Whatever your thoughts or experiences are of breastfeeding there is certainly a bit of media frenzy over Time’s magazines interpretation of a mum breastfeeding a child.
Personally I think the storm in a tea-cup is more about the picture than whether or not you should breastfeed and how long it should be for. After all every baby / child is different and apart from whether your boobs are up to it, lifestyle is the key factor.
For those of you who have not seen This Mornings Interview on this take a look here.
This Morning Breastfeeding Debate
And for those of you who are thinking about breastfeeding, have in the past, or just did not get on with breastfeeding here is a reminder in the real world of the pros and cons of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding
Pros:
- Experts have asserted that there are nutritional and immune system benefits to breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding is cost-effective because your body supplies the milk for the baby.
- Many mothers love the intimacy of feeding their baby in such a personal way.
- With no bottles to wash and sterilize, breastfeeding can be a time saver as well.
- Breastfeeding has been linked to easier weight loss after birth.
Cons:
- Only mum can feed the child unless she expresses her breasts and prepares a bottle.
- Pumping and storing breast milk can be challenging for a working mum.
- Some women have trouble getting into a routine and allowing their milk to regulate.
- Chapped or sore nipples can accompany breastfeeding.
- Mum needs to watch her diet.
- Feeding your baby in public can be tricky and some mums have been challenged for it.
Bottle Feeding
Pros:
- Dad and Grandma can feed the baby.
- Formula has been studied and approved by the FDA and is guaranteed to have nutrients and vitamins for the baby.
- Ready-made, concentrate and powder versions are available for your convenience.
- You can feed the baby anywhere without much of an issue.
Cons:
Formula can be expensive.
- Bottles need to be sterilized and prepared.
- Formula can be harder to digest and may lead to constipation.
- Babies are more likely to experience reflux and gas with formula.
Experts agree that while formula will provide your baby with everything necessary to thrive, breast milk is still the best choice.
If breastfeeding is not for you, and it certainly does not work for everybody, rest assured that your baby will do just fine on formula.
Don’t get caught up in the social pressure to conform to what another mother, or group of mothers, wants you to do. This is your baby and these are your choices.
Be confident in your choices for your child. This will not be the last time you will endure social pressures to conform with what another mother, or mothers wants you to do, whether it is breast or bottle.
You really don’t have to explain it or get permission from anyone else. Enjoy feeding your baby and use this as a time to bond however you decide to feed your baby – and for how long.
Help for Busy Mums recommends the lovely organic Neal’s Yard Range of mother and baby products to protect and care for your baby. Visit Organic mother and baby care products for more information or order.
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