New moms have an awesome responsibility to care for their newborn babies. Among all the decisions they have to make, choosing how to feed their infant is one of the most important.
Pros of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding poses numerous health benefits to babies. Breastmilk contains just the right combination of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids for brain growth and development. Breastmilk contains ingredients that infant formulas have not yet been able to replicate.
- Ruth Lawrence, M.D., spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), says that “breastfed babies are healthier and have fewer infections than formula-fed babies.” Breastfeeding mothers transmit their antibodies to their infants, protecting them from both common colds and severe illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis, and staph infections.
- According to the AAP and the CDC (Center for Disease Control), breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses, allergies, asthma, eczema, and childhood diabetes. They are also decreased risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome.)
- In 1995, the Journal of Pediatrics reported a 19% lower incidence in ear infections and a 50% lower incidence in diarrhea and constipation for babies who are breastfed.
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found in a study of 7,000 infants that breastfed babies have an average IQ that is 5.2 points higher than formula-fed babies.
Breastfeeding also poses benefits to mothers. Mothers who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy state sooner. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which promotes contractions that shrink the uterus back to normal size and control postpartum bleeding. Nursing also forces new moms to take a break every few hours during the first few weeks postpartum, speeding the recovery process.
- Dr. William Sears, resident pediatrician for Parenting.com, says that women who breastfeed reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 25 percent. He adds that the longer a woman breastfeeds over her lifetime, the lower her risk. Breastfeeding moms are also at reduced risk for ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers.
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says that breastfeeding promotes weight loss. Nursing burns an average of 500 calories per day, helping mothers to shed their baby weight quicker.
Breastfeeding is free. You may incur extra expenses for nursing bras and pads, but those costs are negligible when you contrast them with the $1,200 cost of a year’s supply of formula, as estimated by the AAP.
Breastfeeding gives moms peace of mind. It’s comforting to know that breastmilk goes wherever you and your baby go. It’s always available, sterile, and just the right temperature. All a breastfed baby really needs is mom and a diaper, which makes packing a diaper bag easier for mom. Nursing also eliminates the stressor of listening to a baby scream in the middle of the night while a bottle is warming up.
Breastfeeding gives moms and babies an opportunity to bond. Newborns nurse an average of seven hours per day. Formula-feeding moms are more likely to prop a bottle in their baby’s mouth, but a breastfeeding mom must take the time out to cuddle her infant several times per day. Close human contact during feeding is essential for an infant’s mental, social, and visual development. Nursing mothers also get the satisfaction of knowing that their body has provided everything necessary for their baby’s amazing growth.
Cons of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be painful. In the early weeks, breastfeeding mothers suffer from cracked and sore nipples as well as stronger uterine contractions while nursing. They also experience more intense feelings of engorgement. Breastfeeding women, especially ones that are breastfeeding for the first time, are vulnerable to clogged milk ducts and mastitis.
Breastfeeding is sometimes difficult. Despite being a natural process, breastfeeding can take a lot of practice for both mom and baby. Learning to nurse properly can be frustrating and worrisome at times. Nursing in public can also be embarrassing or uncomfortable for some women.
Breastfeeding affects a woman’s lifestyle. Nursing mothers need to pay attention to their clothes and wear nursing-friendly outfits until their child is weaned. Also, they have to plan to be around whenever the baby gets hungry. Of course, using a breast pump is always an option that allows a baby to get the benefits of breastmilk even when mom isn’t there.
If You’re Still Undecided
Even if you aren’t sure yet, resolve to give breastfeeding a try. Babies get substantial antibody advantages from being breastfed for even the first few days of life. Nursing moms can change their minds at any time and switch to formula, or perhaps a combination of formula and breastmilk. Even working mothers can continue nursing with a breast pump.
The most important thing you can do to make your decision is talk to women who have breastfed or tried breastfeeding before. If you decide to give nursing a try, lactation consultants in the hospital stand ready to help and offer breastfeeding advice and support after you give birth.
If You Decide to Formula Feed
Nursing is ideal, but it just isn’t an option for everyone. If you decide on formula, be prepared to cope with the downsides. Formula is expensive. Diapers and spit-up of formula-fed babies smell worse, and formula spit-up stains clothes. Mixing up all those bottles and washing them afterward is time-consuming, and baby’s rigorous feeding schedule will still feel demanding no matter how you choose to feed. Formula feeding requires more advance planning, since you’ll need to have a ready source of warm water or someplace to heat up a bottle wherever you go. Statistics also show that formula fed babies are more likely to be overfed and overweight.
All accredited health organizations, including the AAP and WHO (World Health Organization), recommend breastmilk for babies. Nursing is best for mothers and babies, so you owe it to both of you to at least give it a try.
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