Sometimes I don't love breastfeeding

I was recently in a conversation with some other moms who breastfeed, when one of the moms made the statement that she doesn't love breastfeeding.  Many other moms chimed in in agreement.

She started listing reasons why she doesn't like it and the guilt she feels because of that. 

I've had very similar feelings many times over.

I don't know, but I don't think we have to love something like breastfeeding.  There are many things that we don't like or love, but we still do them anyway.  I don't care for green beans, but I eat them because I know they are good for me.  You don't like your job, but you show up to work anyways because your income provides what your family needs.  He doesn't like his car payment, but his car serves him well. 


I think breastfeeding can be similar. 

Like, love, dislike, hate, indifferent, are all feelings that breastfeeding mothers feel at different times. 

We can have those feelings and still breastfeed without guilt.


I've made lists of the things I like and the things I don't like about breastfeeding.  Many items are on both lists.

I like breastfeeding because:

• it nourishes my daughter
• we bond
• it calms her
• of the cuddling
• it's something that only I share with her
• she needs me
• of her sweet eyes as she nurses
• I have to stop and sit and rest while she eats
• it's a chance to regroup
• it's a great excuse to get me out of situations I don't want to be in
• she gets milk drunk; funniest thing ever!
• of her gentle pats while nursing
• watching her clap her hands while nursing cracks me up!
• it protects her
• her little body warms me up
• lifting up my shirt gives me a chance to cool
• sometimes it's the only thing she needs/wants
• it's convenient
• it helps her grow stronger and smarter
• it reduces my risk of cancer
• it's the best diet ever!

I don't like breastfeeding because:

• it's a lot of pressure to nourish a baby
• I would like my b00bs to myself
• it's something only I share with her
• she needs me
• I have to stop and sit and rest while she eats
• of her not so gentle demands
• of her squirming acrobatics
• pumping is the "b" word
• of the biting and pinching and scratching
• her little body is hot sometimes
• it makes me cold to lift up my shirt
• sometimes it's the only thing she needs/wants
• it's inconvenient

It may really, really, really surprise you to hear those words from me, the lactivist.  But it's true.  Some days I may love that she's goofing off and clapping and the next day I might get upset because I want to get business done!

Just being honest. 

You don't have to love breastfeeding in order to keep breastfeeding.

What did/do you love about breastfeeding? 

What did/do you dislike about breastfeeding?

What part of breastfeeding would you like to skip?