Unexpected benefit to breastfeeding

[NewBeginnings1]

I did not expect for breastfeeding to help me to get to sleep. It is amazing how comforting it is to have your little one tucked in your arms, and to fall asleep in total bliss. I have so many things that I love about breastfeeding.

This just makes me wonder if there are other benefits you've experienced. What has surprised you? What do you love?

 

 

[Marissamom]

when nursing to sleep is the only time I don't have insomnia. 

[KarenEMT]

While nursing, I didn't any attacks of the heart arrhythmia SVT. It did come back after they were weaned, but it was so nice having a respite from that!

[PatioGardener]

Huge reduction in migraines. That has made this last year so much better than it could have been!

[carepear]

It keeps my multiple sclerosis in remission!  As long as I'm nursing or pregnant I have no need for disease modifying drugs.  So, not having to give myself a shot every day while still being protected from a degenerative neurological autoimmune disease???  AWESOME!

[WifeofAnt]

It reminds everyone who's boss, lol.  I'm staying with my parents while DH is deployed and its great knowing they can't go very far without taking me along!

[AshleyRoz]

I used to have major insomnia before and during my pregnancy and since my DS was born I haven't had issues sleeping. Nursing has been a lifesaver for me.  Also, I like that when family come over I have an excuse to claim him after a while.  I know that's sort of mama-bear of me but I get anxious when I have to be apart from him for more than an hour or two.  Oh...  also, this is kind of TMI but  one of my boobs used to be smaller than the other one and now they're about the same size.  LOL  

No periods are nice too! 

[muslimahmama]

I feel empowered! I can't even discribe how empowered.. strong and womanly I feel. Watching my little one grow makes my heart flutter! He is a chunky monkey and it's all because of me! My milk! I didn't nurse my first born, and while we are very close, I feel so differently as a mom of a nursling. My baby is almost 4 months old and has never had a bottle. We can go out all day without worrying about running out of formula, or finding a place to warm a bottle, etc..

I also LOVE not having to get out of bed at night to make bottles! Just pop a boob in his mouth and go back to sleep.

I am going to have to get a job soon and it breaks my heart.. but it is so comforting to know I will be able to nurse my baby when I get home! He loves the boobs! If I am changing in front of him, or expressing milk (stocking up) and he sees them, he starts sticking his tongue out and opening his mouth! CUTE!!

[crystal_buffaloe]

Nursing has helped me to get to sleep, too -- I'm a horrible sleeper and it can take hours for me to finally drop off, but those breastfeeding hormones will really do the trick.

One of the best unexpected benefits for me has just been the bonding. Breastfeeding forces you to stop and take a moment, sit down with your nursling every couple of hours and cuddle. I love the waking-up nursing session in the morning, too.

[goinggreengirl]

Getting more sleep! So nice when baby wakes up in the morning and I can just latch him on and drift off for a few more minutes. Much nicer than the snooze button!

[patronus]

Originally Posted by goinggreengirl 

Getting more sleep! So nice when baby wakes up in the morning and I can just latch him on and drift off for a few more minutes. Much nicer than the snooze button!

+1 for the snooze button. my lo woke up early today and we nursed/snuggled/dozed for an hour until it was time to get up.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by patronus 

+1 for the snooze button. my lo woke up early today and we nursed/snuggled/dozed for an hour until it was time to get up.

Us too!