Science shows that breastfeeding is significantly better for babies, especially in the first 6 months because it provides antibodies that formula cannot. In addition to that, however, there are many benefits for the mother. For one, having the baby nurse immediately after birth helps your body to finish expelling the placenta and triggers the uterus to start tightening up and getting itself back into shape. Continuing to breastfeed for several months burns lots of calories and helps you to lose your pregnancy weight. It works very very well for weight loss, and lets you still eat all you want. The other benefit that I have found as a mother is that breast feeding is so much easier than preparing bottles. In the middle of the night, I was able to just put the baby beside me and allow her to nurse instead of having to prepare bottles. When I took the baby out of the house I never had to make sure I had bottles with me, or worry about finding a place to heat them up.

I know that if you have never been around someone who has breastfed that it may seem really weird to think of breastfeeding in a public place, but once you and the baby have gotten used to the process you can usually feed without anyone noticing. Most people who have seen me, simply thought the baby was sleeping against my chest. It really wasn't hard to do it with modesty and without flashing the world :-)

And on top of all that, there is a nice bonding that happens when you breastfeed a child. There is just something beautiful about it.

I hope this helps. Good luck with your pregnancy.