brothers and that is by no means from cow's milk with the hormones. My mom was a pioneer in her time she breast fed all 5 of us until our first teeth at 9 months. Her Doctor told her, and this is in the 50's when the media told women that formula was superior, "Cow's milk is for cows, Mother's milk is for babies".

Sarah - posted on 02/02/2011

I love the convenience of always having food on hand without bottles, but that has to come second to the health benefits to both me and my child. I know we are using our bodies the way God intended, and will all be healthier for it!

Svenja - posted on 02/02/2011

I love the closeness that it makes me feel as well as knowing that I am the only one that is sustaining my son!

Jen - posted on 02/02/2011

It's the best for my son, free, easy, and helps to keep him healthy!

Allison - posted on 02/02/2011

Having that special time only a breastfeeding mom and baby can have to bond. Especially in the beginning when you can just stare at your gorgeous new baby.

Melissa - posted on 02/02/2011

The bonding time is like nothing else and the way the weight just sloughs off is fantastic!!

Antoinette - posted on 02/02/2011

It's impossible to just pick one, but I guess the most important is the peace of mind knowing I'm giving my baby the best nutrition, immune support and love/nurturing, one on one bonding time all in one!

Melissa - posted on 02/02/2011

I was going to say the best thing is the bond you form with your child knowing they are getting the food that was specially made for them.

But... since everyone else said that, I am going to say the best thing is not having to get up and make a bottle in the middle of the night. :)

Denise - posted on 02/02/2011

while breast feeding I love the special feeling of total dependance on me, and the special bonding you make by holding them close and singing or talking to them, with the knowledge you are giving them the nurishment to grow to be health and strong. My best time when breast feeding was the 2am early morning feed, it felt as we were the only 2 people awake in the world, all is quiet and no intereptions, like the phone or door bell going, just the soft suckling of your precious baby feeding.

Hanna - posted on 02/02/2011

At those times when just nothing else seems to help, no toys are good enough, pacifier just isn't cutting it, when your little one's world has fallen apart; you can offer them the amazing comfort of warm milk, mommy and close contact, instant, ever ready and all in one go. No worries about overfeeding. I don't know what I'd do without it :)

Amanda - posted on 02/02/2011

I love breastfeeding because it's the best cuddle time. Not only do you get to hold your precious little one, but you also get to supply his nutrisional needs. It's a wonderful feeling. My first born was breast fed until he was 7 months old and he still loves nothing more than cuddling up against my side. Now I'm starting that bond all over again with my second son who just turned 5 weeks. I look forward to having two cuddly little boys.

Chrissy - posted on 02/02/2011

EVERYTHING!!! I love the look on her face when she nuzzles up to me and how at ease it makeds her. I love the fact that I am the only one that can give that gift to her. I am proud that I am still nursing at 8 months and have been back to work for 5 months now! I hat the thought of giving her formula over me for monetary reasons and nutritional. I am hoping we make it to at least a year old!! I know it's not for everyone and I don't judge others for not nursing but I absolutely love it!!

Joy! - posted on 02/02/2011

Besides the nutrition, convinience, and bonding factors, my favorite part is that it is so relaxing. Not only for me, but for them (i am currently breast feeding my 3rd child- 18 months old). When my little Lilli puts it in her mouth, the expression of relief, peace and joy is awesome. I cannot help but share in her experience and enjoy every moment with her. The thing I like the least about breast feeding is knowing it will not last forever :(

Christi - posted on 02/02/2011

The lingering health benefits combined with the quiet bonding time that just doesn't happen any other way!

Becky - posted on 02/02/2011

There are so many advantages to breast feeding. I think it is impossible to say what my favorite thing about nursing is. I nursed both of my biological sons who are now 8 and 2 and am preparing to nurse my daughter who is due any day now. The most important part of nursing for me has always been the fact that it is natural and 100% what they need. They get so many nutritional benefits from breastfeeding, as well as other types of health benefits now and later in life. The benefits to my health were also a big plus. The ease of breastfeeding- no bottles to wash, no formula to mix, and no worrying that I will run out of food for my babies. The cost alone was a HUGE factor in deciding to breast feed in my house. One can of formula costs a ridiculous amount of money, especially since my body produces something better for FREE. I LOVE breastfeeding and am very happy to be able to provide that head start for my children. The boys are both very healthy and have had very few medical issues. Even when they get sick it is usually not that bad and they recover quickly. I respect all parents rights to choose what to do with their babies, but I do not understand why anyone would choose not to breastfeed!

Ilia - posted on 02/02/2011

I will never forget what it is like to look into my little girls eyes as I nurse her and know we are truly there for each other like no other can be. She looks at me knowing I will do this and so much more for her and I know she will always be my little girl!

Rochelle - posted on 02/02/2011

I appreciate the challenge. Convenience is nice, certainly. But as the mother of two with the third one due in 6 weeks, I'm going to try again to breastfeed and make it beyond 8 weeks. I've really struggled in the past and believe it's due to owning my own business - a deadline driven marketing firm. It's not an easy juggle, but I have a plan to breastfeed for 6 months - a big step up from 8 weeks! I want to have my baby with me at work as much as possible and give him the attention he deserves at such a young age. More than the challenge, I appreciate that bond.

Kristin - posted on 02/02/2011

Among the millions of reasons why I loved breastfeeding, the part that was the best was the "easyness" of it. You don't have to pack bottles when you go places, the milk is right there, and it's already heated!!!! You just don't get any easier than that, not to mention I saved a TON of $$$$$$!!! I breastfed for 7 months, until I did not produce anymore! My sweet angel drank me dry!

Alison - posted on 02/02/2011

never having to buy bottles, or formula, or sterilise anything, or juggle with scoops or boiled water, or warm anything up or cool anything down, and being able to respond straight away, rather than keep baby waiting.

Brandi - posted on 02/02/2011

I love the fact that I bond with my son in a way nobody else can. I also love the fact that I'm giving him important nutruients that he needs. It's such a beautiful experience

Melanie - posted on 02/02/2011

Everything! Its perfect for every baby, its always ready, its convenient, the bonding with my baby, the great joy and sense of accomplishment I get every time knowing that I am doing the BEST thing for my baby and allowing my body to work as intended. Complete confidence and understanding of what I am putting in my babies system...no artificial anything, no preservatives, no "other animals" breast milk. Being able to comfort my baby so perfectly when he/she is sick and knowing that their illness is not as bad as it would be and that it will heal quickly. Having a "magic" potion at all times....breastmilk works for so many things (healing sinus's, pink eye, ear infections, skin conditions and MUCH MORE!). Really what is there NOT to love :-)

Jessica - posted on 02/02/2011

Even on a busy day, nursing my baby gives us a special time for just the two of us! :) That's something I've enjoyed since she was born.

Ana - posted on 02/02/2011

Creating a need that allows you to be with your baby 24/7...so good!

Lise - posted on 02/01/2011

I love the bond, she will feed and hold my finger. There is no greater feeling than that.

Cheryl - posted on 02/01/2011

that quiet sit down time with just me and baby!

Melanie - posted on 02/01/2011

When she stops just to look up and smile at me. :)

Anjeanett - posted on 02/01/2011

giving my child a healthy start in a way that is affordable and gives me special mom-and-baby time.

Katie - posted on 02/01/2011

Knowing that I'm keeping my little one healthy and well fed. And being able to eat whatever I want.

Brenda - posted on 02/01/2011

I love the sweet snuggles and the way she touches my face or hangs on to my finger. So cute.

Donna - posted on 02/01/2011

Nutrition, Nurture, Comfort, Convenience, Communication, Health & Wholeness. Its normal & the best!

Kristin - posted on 02/01/2011

my favorite part about breastfeeding really has changed throughout the whole process. At first it was the idea that I was the sole person keeping this baby alive and I was blessed enough to be able to continue it for the first 6 months of Alexis' life. Then it moved into the incredible bond that she and I developed from it and the fact that I could soothe her in an instant. From there, it was a way for us to reconnect after we'd been away from each other for a whole day - me at work and she at the sitters. Finally, now it's winding down as I have another due in March. It's bittersweet for me as I know she is growing up and moving on to other interests that don't include breastfeeding, but in the end, my final favorite moments are when she looks up at me and laughs when she is feeding. It makes my heart smile! I can't wait to (hopefully) have all those experiences with this new baby!

Yadira - posted on 02/01/2011

The fact that I'm the only person that can do this for my baby.

Sarah - posted on 02/01/2011

My favorite thing is definitely the bonding that goes on. Looking down at your beautiful baby you can't help but feel the connection that happeneds. Another favorite is after my baby is done he looks up at me with the sweetest smile as if saying I love you and thank you.

Tess - posted on 02/01/2011

Our children grow up so quickly and will soon be independent and acting up when we try to do things for them, my son stopped feeding at 5 months and was never that bothered but my little girl wants breast and that is it, she needs me and wants me to feed her, i will savour every last minute because soon she wont even want me to wipe her nose!! lol

Lina - posted on 02/01/2011

my favorite thing about nursing bonding with my baby, i also find it to be the most rewarding feeling to know that i am providing her all the best nutrition she needs to grow!

Cara - posted on 02/01/2011

I have nursed two babies, and I plan to nurse the one that is on the way! I would have to say it is probably the toughest thing I ever did, and stuck to! The cracked nipples, the bleeding, the endless attempts to get your baby to latch on, worrying about having enough milk, pumping at work, etc was overwhelming. However, about a month into it, things start getting better. And then once you and your baby have it down pat, its the most amazing thing in the world. MY favorite thing about nursing is the sense of accomplishment. The fact that my body was able to carry a healthy baby and nourish it well beyond the time in the womb. It amazes me that I could have 3 college degrees and be a very sucessful health care professional, yet not feel as accomplished as I do when I sit down and bond with my child and nourish him the way God intended.

Kimberly - posted on 02/01/2011

my daughter breast feeds her newborn and love seeing the closeness of mom and baby.

Emily - posted on 02/01/2011

It's our special time together, just the two of us! I also feel great pride in the fact that she is growing from the nourishment that only I have provided for her!

Barbara - posted on 02/01/2011

My favorite thing about nursing is knowing my baby is getting the healthiest food possible and the bonding. Its my time with my baby and no one can replace me.