Breastfeeding or not breastfeeding, that’s the problem! In recent years much has been said about breastfeeding and the same about “formula” breastfeeding. In some situations the answer to this question, however, does not derive from a choice, but from a necessity. Some mothers, in fact, do not produce enough milk to feed their baby adequately and are forced to resort to feeding with artificial products. In all other cases, however, it is possible to choose. For an informed decision, let’s clarify the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding.
Disadvantage: can be annoying and/or painful
In some cases, breastfeeding may be associated with pain in the udder or nipples. This may be indicative of:
- incorrect position of the baby during feeding
- Breast infection
- obstruction of a milk duct.
To relieve pain you can:
- Position the baby so that it attaches to the nipple correctly
- Consult your doctor to evaluate for infections
- perform warm (before feeding) and cold (between feedings) compresses to reduce swelling and inflammation and/or use a breast pump to help unblock the obstructed duct
- use specific creams to relieve nipple pain
A chat with your doctor will undoubtedly clarify your ideas.
Disadvantage: breastfeeding “on demand” can be very tiring for the mother
Since breast milk is more easily digestible, in some cases the baby may require to be fed more frequently than an infant who is bottle-fed. This can be tiring especially for mothers who decide to follow its rhythms, since, especially in the first weeks of life, breastfeeding “on demand” implies attaching the baby to the breast very often, both day and night.
Disadvantage: it reduces estrogen production
During lactation, the female body reduces the production of estrogen, hormones involved, among other things, in vaginal lubrication. This sometimes results in the onset of pain during sexual intercourse. Also in this case, specific creams come to the rescue. Without forgetting that the most effective weapon in these cases is always dialogue with your partner!
Advantage: It’s natural
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things that exist: the woman’s body is “naturally programmed” to produce the right combination of substances necessary for the baby for its proper nutrition in the first months of life.
Benefit: It is healthy and helps the baby’s immune system
Through breast milk, the baby assimilates antibodies and other substances that help his still immature immune system to develop and keep his body healthy and protected from infections.
Advantage: it’s easy and cheap
Breast milk costs nothing, while formula milk is often expensive and can negatively affect the family budget. In addition, the latter must be prepared and heated to the right temperature at each feeding.
Advantage: it is also healthy for mom
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing ovarian or breast cancer and is associated with a lower likelihood of osteoporosis or obesity later in life. In addition, breastfeeding in many cases helps mom lose the weight accumulated during pregnancy faster. A balanced diet and moderate exercise are a great help to achieve this goal faster.
Advantage: protects the baby’s intestines
Breast milk is highly digestible and often helps the baby avoid a whole host of digestive problems, such as diarrhea or intestinal colic, during the first few months of life.
In conclusion, the advantages of breastfeeding certainly outweigh the disadvantages. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to combine breast milk with the intake of formula milk. However, it is essential that the mother decides the type of breastfeeding to offer her baby without being influenced by the opinions of friends or family, and putting her serenity and the well-being of the newborn first. If you have any doubts it is always good to contact your doctor, who can help you find the feeding formula that best suits your needs and those of your child.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.