Naturally, breast feeding is what's best for baby. I will admit, however, that I have a love/hate relationship with breast feeding. On second thought, "hate" is too strong of a word. Maybe I should say that I have a love/mixed feeling relationship with breast feeding.

I love that I can nourish my baby with the exact combination of nutrients that she needs to grow, be healthy, and develop a good immune system. I love that it is so convenient... no worrying about whether I remembered to pack a bottle into the diaper bag. All I really need to feed her is a chair - preferably with an armrest - but any chair will do in a pinch. I've breast fed her in restaurants, hotel lobbies (even the Westin St. Frances in San Francisco. They have VERY comfy couches with armrests in their sitting area!), in the car, on planes, ferries, and trains, in a winery, in a casino, even in the pew at church! The beauty of breast feeding is that "wherever you go, there you are."

The breast-feeding issues that I'm not so crazy about are that my body doesn't belong to me... if my daughter wakes up hungry from her nap, I feed her. It's the first thing I do in the morning and the last thing I do before I go to bed. When I come home from anywhere without her, she is on the breast within 5 minutes of me walking through the door.

Leaking is also an issue. I pretty much have to wear a bra 24/7, just to keep the breast pads on. There is a product out there called "Lilypadz" which are made of silcone, stick to the breast, and actually prevent leaking. I tried them for a few days and they did do everything they claim, but there is a slight risk of plugged ducts. After 3 days of using them, I discovered that I was one of the minority of women who get plugged ducts when I use them. Back to sleeping with a bra on.

In spite of the above-mentioned mixed feelings, my decision to breast feed is one I am very happy with. Nothing melts my heart more than the big grin my daughter gives me right before she latches on. I would recommend breast feeding highly to any mom-to-be who is undecided. It is much easier to give it the "old college try," then quit later, than it is to try to re-lactate. And who knows, you may just find that you actually enjoy the love, closeness, and precious time spent breast feeding your baby, who will grow up, and away from you, all too quickly.

Learn more about this author, Kate Mellen.
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