Deciding whether or not to breastfeed your baby is an important decision. The choice
you make will affect you and your baby. Before you decide, take a look at the pros
and cons of breastfeeding.
Pros of Breastfeeding.
- While you are breastfeeding you burn an extra 500 calories a day. So you can quickly
lose your pregnancy weight.
- You can fall asleep while your baby is breastfeeding, if you breastfeed in the sleeping
position.
- Its much easier than making a formula bottle in the middle of the night.
- Breastfeeding may stop your menstrual cycle from returning so soon.
- Its free!
- Your baby's poop doesn't smell.
- Breastfeeding creates a bond between you and your baby.
- It helps to protect you from some breast and ovarian cancers.
- It helps your baby's brain develop. Some studies show that breastfed babies have
a higher IQ.
- Your baby will cry less and have less colic.
- Breast milk is much easier for your baby to digest than formula.
Cons of Breastfeeding.
- When you go back to work, finding time to pump is difficult. It is especially difficult
if you have a boss that doesn't understand the importance of breastfeeding.
- You may feel tired more often because of the extra calories burned while producing
milk
- Your nipples may get sore from your baby attempting to latch.
- You may feel stressed or depressed if your baby doesn't latch correctly.
- If your breast get too full with milk, they will leak. It can also be painful.
My Opinion and Experience.
I am a breastfeeding advocate. I breastfed both of my children until they were on
whole milk. In my opinion, breastfeeding is much easier and cheaper than the alternative.
I had some problems at my job because they do not have a place to pump, but I was
able to pump in the large stall in the bathroom. I then store the milk in the refridgerator
until I get home. It still saves me tons of money and its worth it, even with the
minor inconviences.
