PERSONAL: How Come I Feel Fatter Than Five Months Ago?

I have to say to all those moms considering breastfeeding, do it. Even if it sucks big time (it did for me anyway), it's not only the best thing for your baby's health, but it's also the best thing that could happen to your waistline. I judge no one for not doing it, because like I said before, it totally sucked for me and was a SUPER inconvenience, BUT if you need another reason to do it, here is one--big time weight loss.

Many women hear that breastfeeding burns 500 calories a day, but many won't see the actual results of this until a few months after having their baby; so many may not believe it. It's freaggin' true my dears.

Seven months after having Angie I was needing a belt to fit my pre-pregnancy pants up above my super tiny bootie. I had the biggest ta-tas I'd ever had in my life and maybe not the tiniest waistline but it didn't matter because my tatas were so big my shirts never touched any part of my belly. My thighs, however, were smaller than they've been since I was about 23. Nice!

Now my daughter is a year old, I'm swimming at the YMCA at least twice a week, working out in my home-gym at least once a week and taking walks etc...like crazy and yet I think I'm fatter somehow. Let's just say there is definitely no need for a belt anymore. Why? Because I stopped breastfeeding when Angie was about seven/eight months old, that's why.

To my own fairness, like I said a million times, it was terrible for me, so lasting that long is like a medal of honor really (and the only reason I really stopped was because I couldn't get her to stop biting my nipples once she got teeth). But I would love another plan that involves burning 500 calories without breaking a sweat! :) I wonder if anyone has just continued pumping after their kid stopped feeding to keep losing weight? Would be extreme but I could see it happening!

NEWS: Breastfeeding Linked to Lower Risk of SIDS

As if you moms needed another reason to breastfeed, here's yet another benefit of giving babies the boob over a bottle at first--a possible lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome--the most common cause of death for infants, about 8.1 percent of all infant deaths, in 2006 according to the American Lung Association.

Breastfeeding has been linked to babies having better immune systems, less gas, linked to a lower rate of diabetes and a host of other diseases as well as possible higher IQs.

In this study from one of my alma maters, The University of Virginia, the researchers combined data from 18 studies asking mothers about SIDS and feeding methods. Those babies breastfed appeared to have a 60 percent lower chance of SIDS than those babies not breastfed. The study was published in the journal Pediatrics on June 13, 2011.

The researchers did note they needed more data to link the two conclusively. Read the abstract on the study here.

PERSONAL: Ode to My Boobies

Oh full and perky tatas that once looked toward the sky
As if smiling back at the sunshine beating down on them
Perfect and small, you were well-loved.
How large you both grew when my womb swelled
Outstretching my shirts and sending me to the lingerie store monthly.
For months you ached and leaked as you did your job
And fed my newborn baby.
Strangers saluted you as I walked down the street,
Or just gave a knowing smile in your direction.
Now you are both sullen,
Tiny, shriveled and desperate for the attention you once had
You sit staring straight ahead,
As if beckoning those who pass by to just take a glance
Just one quick glance.

I want to warn all those mothers out there breastfeeding or whom plan to, your boobies may take a hit, big time. My raisins otherwise known as my breasts salute you for your self-sacrifice and stand (barely) as a warning to what can happen after your done--total annihilation.