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Breast is Best

When a mother becomes pregnant, she quickly realizes that everyone has an opinion on the what is right and wrong when it comes to being a mother. When pregnant with my first child, I was bombarded with advice on everything from clothing to car seats, to physicians, but the biggest push I felt came from my mother who was adamant that I breastfeed my son. I am not sure why, but the idea seemed so primitive to me. I feel like it is not something many people do anymore. I promised would try and if it did not work I did not want to be shamed for choosing to use formula. She agreed and said she would be supportive either way.

When my son was born, the nurses brought in a small bottle of formula and I was told that if I wanted a lactation consultant could come in and give me advice on how to do it properly. I agreed, and the lesson was helpful; however, nothing about the first few weeks of nursing is easy. There is pain. There is self-doubt. People would ask me how much he was eating. Well, I don’t exactly know I would say. The next question would be “How do you know he is getting enough?” It was frustrating. When I became pregnant with our second child I did my research and chose a physician who specialized in breastfeeding. It made me feel more confident about my choice and that made everything easier. My doctor would weigh my daughter, allow me to nurse her, and then weighed her again. I was quickly reassured that I was in fact doing what was best for my baby and myself. I realize that breastfeeding does not work for everyone, and some people choose not to even consider it; however, after educating myself on all the benefits it is something I feel compelled to share and strongly suggest for the following 10 reasons:

1.      It has been proven to be the best source of nutrition, and contains everything a baby needs.

2.      It contains antibodies which support immune system of the baby.

3.      There is a reduced risk of ear infections.

4.      It lowers the risk of SIDS. Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding leads to lower risk

5.      The mother burns calories while nursing which helps her to lose weight.

6.      It decreases the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type II diabetes for the mother.

7.      It is free. Formula costs on average over $1,700 a year.

8.      It does not need to be prepared. It is always the perfect temperature making feedings easier.

9.      The bond created is like no other.

10.  It is proven to decrease postpartum depression.

 Whether the reason a person chooses to consider breastfeed based on the benefits for the child, herself, or both it is worth considering.  I am glad I chose to take my mother’s advice. It is not primitive; in fact, it is the way nature intended. I hope this information helps someone else. Breastfeeding is not easy but for the above reasons I am convinced Breast is Best.

Work Cited

 “Breastfeeding Benefits Your Baby's Immune System.” New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding, 2nd Edition, 1 January 2006,

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Breastfeeding-Benefits-Your-Babys-Immune-System.aspx