Having a baby, and haven't decided what you are going to do about feeding? Here are 5 reasons why you should make breastfeeding your first choice.
1.
Breastfeeding is nutritionally superior to formula.
Often formula companies advertise a new nutrient that they are introducing to their product.
How do they decide to add this nutrient? The answer is invariably that studies have shown that it is an essential nutrient that is present in breast milk.
If you are worried that your own diet won't produce good milk, fear no more: studies show that except in cases of genuine malnourishment, the nutrient content of breastmilk remains very consistent (but don't take this as carte blanche to eat as much junk food as you want - you should be eating healthy for your own sake!).
2.
Breastfeeding contains antibodies that protect against illness.
Babies are born with immature immune systems.
They rely on their mothers' milk for the antibodies they need to fight off infections.
Breastfed babies tend to get sick less often.
The bottom line is that breastfeeding means fewer trips to the doctor's office.
3.
Breastfeeding is convenient.
The milk is ready as soon as your baby asks for it.
No need to struggle with an increasingly frantic infant as you measure the formula, boil the water, and wait for it to reach the right temperature.
No need to bring cans and bottles with you everywhere you go and worry about how long they will keep.
It is easy to nurse discreetly almost anywhere.
And breastfeeding produces less waste too.
4.
Breastfeeding promotes mother/child bonding.
Every time your baby suckles, he stimulates the release of prolactin in your body.
Prolactin is called the "mothering" hormone because it actually makes you feel good while snuggling your baby, similar to the way endorphins make you feel good when you exercise.
The release of prolactin may be one reason why mothers who breastfeed have a lower incidence of postpartum depression.
5.
Breastfeeding is free.
People often complain about how expensive it is to have kids.
If you breastfeed, you are probably saving yourself over a thousand dollars - even if you buy a high grade pump to take to work when your maternity leave ends.
Breastfeeding is the way Mother Nature intended us to nourish our babies.
Yes, it is possible nowadays to substitute with alternatives that are adequate, but why choose a product that is nutritionally inferior, less convenient, and more expensive?
1.
Breastfeeding is nutritionally superior to formula.
Often formula companies advertise a new nutrient that they are introducing to their product.
How do they decide to add this nutrient? The answer is invariably that studies have shown that it is an essential nutrient that is present in breast milk.
If you are worried that your own diet won't produce good milk, fear no more: studies show that except in cases of genuine malnourishment, the nutrient content of breastmilk remains very consistent (but don't take this as carte blanche to eat as much junk food as you want - you should be eating healthy for your own sake!).
2.
Breastfeeding contains antibodies that protect against illness.
Babies are born with immature immune systems.
They rely on their mothers' milk for the antibodies they need to fight off infections.
Breastfed babies tend to get sick less often.
The bottom line is that breastfeeding means fewer trips to the doctor's office.
3.
Breastfeeding is convenient.
The milk is ready as soon as your baby asks for it.
No need to struggle with an increasingly frantic infant as you measure the formula, boil the water, and wait for it to reach the right temperature.
No need to bring cans and bottles with you everywhere you go and worry about how long they will keep.
It is easy to nurse discreetly almost anywhere.
And breastfeeding produces less waste too.
4.
Breastfeeding promotes mother/child bonding.
Every time your baby suckles, he stimulates the release of prolactin in your body.
Prolactin is called the "mothering" hormone because it actually makes you feel good while snuggling your baby, similar to the way endorphins make you feel good when you exercise.
The release of prolactin may be one reason why mothers who breastfeed have a lower incidence of postpartum depression.
5.
Breastfeeding is free.
People often complain about how expensive it is to have kids.
If you breastfeed, you are probably saving yourself over a thousand dollars - even if you buy a high grade pump to take to work when your maternity leave ends.
Breastfeeding is the way Mother Nature intended us to nourish our babies.
Yes, it is possible nowadays to substitute with alternatives that are adequate, but why choose a product that is nutritionally inferior, less convenient, and more expensive?