Because Mama Needs A Hobby: Breastfeeding is Like Weight Loss

As someone who has breastfed two children and at one time lost a significant amount of weight, I've come to realize that there are many similarities in the internal process that goes along with breastfeeding and losing weight, and maybe more importantly in the way that many people react to those of us who breastfeed and/or who have lost weight.

It's hard, like really, really hard! And you want to quit... The first few weeks of breastfeeding suck. There, I said it. You have no idea what you're doing, it's painful (even though everyone tells you it's not supposed to be) and you're starving all the time! The first few weeks of ~~dieting~~ "changing your lifestyle" also suck. You're clueless about which approach to take (counting calories, points, carbs, etc), you're sore from exercising, and once again you're starving all the time.

BUT almost overnight, it gets so much easier. You realize that breastfeeding saves time, energy and money- you can just whip out a boob, without getting off your butt and missing one minute of the Kardashians (or whatever your guilty pleaseure may be.) Eating healthier and exercising also get easier as you develop new habits. Your body gets used to the new purpose(s) you've bestowed upon it, and you begin to feel empowered.

You're proud of yourself (or at least you should be). This is a tough one for me, especially with our dependance on social media, because it's hard to show pride without seeming boastful. I'm guilty of posting pro-breastfeeding propoganda all over my facebook page. I realize that it can make some people, who didn't or couldn't breasfeed, feel insecure... but that's not my intent. I'm simply trying to support those who may be struggling and sharing how proud I am of myself (and fellow breastfeeders) for sticking with one of the hardest things I've ever done.

The same goes for weight loss- again I'm guilty of posting pictures of the healthy meals I've made, or "checking in" at Zumba class. I'm not trying to put anyone down for eating a cheeseburger, or skipping the gym... hey, I do these things regularly. I'm proud of the work I'm trying to do and why shouldn't I be? Losing weight the first time was really hard, and losing weight after having two kids has been ten times harder!

Well meaning people can unknowlingly sabotage you. Just one cookie won't hurt... Are you sure he's getting enough milk? ... You're wasting away... I was formula fed, and I turned out fine. Ever heard any of these things? Yeah, me too! While it's true, a cookie won't kill you, and formula isn't poison... that's not the type of support you need when you're working toward a goal that's important to you.

When I made the committment to breastfeed, I was one of the first in my family. My grandmother formula fed six children, so although she offered moral support, she didn't really know anything about breastfeeding or how she could help. An older family member once said to me, "maybe your milk's bad." Had I not been confident in myself and in my decision to breastfeed, it would have been easy for me to give up.

Change makes people freak the fuck out. So if you've always been heavy, always indulged along with your family/friends, and suddenly you're doing things a little differently... people don't quite know what to do. Pushing food, making you feel ok about skipping a workout, or insisting you're "fine just the way you are" can easilly push you back into bad habits. Just like breastfeeding, we need to stay confident in our decision to get healthy.

And now some fun photos. Can you tell I love Halloween?