by Rebecca K.

Created on: January 11, 2010   Last Updated: January 13, 2010

As long as the baby is gaining enough weight and is doing well, there is no reason why he/she shouldn't be breastfed exclusively. Granted, not every woman can supply enough milk for medical reasons or whatever and she would need to supplement or formula feed. For those who cannot absolutely nurse, then formula definitely has it's place, but I think lots of women give up and go to the bottle before they've really given breastfeeding a chance.

For babies four months of age and under, they should definitely be breastfed exclusively. This will provide the infant with the necessary colostrum and antibodies he/she will need to fend off the many viruses and germs out there. Try as they may, formula manufacturers just cannot duplicate what mother nature puts into breast milk. Why do you think babies grow like gangbusters on it? Truth is, if babies were not meant to drink breast milk, women wouldn't lactate. Mysteriously enough, we all do. Proof enough?

Some known benefits of nursing are: Convenience- it's always there and ready to go. Affordability- no bottles, no formula expense. Health- reduces risk of breast cancer in women and helps prevent illness in baby and an increase in bonding. The time spent snuggled next to your baby is incomparable to anything else. Stuffing a bottle in their mouth is so impersonal.

Ok, now lets get back to the whole antibody thing. Some argue that if antibodies are passed through breast milk then viruses and germs are passed through as well. Hah! Did you pay attention in biology at all? A woman who is fighting off a cold has antibodies all in her system to get well, these are then transferred via breast milk to the baby as a natural way of protecting the little one from getting sick. This is not to say that no baby will ever get sick, but it sure helps.

As far as I can see, as long as you don't need to be on any medication which is harmful and transferred to baby, and if you can produce enough, you should definitely exclusively breastfeed. It is quite normal to add a bit of cereal or supplement with formula once the baby is over four months old. Once babies are a year old they should be weaned and on solids, but for babies under four months, the breast is best and I have two babies who are living proof of that.

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