Why would anyone really want to breastfeed?

I have been asked many questions about breastfeeding as I have been exclusively nursing Jackson. What is so enjoyable about having a child attached to your breast for literally hours out of the day and who enjoys having nipples sore enough to scream *#@&%? Who on earth likes to torture themselves pumping every few hours to keep up with a growing bambino and just when you think you have finally caught up with the little monster, he goes through another growth spurt OR if you are like me, for some strange reason your body is ever so slightly confused and thinks you are feeding quads and finally after months of pumping and about another million tricks, your body now thinks now you are only feeding twins! Why is that I like many other mothers put myself through the “torture” of breastfeeding and for how long? Would you believe me if I said I actually enjoy breastfeeding my baby?

They don’t call breastmilk “liquid gold” for nothing. The American Academy of Pediatrics even recommends “exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continuation of breastfeeding for at leave 12 months and thereafter to achieve optimal growth, development and health.” It gives babies super immunities – for real! I breastfed Addy for 18 months and she only had 1 cold during this time – not one ear infection – no antibiotics = proof. We have all been sick this winter but Jackson has not! Breastmilk is much easier to digest for babies little tummies providing perfect nutrition. And I absolutely love the closeness and bonding that my baby and I have during this quiet time.I also have to mention that breastfeeding is not too bad for Mom either…It is free (saves of average $1,700), it burns a lot of calories, no bottles to mess with - yes I am lazy! My list of benefits could probably go on and on. So, when will I stop breastfeeding Jackson...no, you probably wont be seeing me nurse him until he is 3 but I will nurse him for at least 1 year and/or until he gives it up himself.