The number of women breastfeeding in the US is beginning to rise. As more information becomes available, it is easier for moms to decide if they’d rather nurse their baby. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding. Is breastfeeding right for you?
Advantages
10 Things You Should Know About Breastfeeding #1: Antibodies
Breast milk provides antibodies that boost the immune system. This leads to decreased viral and bacterial infections in babies.
10 Things You Should Know About Breastfeeding #2: Reduced Risk of SIDS
Bottle fed babies usually fall into a deep sleep, producing dreams. The dreams can start around the early morning, when infants are most likely to surrender to SIDS. Breastfed babies wake up more often, decreasing the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The studies were done on newborns to three month old babies.
10 Things You Should Know About Breastfeeding #3: Healthier Moms
Studies show that nursing your baby can reduce the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Don’t forget that it also helps moms lose weight!
10 Things You Should Know About Breastfeeding #4: Cheaper
This states the obvious. On average, it will cost a little over $100 per month to bottle feed your baby.
10 Things You Should Know About Breastfeeding #5: No Menstruation
Most women do not get their period while nursing. What can beat that?
Disadvantages
10 Things You Should Know About Breastfeeding #6: It Can Hurt
This is especially true for first time moms. If nursing continues to feel extremely uncomfortable, it may mean improper attachment. Bleeding may occur if your baby’s teeth come through early. There are ways to get around that, but it is a true test of will power.
10 Things You Should Know About Breastfeeding #7: Pins N’ Needles
When feeding time rolls around your breasts will take on that pins and needles feeling. It’s uncomfortable at first, but you get used to it.
10 Things You Should Know About Breastfeeding #8: Engorgement
Unfortunately if you haven’t nursed or pumped in a few hours, your breasts will become enlarged and swollen. It is not a pleasant feeling. This usually occurs when you are trying to wean your baby.
10 Things You Should Know About Breastfeeding #9: No Sleep
Again, breast fed babies are lighter sleepers. For the first few weeks you’ll be woken up every two to three hours for a feeding. It can take between 15 and 30 minutes on each breast to feed. This doesn’t leave a lot of time for sleep.
10 Things You Should Know About Breastfeeding #10: Ruined Shirts
First you feel the tingle in your breast, and then you feel the wetness on your shirt. Sometimes you just can’t get to a feeding on time. Though embarrassing, there are insertable pads to keep this from happening.
Mother – infant bonding is what comes to mind when we think of breastfeeding. However, it is just as easy for moms who bottle feed to have this bond, too. Infants just want the comfort of knowing they are loved.
