Every mother is faced with the decision of how she should feed her newborn. Many mothers are unaware of the numerous benefits of breastfeeding to both their baby and themselves; they immediately overlook it as an option and turn to formula as the form of nutrition for their little one. This is not to say that babies who are fed formula will not thrive, but that breastmilk is the best choice for both mother and baby; it has the added benefits of being tailored to specifically what each baby needs and therefore helps throughout life.
The first thing that should be taken into consideration by a parent when trying to decide what to feed their infant is the composition of the food. The overall composition of breastmilk is substantially better than that of formula. For instance; Leukocytes are live cells that are found in breast milk. These cells help to build the immune system and help to fight infection, it is impossible to replicate their benefit in any other feeding method. Also, the composition of breastmilk changes over time depending on the age and needs of each baby (Dummies.com, 2011). Colostrum, or the first milk, has a larger amount of antibodies than regular milk. The mother’s regular milk develops at about five days after delivery and the composition of her milk will continue to change throughout toddlerhood depending on the needs of her baby (La Leche League International, 2007). The next thing that a parent should consider is how the food will affect her baby; breastmilk is gentler on a baby because it is made specifically for your baby. Proteins in breastmilk are more easily digested than those in formula or cow’s milk. The nutrients such as calcium and iron are also more easily digested when they are in breastmilk as compared to formula. Furthermore, the motion that is used to nurse is different than that used to drink from a bottle. Less air is taken in during nursing, less air in the baby’s stomach means less chance for stomach aches and reduced colic. With benefits this great it wouldn’t make since to choose another feeding method for your baby. But the benefits of breastfeeding don’t stop with baby, there are more benefits that are not directly related to your little one.
A parent should also consider how the method of feeding she chooses for her baby will affect her. Formula has no physical benefits to the mother which makes breastfeeding a far better choice when you consider the numerous benefits it has for each woman who makes the decision to do so. When a woman is lactating her estrogen levels are lowered, it is believed that the less estrogen available to stimulate the lining of the uterus, ovaries and breast, the lower the chances are of the woman developing cancer in these tissues. It is proven that breastfeeding can reduce a mothers risk for breast cancer by as much as 25%. This reduction in risk is measured in proportion to cumulative lifetime duration of breastfeeding, so the longer a woman breastfeeds the lower her risk becomes (Dr. Sears, 2011). Other health benefits include significant reduction in overall circumference and fat loss by one month postpartum vs. mothers who chose formula feeding. Breastfeeding mothers showed an overall faster return to their pre-pregnancy weight. Breastfeeding also has an immediate helpful effect on the mother. Nursing shortly after delivery helps the uterus to retract to its normal position and to slow bleeding (vaginal birth), thus making recovery easier on mom! Breastfeeding has not only been proven to have physical benefits but also emotional benefits. Studies show that breastfeeding mothers show less postpartum depression and anxiety than formula feeding mothers(Dr. Sears,2011). Most mothers who breastfeed also say that they feel a strong bond with their child which they are sure that had they chosen an alternate feeding method they would not have felt.
Another great reason for choosing to breastfeed your baby is convenience. Cost is a major factor in formula feeding. It costs an average of $1,733.75, just in the first year of formula feeding (Hamm, 2007). The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates the amount of savings for parents who chose breastfeeding to be the majority of this amount, even after taking in the slight increase in the mothers appetite and the cost of the average breast pump which is about $200. Breastfeeding, also provides all around convenience. With nothing to mix or prepare you don’t have to worry when you go out because breastfeeding can be discreetly done anywhere. There is nothing to heat, or to cool if the milk gets too hot, and there is no worry of the milk spoiling. You never have to worry with lugging around or washing bottles. While breastfeeding does require a large commitment from the mother because she always has to be near, it does allow some extra freedom for the father. It’s my opinion that this extra commitment from the mother is what creates the stronger emotional bond that most mothers say they feel.
Other than the most widely known benefits there are some additional benefits to the baby which he or she wouldn’t get from a different feeding method. The mothers body can actually detect a virus through the saliva of the baby and will start to produce extra antibodies which will help the baby to get over his illness faster(La Leche League International, 2007). Breastfeeding your baby while he is sick will help to keep him hydrated. Also the faster absorption of nutrients through breastmilk is beneficial to a sick baby. The added comfort of nursing can be helpful in calming a baby who doesn’t feel well. Breastfeeding is not only beneficial in the short term but it also continues to help throughout life. Children who were breastfed have reduced risk of health problems later in life such as, juvenile diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and the development of cancer before age 15 (American Pregnancy Association, 2011). Those who were breastfed longer also show less dental cavities throughout life. And finally there is evidence to show that breastfed children show less psychological, behavioral and learning problems as they grow older.
With the numerous health and emotional benefits that breastfeeding provides to both mother and baby it should be the first choice for every parent! The advantages of breastfeeding will not only help your child in the short term but its advantages are proven to last a lifetime. It just might just be the best gift you ever give your baby that he’ll never say “thank you” for!