<b>Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding</b>

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Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding

The Best Baby Food

As you already know, breast milk is the best possible food for any baby. Its main ingredients are sugar (lactose), easily digestible protein (whey and casein) and fat (digestible fatty acids) all of which are properly balanced to suit your baby and protect him against conditions like ear infections, allergies, vomiting and wheezing among others. In addition to this, breast milk has numerous minerals and vitamins. Formulas only approximate this combination of nutrients and don’t provide the enzymes, antibodies or some other the other vital ingredients found in breast milk.

Practical Benefits

Breastfeeding your baby can be economical for you. It also does not require any preparation and can be instantly fed to your baby wherever he needs a feed unlike formula preparation that takes time and effort. This is also a great way for the Yummy Mummy to get back into shaper after giving birth by using up about 500 calories a day.

Emotional Benefits

The psychological and emotional benefits of breastfeeding are just as compelling for both mother and baby as the physical benefits. It provides both direct skin-to-skin contact which is soothing for your baby and a great way for you both to bond. The same hormones that stimulate milk production can also promote the feelings that enhance mothering. This experience of breastfeeding makes mothers feel more attached and protective of their little ones.

Some Disadvantages

When breastfeeding id going well, it has no known disadvantages for the baby. The mother however will find that there is some increased demand on her time because of the longer and more frequent feedings in comparison to formula fed babies.

Are there any medical circumstances that can make breastfeeding inadvisable? Yes, but they are rare. If a mother is extremely ill, she may not have the energy or the stamina to feed. She could also be on certain medication, which may pass through the milk and harm the baby, although a majority of medications are safe for breastfeeding. Always check with your doctor before taking any medicines, if you are feeding.

In some cases, some mothers may find continuous breastfeeding a great strain. While breastfeeding can be uncomfortable at first, most of these early discomforts can be overcome with time, coaching and experience. Try to overcome these discomforts so that you and your baby can make this a positive experience.

Find out more on breast pumps and baby feeding