No matter how you look at it, breastfeeding is the best feeding alternative to keep your child healthy and strong. Breast milk, according to the experts, contains proteins, fats, and antibodies that help protect your child from infection and disease. It also provides your child with enzymes that help with his or her digestion.
Yet no matter how long the list of benefits is, there are still some mothers who can not do it because of time constraints or low milk production. Others combine formula feeding and breast milk. There are no disadvantages to breastfeeding. Rather, there are factors that may prevent some mothers from breastfeeding. Here are several of the Pros and cons of breastfeeding:
PROS:
Breast milk contains antibodies that help babies fight off infections like otitis media and respiratory problems like meningitis and bronchitis. It has been found to reduce the incidence and intensity of atopic diseases. Babies who breastfeed tend to suffer from colds less frequently and have fewer incidents of colic.
Breast milk is free -- you save a lot of money not having to buy formula.
Breastfeeding helps moms lose weight and get back to their pre-pregnancy size.
Breastfeeding lowers the mother's risk of developing pre-menopausal breast and ovarian cancer.
Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.
Breastmilk is convenient and readily available
Babies who breastfeed need to be fed more frequently than those who drink formula.
Breastfeeding can occasionally be painful for the mother. A few women develop wounds and soreness on their nipples due to the baby's strong sucking reflex.
There are times when a mother just doesn't produce enough milk. Some mothers produce less milk than others. This is why there are mothers who opt to combine breast- and formula feeding.
