Do you really have to breast freed your child?

Question

I heard its best if you do that, but does it really matter?

Answer 1

you should read some breast feeding book.. and you will know why breast feed is the best..

Answer 2

Well it is a personal choice. I am currently breastfeeding my 9 month old. It is a great way to build up your babies immunity! It is beneficial to you as well. You can do some research to find out what is best for you. I strongly suggest trying to breastfeed. You may find it difficult when you first start, but keep it up. Some women exaggerate that breastfed babies don't get sick as much and you loose all your baby weight faster. This is most definitely not always true. I did not breastfeed my first born and she never got an ear infection and did not catch a cold for about 2 years. My second ( now 9 months has gotten 2 colds and a mouth infection as well as asthma and a few other small issues. I also have a much harder time loosing the baby weight this time around. Because of the breastfeeding I seem to always be hungry. I have many other girlfriends that have had or are currently having has the same issues while breastfeeding. I still very much enjoy nursing as it helped me and my baby bond.

Answer 3

No, you don't have to breast feed your child, if you don't chose to.

Breast feeding does have many benefits, however. Among these are that it allows you to pass on immunity and nutriently to your child. You create a bond with your child during nursing time.

Breast milk is also especially designed for your baby. There is the foremilk and the hind milk, the latter of which is more fatty and helps dampen your child's appetite, i.e. fill him or her up! The word is also that your child can taste different foods you eat in breast milk, so you are already introducing them to different foods before they even eat solids!

There are some people that don't find that they can breast feed, and no one should feel guilty for that. I was determined to breastfeed, and it took some time for my body and baby to adjust to it and get used to it, several weeks, in fact. Once we got it, though, breastfeeding is great!

Some people say that breast feeding is time consuming, but I disagree. It's convenient and you don't have to carry around a bunch of bottles, etc. when you go out. Youu just have to find a place to nurse, and I would just get comfy in the car if there was no other place. In addition, instead of heating, preparing and washing the bottles, you get to cuddle and nurse your little baby and spend time with him/her. If you want another family member to feed the baby, then pump the milk and put it in a bottle.

Answer 4

In all honesty I'm not that sure that it is really as important as everyone makes it out to be. I didn't breastfeed my son (now 4) and he was a VERY healthy baby and is a very bright preschooler now. I attempted to breastfeed my daughter (3 months) and it turned out I didn't produce enough milk and she is just as healthy as any other baby. They really make formula so well these days that your baby will have a great start no matter which you choose. I personally wanted to breastfeed my daughter because I wanted the closeness and bond that forms from breastfeeding. However it didn't work out and she is just as attached to me regardless.
It's a personal choice and you shouldn't let anyone pressure you into choosing one way or another. Inform yourself...take breastfeeding classes and that will help you decide if it is for you.

Answer 5

You don't have to, but I strongly recommend it. I breastfed my kids and it was a great experience. A little painful at first, but it was worth it. Breast milk is the healthiest milk you can give a baby. It protects the baby from a lot of illnesses and boosts up his immune system. Plus, it also creates this awesome bond between mother and child that does not exist with anyone else. If you are able, then my recommendation is to breastfeed, even if it's just for a few months.

Another added bonus, you loose the baby weight faster when you breastfeed. Again, it's not for everybody, but if you're able, go for it.

Answer 6

No you don't really have to. They will try to encourage you to breast feed. It is your choice and no matter what anyone says stick to what you want to do. Breast feeding is alot of work. You will need to be there for the child 24/7 unless you plan to pump. (you will have to do that alot too if you have to go back to work or cant be there 24/7) They reason why they say its best is because its natural. Bottle feeding can cause colic and un necessary gas related problems. Again, ether way its your choice and stick to what you want to do. I bottle feed my new son and I really couldn't imagine if that bottle was my boob that's A LOT of feedings. Good luck to you. Whatever you chose is fine!

Answer 7

It is really a personal choice.
I did not with my first child.
Did with the other 2 and I absolutely loved it, I bonded with them. I read quite a bit before I decided to do it, I would suggest you get all the info you can on the pros and cons.
For me:
1. Best for their health - they never spit up or had gas (I watched what I ate)
2. You give them anti bodies to help their immune system.
3. Money saver
and
4. I never had to warm a bottle, just feed them when they needed it.
LOVED IT.

Answer 8

You don't have to. But you should strongly consider it.

Breastfed babies are known to have better immune systems, be thinner adults, and have less gas/ g.i. problems as babies. They are thought to have better eyesight, higher IQs, etc (but come on, how do they prove this?) It's a great bonding activity and is SO much cheaper than formula (which can run as high as $25/week)

Breastfeeding mothers do dramatically cut their chances of having breast-cancer.

Breastfeeding is best but it is a huge commitment. If it's not right for you, you'll hate it or give up. Choose what's best for you.

Answer 9

It is best for a child but most formula fed babies grow up just as well as a breastfed baby. Don't ever let anyone pressure you to do anything you dont want to do. This is a personal choice. I tried breastfeeding but I was so sick after I had my son, by C-section, that I just couldn't do it. I lost a lot of blood and could eat anything. He is 6 months now and perfectly healthy on his formula. Again this is a personal choice only you can make.

Answer 10

While it is true that breast feeding helps pass on immunities for the first twelve months of life, a baby who is formula fed will turn out fine. There are reasons why some women are unable to breast feed and many healthy children were formula fed. I truly believe that there is nothing wrong with formula feeding.

Answer 11

I have twin sons who are 2 1/2 years old currently. I have heard that breastfeeding reduces illnesses in babies but neither of my children were breastfed and they are healthy active little boys who have barely had even a cold in their little lives. I think breastfeeding is a personal choice only the mother can make, and some decided to do it which is awesome, others like myself formula fed our babies. People breastfeed for a lot of different reasons, same as people who bottlefeed with formula. Whatever you decide its your decision and the baby will probably grow up just fine with either choice. Good luck!!