When my son was born last year I was equally torn about whether or not to breastfeed. I talked with my family about it, and I decided to give it a go. Once I decided to, I was stubborn about it, and refused to give up. It was not easy, and the first few months were tough to get through. My son was an angel, and he slept through the night by 3 weeks, but what feels like CONSTANT sucking does cause toe-curling pain until calluses develope. I knew that he was properly latched on, but more than once I thought I wasn't producing enough, but I was wrong. My son is thriving. He is 8 months old now, and weighs in at 22 lbs. He's never been sick, not once, he didn't spit up as a newborn, his diapers were easier to change then a formula fed baby's, I never had to worry about what I was feeding him (what was in it...the formula being recalled due to possible toxins...), and the gradual change from breastmilk to solid food is easy. He accepts new tastes and flavors readily. I also discovered that breastfeeding is not just about nutrition for the baby. I have a bond with my son that cannot be rivaled by anything else I have felt before, or ever will again, I'm sure. After the first few months, I began to enjoy breastfeeding, and now, I wouldn't have it any other way. I have a pump, but I only used it once or twice, he never took a bottle and uses a sippy cup for his juice now. It interfers with my freedom, but not much more than being a mom does anyway. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, and neither would he. If you are worried about dignity, forget that! You gave that up when you got pregnant! It is the most natural thing in the world, and I am almost sad that mine is beginning to wean himself already.