Back to the future and the sushi comparison

That's what it's going to feel like once Sam is weaned and our breastfeeding relationship is over. Soon my body will hopefully go back to what it was like pre-pregnancy. It's interesting what life would be like then. How my life will change once I am no longer nursing Sam. It comes with lots of perks, although there are definitely some un-fun parts to it too. When I asked some friends what they look forward to once they stop nursing, they answered:

• Mindy: "Being able to leave my baby with relatives so we can finally go on vacation."
• Basya: "Not pumping, and cleaning the pump especially."
• Rikki: "Freedom to be on my own time, not having to be tied down to the pump, going shopping or to weddings calmly. I also look forward to going on a diet cuz I can't diet when my body has to produce milk."
• P.K.: "not pumping at work in this 2 x 2 bathroom!"

It's interesting to see the responses. They all boil down to freedom, more or less. Suddenly you're not tied down to feeding times and pumping (if applicable). You can do your own thing and give your baby real food and regular milk. 

I thought of a different aspect. A nursing mother's libido can be compared to eating sushi. Everyone you talk to is obsessed with sushi. It's such a delicacy. Regular pizza shops and take-out place boast sushi bars of late because of its popularity. Now, even if you're not particularly in the mood of sushi, you might want to taste some if others around you are indulging, simply because you know it's gotta be good if everyone likes it. Right?

During breastfeeding, the body produces oxytocin, a hormone that's responsible for providing milk for your baby. Oxytocin is great and all but comes with a downside: it suppresses libido, probably because we are supposed to be taking care of our babies and they are our primary need. A husband can wait, a hungry baby can't. So it's common for a nursing mother to be totally not in the mood. But like sushi, she knows sex is great so she does it occasionally. Even if she's not in the mood. That's tough.

So I'm looking forward to the day when my desire comes back with a vigor!

In general, it'll be great to have my normal hormones back so I know what's happening when. Not like now when my period can come back any day, without announcing herself. Or having my milk drop for no other reason than a wonky hormonal imbalance.

Some folks report their desire being even stronger while nursing! To each her own, I guess.