"Well, what did you think they were for?"

I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding.

I have been breastfeeding for 7 consecutive years, with my last born currently going into his second year w/no signs of self weaning any time soon.  I spent 6.5 years educating and facilitating breastfeeding education classes and support groups at my local health dept.

When I was pregnant with my first child I focused on doing and giving him the best.  Informed of ALL the breastfeeding benefits for baby and myself - I was sold!

It wasn't easy in the beginning and I wasn't expecting it to be. I educated myself on breastfeeding during pregnancy, attended breastfeeding classes at WIC and focused on the desire to give my child the VERY BEST.  When he arrived we had some issues (low milk production, sore nipples, engorgement, etc.).  I was determined and nothing that I could help was going to get in the way of me giving my child the best.  Through the years of classes, conferences, personal research and just basic conversations on the topic there is no doubt that Breast is Best.

All the health benefits are great and  I really look forward to seeing several of the results years down the line.  It was free, no argument about that.  It's a natural way to lose and keep off weight.  My children were and are very healthy.  Smart and independent, just a few benefits that I can attest to.

When its all said and done education, encouragement and positivity on the subject always made the difference to me.

Photo credit: Dannis Doles