MY THREE-YEAR OLD was weaned off the boob seven months ago, and in two more I’ll be breastfeeding again with baby number two.
Yes, the 4am feeds are a nuisance, the sore nippes are unavoidable and every top and bra I wear will need to be selected with easy boob access in mind, but aside from all that, I honestly can’t wait.
Here’s why I’m looking forward to another round…
1. I have the smug confidence that comes with being a second-time mum
This time around, I know what tongue tie is, I know how to deal with mastitis, and I know how to guard against sore nipples. As for nursing in public, nobody batted an eyelid in the three years I did it with my first. Been there, done that, the world didn’t end.
2. I’ll know at least one of my kids is getting a nutritious diet
Giving baby number two food that’s tailor-made for him with loads of nutritious benefits should hopefully offset some of the guilt I have about my firstborn’s newfound passion for potato waffles, sausages and ketchup.
3. The power of magic boobs will return
I fondly remember that in the early days with my first child, a breast would fix pretty much everything. Hunger, tiredness, snuffles, meltdowns… all eased with the unhooking of a bra strap.
4. I’ll lose my baby weight a little quicker (well, hopefully)
I know it doesn’t happen for everyone, but I lost all my baby weight and then some within just a few months of starting to nurse. In lieu of any other exercise plan in my life, I’ll be hoping for the same results this time around.
5. You can’t beat that one-on-one bonding
The loveliest part about breastfeeding? It’ll gives me some time to chill with my new arrival. Laundry, showering, making dinner, building Duplo with the toddler, nappy changes – all of those can be delayed or delegated but feeding is just for me and bubs.
6. Oh, and I can finally catch up on my Netflix list
Perhaps less admirably, all that one-on-one feeding time on the sofa means I’ll have the perfect excuse for a Netflix/Twitter/Facebook binge. Hello, Gilmore Girls.
7. The guilt-free shopping opportunities are endless
New bras, feeding-friendly tops and dresses, a wardrobe full of easy-access vests. Ooh, maybe even a jumpsuit…
8. It means more period-free months
With my first child, my period didn’t return until a year in. Another tampon-free year is fine by me.
9. Breastfeeding is the perfect excuse to get out of stuff
Yes, you *can* go anywhere and still breastfeed, but all the same, a boobing baby is the perfect reason to escape to another room when everyone at that birthday party/family dinner is doing your head in.
10. I can ‘eat for two’ again
Did you know you can burn around 500 calories a day from breastfeeding? That’s some calorific wiggle room I’ll definitely be taking advantage of. Why yes, I do believe I WILL have a second breakfast…
11. It makes snacktime a whole lot easier
My handbag may already be a graveyard for raisins and corn snacks thanks to the toddler but at least I won’t need to have anything extra in tow for number two just yet.
12. Seeing that milk-drunk baby face
The little hands patting the breast, the eyes looking up at you and the incomparable look of a milk-drunk comatose baby’s face. It’s a total oxytocin hit… even at 4am.
13. Feeling like I’m making a smart health move
My mum had breast cancer, so even if nursing makes only a small difference to my cancer risk, it’s a difference that matters to me.
Want to follow in the footsteps of St Patrick? We have two family passes for a very special walking tour. Enter here - and don’t forget to like TheJournal.ie’s Family Magazine on Facebook and Twitter!
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say