or whose man is resentful of her naturally maturing (read sagging!) shape.
   Even though a woman may enjoy being half-naked in her own garden or parading as a topless swimmer on a public beach, there can sometimes be an element of embarrassment when exposing a breast for baby feeding in the non-domestic situation. As we know, the most socially acceptable breast is the "virgin" breast, the firm and buoyant sexual playthings, which we constantly see on display in advertising, and which most liberals are happy to be confronted with. But for some (both men and women), the lactating breast is not considered suitable for even partial public display. Such inhibitions may turn a woman away from breastfeeding, firstly due to the embarrassment factor, but also in the hope that by not encouraging lactation, her breasts will return to their former, "more acceptable" size and shape much sooner.
   Some women worry that a baby tugging on their nipples 4 - 8 times a day will disturb the pleasure of their lovemaking - and it is true to say that from time to time it may. But you might also be surprised at the new pleasures it brings. Many women admit to experiencing sexual feelings or fantasies when breastfeeding, and if this occurs, you should never feel guilty or repressive of them, but be able to enjoy them as you relax and share those private times with your baby. A lot of men greatly enjoy the mature, milk-laden fertility of their lovers, so don't always imagine that your pre-maternal breasts need be the only ones he will admire and enjoy.
   Most breastfeeding women joke about the constantly untucked state of their clothes and the damp feeling in their shirts! This is also another area of letting go - learning that appearances frequently take a second seat to the expediencies of mothering!
   Such changes in self image and body function are all just part of growing into motherhood. Sexual inhibitions, above or below the waist, can lead to all kinds of conception, pregnancy, birthing and motherhood problems. The attribute of being able to let go, of non-attachment, of growing out of juvenile or repressive ways of thinking and being, is a significant benefit that yoga and meditation practice can bring to a new mother. More than just hoping - "I guess I'll grow up as I learn to mother", yoga can be used pro-actively to help a woman move forward in herself easily, naturally and without embarrassment, fears, or mothering difficulties.

	~The Benefits of Breastfeeding~

Benefits For Baby
·   Breast milk is specifically designed by your body for the particular needs of your baby at any given point in time. Without any efforts on your part, its composition is constantly changing in response to the baby's growth and his changing environment. Especially important is the period a few days after a baby's birth. Breast milk contains many essential nutrients unavailable from any other source. On top of the basic proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, it contains some 130 oligosaccharides - essential compo-nents for cell growth and supply of energy. It also includes massive quantities of Omega 3, - an animal fat considered essential for proper brain growth and early development. Formula makers are yet to work out how to replicate many of these things, or even how to add the correct levels of them into formula milk. Breast milk includes the mother's antibodies which are unique to her own and the baby's environment, genes, blood types. These provide daily, ongoing immunisation - unlike the periodic kinds of "shots" given according to medical schedules.
·   There is a natural supply and demand mechanism such that the baby's changing needs are met bio-logically rather than mother-logically. This inbuilt system saves you a lot of the worry of thinking how much your baby should have.
·   Breast milk is the best and only way of sharing the identical diet a mother is having, so that a child grows up with tastes and food appreciation similar to their own family as well as appropriate to their surrounding environment.
·   Breast milk has been shown to provide the best protection against allergies, including lactose intolerance. Previously, soy bean formulas have been recommended for babies with such intolerances, but new evidence suggests that these are in fact no better than milk-based formulas in the management of allergies. But beyond both these options, extended breastfeed-ing and delayed introduction to solid foods has been shown to greatly reduce allergies.
·   The muscular action of breastfeeding helps the correct development of jaw and facial structure. A baby's head and face are not a fixed shape until about the age of 18 months when the fontanelle closes over, indicating that the skull has hardened. The effort required by the jaws