7 lazy reasons I’m a breastfeeding mom

When I set out on this motherhood journey over five years ago, I made the decision to breastfeed.

For me, it was a simple choice. I had read the obligatory, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I devoured every last bit of information on all the parenting websites. I consulted my doctor. They all agreed: Breast is best.

This mantra — along with support from my partner and a lactation consultant — helped me push through those first grueling weeks of trail, error, cracked nipples and tears. But honestly? Now that I’m on my third kid, I continue to breastfeed for a different reason entirely.

I’m lazy. There, I said it.

And so I bring to you my list of super-lazy reasons I’m still a breastfeeding mama to this day:

1) I don’t have to worry about forgetting bottles and formula. I already leave the house each morning with a gazillion bags/carriers/kid stuff — and still manage to forget something half of the time. Whether we’re at a restaurant, a theme park or in the middle of a deserted island, at least I can’t possibly forget my baby’s food source — because it’s conveniently attached to my body. Now the older kids? They just might be SOL.

2) It comes out at precisely the right temperature. No need to fret about keeping my breast milk cool and then warming it up for feeding time. Although to be fair, if anyone else is feeding my baby expressed milk, they have to worry about it. But not me!

3) Nighttime feedings are a cinch for lazy moms. Breast to her mouth, and done. I even nurse her in bed with me while lying down most of the time.

4) I don’t have to clean bottle parts every day. I’m already cleaning water bottles, sippy cups, teething rings, large pans and more by hand each day. Scrubbing bottle parts on top of that is just too much for this lazy mama to bear — even if I am occasionally washing breast pump parts in exchange.

5) I’m pretty much the favorite parent by default. I can’t speak for other breastfeeding mamas, but having the ability to nourish with my body makes my baby think I’m pretty much the best person ever. I’m not. (Shhh!) But she doesn’t need to know that her daddy is actually a way cooler person … yet.

6) It’s one less thing to remember to buy at the grocery store. Diapers, wipes, baby food, coffee, iced coffee, coffee-flavored yogurt, a coffee IV drip and 93 other things are on my weekly grocery list. But formula isn’t one of them. It saves money, and it’s one less thing for me to forget to toss in the shopping cart while the older two are whining for more snacks and accidentally knocking over store displays.

7) The boob solves most problems. Who needs actual problem-solving skills when you have a boob full of milk? Baby is hungry? Here, have a boob! Baby is tired? Shove a boob in her mouth; that’ll knock her out in 2 seconds flat. Baby doesn’t feel well? Boob therapy. Baby is cranky for no apparent reason? Boob comin’ right up!

Breastfeeding hasn’t always been easy for me. The first few weeks with each of my three children were far from it, actually. And even after the initial speed bumps, there are still logistical hurdles to the breastfeeding life. But once the relationship has been established, this lazy mom appreciates the many conveniences of nursing.

With that said, if I couldn’t produce enough milk, if my babies had an especially hard time latching or if we faced some other major obstacle, I would have no problem using formula. But since I’m physically able to breastfeed, the path of least resistance it is.

All photos by Michelle Stein

What reasons do you have for breastfeeding? Do you have anything to add to my list?

Share your thoughts!

Click through the slideshow, below, to read more breastfeeding posts by me!