Nursing

Yep, it was bound to happen, I need to write about nursing. (I can't even say the word "breastfeeding" because it has the word, "breast" in it. What am I, eleven?)

My relationship with nursing is an ambivalent one. I love it one moment, and then despise it the next. It probably starts with the fact that I'm the only one who can do it for my little one (awww), and I'm the only one who can do it for my little one (grrr). So here's my list: the things I love about it and, well, the things that are not so fun....

Loving it because:

• of the looks you get while they are nursing. There little eyes find you and smile.
  
• their hands finding your undergarments or shirt, and holding on as if when they let go, the goodies will be gone.
  
• their little bodies wrapped around your middle, tucked in and cozy.
• their legs crunch up and a foot inevitably finds its way to tuck into your shoulder or against your arm.
  
• it's portable.
• it's a quiet moment. You can watch them unabashedly while your heart fills with that momma love.
• it's a part of you that they need, really need. It's a physical connection.
  

NOT loving it because:

• of the look you get after they decide you could be the next best chew toy. (it's a naughty one!)
  
• the hands that are grabbing uncontrollably at whatever is near (read:skin) in excitement and hunger.
• their HOT bodies curled up next to you in 90 degree heat. It's like your very own laptop oven.
• their legs are flailing about a bit harder as they grow.
• it's portable. Which means that anytime and anywhere (bottom of waterfall on the rocks on vacation, middle of restaurant, parking lot of Target, teeball games and countless car trips) you are on call...or at least part of you is.
• it's part of you...that's attached...and not detachable. Of course, with the pump you can get a break, but then how fabulous are you when you get to find a spot to subtlety "milk" yourself with that odd sounding machine attached.
  

All in all, the pros outweigh the cons for me for now. For all the moms out there who went to formula, send me coupons, because we are on the road to cutting back on handing out "boob sandwiches" (as my friend, Steph, affectionately labeled it). With school starting soon, I'll have to cut back on nursing and I'm not up for pumping, huddled in the corner of my classroom again. I know that because this is our last little one these times are precious, but I also know that my "shape" will never be the same (someone REALLY should have forewarned me about that one). I love nursing and, I don't love it, I guess it just depends on the time...and the day...and the place...and the looks...and the feet...and the...........