Breastfeeding - Pros and Cons

Happy Mom breastfeeding her baby girl Anticipating the arrival of a new baby is an exciting experience. There are a number of preparations to be made, and many decisions to make. One of the most important decisions that parents have to make – especially mothers – has to do with the nourishment of the child. A mother must determine whether she will breastfeed her child, or feed her child through the use of a bottle.

I know how difficult that this type of decision is. I have been there, and had to make the decision as well. Here, I will expound on some of the pros and cons related to breastfeeding. I feel that it is important to know and understand these so that you can make a better informed decision overall. More on Breastfeeding - Pros and Cons

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Filed under Baby, Breastfeeding, Pregnancy by More4kids Inc.

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Advantages of Breastfeeding

by Jennifer Shakeel

mama breastfeeding her baby boy As a mamma to be you have probably thought whether or not you should breastfeed your newborn. There isn’t a mom in the world that does not know that when it comes to providing the best for your baby, then you should consider breastfeeding your child. Breastfeeding is scientifically proven to have many benefits for both infants and mothers. It is estimated that breast milk contains one hundred ingredients not found in formula. Breast milk is so nutritious that virtually all a baby’s organs benefit from it. I know, there are some formulas that boost they are the next best thing to breast milk… but when it comes to the health of your baby, is the next best thing really all you want to give?

Firstly, breastfeeding an infant fortifies his immune system, which is still largely undeveloped. According to scientists who study breast-feeding, babies who have been breast-fed have fewer cases of diarrhea, constipation, ear infections, and allergies. Furthermore, the mysterious Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is less common among breast-fed babies.

Breastfeeding may also help stimulate brain development in babies. It is estimated that children who have been breastfed have higher IQs of at least eight points than formula-fed children. Breast milk also continually evolves as the infant matures, containing different amounts of different nutrients as the baby reaches newer developmental stages. Because breast milk is human milk, rather than artificial milk, it contains the exact amounts of amino acids, fats, water, and carbohydrates that best nurture a baby. It is also at a warm temperature, which often promotes better sleep.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

A note from Julie: The decision to breastfeed should be made ahead of time. This article describes some of the benefits. I breastfed my first son and am now going on to breastfeed our most recent addition to our family. It can be physically and emotionally exhausting at times but feel it is well worth it.