Some advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding?

Question

trying to decide and looking at both sides of the spectrum, thanks

Answer 1

PROS-Night time feedings are shorter(no bottle to make)
Burn 500 calories a day
Great way to bond with baby
Baby gets your antibodies, therefore healthy immune sys.
It's FREE!
It digests easier than formula (LESS COLIC)
Poo poo doesn't stink until baby starts solids

CONS-Nipples hurt for the first few weeks, then they get tough
Having to pump extra (sometimes it's hard) for bottles in
public(unless you are comfortable with nursing in public)

Answer 2

I honestly wish i could have breastfed. My baby started formula within 5 days of birth and i was extremely let down and felt guilty about the whole process. I was misinformed with false information, was given no support by midwives and was given no techniques of how to breastfeed seeing i had a c section. I gave my baby the first colostrum within the breast and developed continual mastitis for a month after the birth and needed antibiotics.

Breastfeeding for me would have been a wonderful experience. It forms bonding relationships between Mother and child, the first milk has great immunity for the baby so is excellent for their health and there is no danger of overfeeding seeing the baby only will take what he/she wants. Some people will find disadvantages with breastfeeding seeing some find it uncomfortable feeding in public. It can usually be solved tho by having parent rooms. And some women also find it painful or disturbing to feed their child from the breast. I personally advocate breastfeeding. but for many women out there choosing formula. they should always decide with the help of a doctor and a dietician to make sure their baby gets all the nutrients they need.

Answer 3

Some people will try to scare you into breastfeeding. They talk about stats and useless information, but when it all comes down to it, it should be what you want to do. I had no desire to breastfeed. My children have NO allergies, are never sick(both have never had an ear infection until they were much older) are smart, etc. etc. I knew I would be going back to work after they were born and thought they have so many things that they will be adjusting to, I didn't want to have them adjust to a bottle, then formula along with everything else.

I loved being mobile, I didn't have to plan my whole day around when they were going to eat. I could enjoy my babies. I think you still get the bond with your child whether you breastfeed or not. Many mothers get the "I breastfed so I am better than you" syndrome. It's up to you, and don't let anyone make you feel bad if you do not decide to breastfeed. Enjoy your new one, and have fun!

Answer 4

You can read about advantages above, so here are the disadvantages - your breasts will get REALLY sore - I want to scream every time my son latches on. You will spend ALL day breastfeeding {he drinks the bottle in 15 minutes, but he nurses for an hour}. You might have a problem with breastfeeding in public, it is much easier to give a bottle. I am breastfeeding, because formula is expensive and I want to do what is best for my son, but I don't think there is anything wrong with bottle feeding.

Answer 5

advantages:
healthiest start for baby
easy, no mixing or cleaning bottles
unique bond between mother and child
cost nothing
helps get you back to pre-pregnancy shape faster
no need to worry about birth control
my favorite part is at night time just simply feed no hassles

disadvantages:
can hurt at first
feel tied down at times
daddy can't feed, unless you pump

Really the advantages outway the disadvantages. Why not give it a try and see of it is for you. If not switch to formula. Many babies have grown healthy and smart on formula. Good luck!

Answer 6

I actually did both so I will give you both sides
Breastfeeding is free,
it IS best for baby cause it is natural
it gives baby good antibodies needed
gives good bonding time
helps lose the baby weight

I would pump and give it in a bottle while in town for more convienience

My son had to be bottle fed due to me not having ANY milk due to cancer.
I made the best of the time with him to help bond with him

You can make either one work for you, while I was breastfeeding my daughter, like I said I would pump to use bottles while out shopping etc, so I would not have to take time out of mybusy schedule.
I know not everyone is able or even wants to breastfeed and that is ok, it is each persons decision!

Answer 7

Everyone on here is advocating breastfeeding, which is GREAT!....BUT...I breastfed my son until he was only 2 months old. We ran into some health issues, and he had to go onto a lactose free formula and stayed on it until we got him used to drinking cows milk at 11 months.
Almosst EVERYONE I spoke to made me feel guility for not breastfeeding because they didn't know about the health issues he had. And, because of that, I used to worry about his intellect, his brain development, EVERYTHING. I would worry that he is going to be behind in his life, all because I didn't breatsfeed.
BUT, and really THINK about this, back in the, I dunno, I think it was the 40's thru 60's doctors used to tell mothers to give their child 1/2 a can of condensed milk mixed with the same amount of water (that's where the name "formula" came from) for their diet. And, not to be sarcastic, but I really don't think the generations of people that were fed that turned out so horribly. The way a child "turns out" has a lot to do with their food intake for the first 3 years of their life, BUT if u have to formula feed (or, u just want to) DO NOT worry that your child will be "slower" or not as smart, or he won't reach his full potential. What makes a child who he/she is, is not just food. It's environment, love, attention, and many many other factors.
Good Luck!

Answer 8

I am breastfeeding now......without a pump, just the ol' natural way. I love it, i just like the thought of not having to fix bottles and my baby is getting the best nutrients. Only thing that matters is whats best for my baby and thats my breast milk. At first breastfeeding really hurt once my baby learned to latch on to my breast. I actually had blisters on my nipples from her sucking so hard and of course my breast had to get use to the sucking but after enduring about 2 painful days of breastfeeding everything was ok and whenever she gets hungry, i'll just feed her! I LOVE MY BABY!

Answer 9

The advantages--it helps you lose the weight faster, it helps build the baby's immune system and you have a chance to bond with the baby.

The disadvantages--if you go too long with out either nursing or pumping it hurts, unless you pump you're the only one that can feed the baby.

Answer 10

I think that breastfeeding is the way to go the baby will be healthy and its good for them and i hear that you lose weight when you breastfeed. The bad thing is getting the baby off it and when you need to go out for more then 2hours it will be hard.