arcadia- I was only just discussing this at my mums group today, purely because my SIL is PG and has announced that she WILL NOT be BFing her baby....
I dont want to start a for/against thing, its just that she isnt even prepared to contemplate the possiblity....I dont get it and am actually saddened that she will miss out on one of the most pleasurable bonding experiences (in my experience anyway, I do understand this isnt always the case!) also, the baby will be in its own cot in its own room from day one. I just shook my head at that one and told her the SIDS reccomendations...
anyway... (rant over!)

its funny that perception of "getting your body/life back" thing isnt it? I have had quite a few comments from people about DS still BFing and that one I hear the most.."dont you want your body back??" its still my body! I do actually enjoy BFing (99% of the time) and yes it is a sensual, close, loving, nurturing thing, that im incredibly proud of doing, especially during the first 6 months when the baby is nourished purely on ones own milk, to sit back and look at said child and marvel, wow, I did this!! not only did I grow this miraculos being inside me, I now have kept s/he alive with my body!

To be honest I am still shocked every time I look in a mirror and catch the reflections of my once slim, toned waist and belly, those days are looong gone. I now carry the unmistakeable markings of a woman who has borne a child, stretchmarks, hanging, loose skin,a c section scar, pendulous, milk filled breasts etc..it shocks me,im sure this because I spent the first 28 years of my life NOT looking like this, but doesnt sadden me, because I have love, my childs smiles, cuddles and kisses, I have him snuggled close to me at night and whacking me on the head (usually with the remote control) in the morning to wake me up.

sorry bit of a ramble there...lost my way a bit..might come back after more postings!