It is up to you to decide whether or not you breastfeed. This is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Both have their pros and cons.

The issue has become controversial over the years. Parents often feel judged for choosing breast milk to replace bottle-fed formula. Do not let anyone down.

There is no right or wrong choice. It’s just the best choice for you and your child. You’ll need to know all facts before you settle on either one.

You may not know which method you prefer to feed your baby. Read on to find out more.

Breastfeeding

Trusted organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), strongly recommend that infants are exclusively breastfed for at least 6 months. They should continue to breastfeed until solid food is introduced.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding should be continued until 2 years of age. Although it may seem like a long time, there are many good reasons to do so.

Experts agree that breastfeeding is the best option for infants and newborns to receive nutrition and other health benefits. Additional benefits can be derived from breastfeeding within one hour of giving birth, according to Trusted Source.

Pros

Breastfeeding is good both for your health as well as your baby’s. These are just a few of the many benefits that breastfeeding can bring to you and your baby.

Available

The cost of lactation consultants or accessories such as nursing bras is not included in the breastfeeding fee. It can be expensive to purchase bottles, formula, pumps, or other bottle-feeding products.

There is no need to prepare breast milk. It is ready as soon as your baby is ready. Aren’t our bodies beautiful?

Baby Boost

All the nutrients: Breastmilk contains all the nutrients that your baby needs, even in the initial days of colostrum production.

Supports healthy digestion: Breastfed babies are less likelyTrustedSource to experience upset stomach or diarrhea

Protects baby’s immune system. Breast milk protectsTrusted Source from ear infections, pneumonia, and bacterial infections.

Might increase IQ: Breastfed babies, particularly exclusively breastfed, have an IQTrustedSource that is higher than those who were formula-fed.

Prevents SIDS: Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Preemie health benefits: Giving human milk to preterm babies or other medically fragile infants in the neonatal intensive car unit (NICU), lowers the ratesTrusted source of necrotizing enterocolitis, which improves survival chances and reduces the length of NICU stays.

Reduces your risk of other conditions: Breastfeeding can help you avoid conditions such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, and obesityTrustedSource

You are a good person

It aids in recovery: It can speed up the return of your uterus to its pre-pregnancy size.

This may help you lose weight: The extra calories from your body’s milk production can cause weight lossTrusted Source (Though it may not always!)

It can help you retain iron. Breastfeeding prevents your period from returning. This can help to prevent iron deficiency following a birth.

Promots healthy hormones: Your body releases hormones like oxytocin that can help you bond with your child.

You are less likely to get certain diseases.

Reduced risk of depression after birth: A 2012 study showed that breastfeeding for more than four months can have even greater benefitsTrusted Source

Your healthcare provider may recommend that you breastfeed for as long and as comfortable as possible if you decide to do so.

Breastfeeding for longer periods of time is better for both you and your baby.

Cons

Breastfeeding is healthier and better for your baby than you think. However, there are still challenges. With the help of a lactation consultant, perseverance and perseverance, many of these can be overcome.

It doesn’t matter how long it takes to do it right. These are some of the common problems:

It is possible to feel some discomfort during the initial few days or even weeks.

There’s no way to know how much your baby eats.

Watch your caffeine and medication intake. Your milk can pass certain substances into your baby’s body.

Newborns eat often. It can be hard to keep up with a schedule if you have to go back to work or run errands. Pumping is a good option. These are the most common.