I often get asked this question, “How did you know that breastfeeding was right for you?”

To be completely honest, I haven’t given much thought to NOT breastfeed. I mean, it is SO good for your baby and there are many health benefits. So, why wouldn’t I? Being a full-time Registered Nurse, I know how beneficial breastfeeding can be for your newborn, so of course I want to be able to provide that for my Little One.

I want to start by saying that I am in no way against formula feeding. Of course, I understand that some mommas have to take this route for various reasons (including personal) and that is totally fine. I am pro-breastfeeding in the event you are given an option to choose between the two.

Breastfeeding has so many great benefits for not only baby, but mommy as well. Now, I hope you don’t mind that the Nurse in me is going to come out in this article. By choosing to breastfeed your baby, you not only get to be super close and cuddly with your mini-me, but you get to give him/her the best momma juice out there, your breast milk.  It still fascinates me how amazing our body works and what it can do! I mean, it just knows when to produce milk and just how much your baby needs.  How cool is that?

Since the moment that I found out that I was pregnant, I knew that I wanted to try to breastfeed my baby.

Being a nurse and constantly working around sick people, I have built up a great immune system. It was a ‘no brainer’ that I had to pass this immunity onto my baby too. By giving your LO breast milk, you are already helping to prevent your newborn from any possible infection.

This is particularly beneficial during your baby’s first few months of life; because this is the time baby uses to build up their defense against foreign organisms. By choosing to breastfeed your baby, you are also helping to lower your baby’s chance of contracting many illnesses later in their lives, such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, cancer, as well as helping to improve their brain development and reducing the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). AND, children who were breastfed are shown to have higher IQ scores later in life. Have I convinced you just yet?

Guess what? Baby is not the only one who benefits in your choice to nurse. There are many incentives that also come to mom as well.

One, you will save money- roughly $1,500 a year. I know that money was certainly a factor for my husband and I. More money to save for diapers, they sure add up quick. 

Another thing that drew my attention was the fact that breastfeeding helps with weight loss. I gained 29 lbs. during my pregnancy (all in my belly, thankfully) but it was surprisingly SO EASY for me to lose it postpartum. My fast weight loss was attributed to eating healthy throughout my pregnancy, being active (walking daily) and yes, breastfeeding. I watched the weight fall off in front of me. For so many people, weight loss alone is the reason many moms choose to breastfeed- and that’s OK.

Your baby benefits and so do you! Another reason why I am pro-BF is because it is so convenient! No waiting to heat up bottles when baby is HANGRY and crying. Just lift up your shirt, pull baby close and there you go. There is no mess. Not having any bottles to clean makes it quick, simple & easy.

Being an RN, it is my role to support, empower and educate moms on their journey breastfeeding their new baby.

I hope by writing for Breastfeeding World that I am able to help provide you with the tools and resources you will need to be successful and have an easy transition into your breastfeeding journey. To me, nothing beats the feeling you get when you look your little one in the eyes and know that you are providing them with the best nutrients possible. It puts me at ease and comforts my heart, knowing that Landon is going to grow big and strong, by reaping all of the wonderful rewards breastfeeding has to offer!

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#BreastfeedingWorld

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Jessica Speer

I am a first time momma to Landon and I am loving every sweet moment that passes by with him. I work full-time as a Registered Nurse, so I know how important and beneficial breastfeeding is for your baby. On my free time, I am a writer, avid photo taker and cook. As a contributor for Breastfeeding World, my goal is to encourage and inspire other new moms as they start on their own personal journeys through motherhood and breastfeeding. We are all in this together!