by Lynne Dahlia

Created on: February 20, 2007   Last Updated: April 27, 2007

Breastfeeding is the best source of food for newborns thru at least 6 months.

That said, there are many factors, though, that can influence a mother's decision. Women (and men) need to realize that every mother has the right to choose between breastfeeding or formula, and not to judge others based on their decisions.

Advantages of Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice in that it provides all the nutrients, vitamins, essential fats, carbs, proteins, antibodies, etc that are essentail for a newborn's growth. The antibodies help babies stay healthly because the mother's body fights illnesses and passes this immunity on to the baby through breastmilk. Another advantage is always having food on hand, no need to worry about packing bottles and formula for outings & trips; the food is already there! Also, there is no preparation needed to mix and heat formula. Breastmilk is already ready, so you don't have to worry about burning baby's sensitive tongue with too hot formula or making a hungry baby wait for a meal. Breastfeeding can and often does create a special bond between mother and baby. Babies are comforted by the closeness and warmth of the mother's body while breastfeeding, and for a mother to be able to provide such an essential part in the raising of the child is absolutely amazing. Breastfeeding is also the right choice in terms of price versus the costly formula.

Disadvantages of Breastfeeding:
These points I am making only to give the whole picture & truth about breastfeeding, as I believe breastfeeding to be the best choice. Breastfeeding can hurt, quite frankly. Women's sensitive nipples are not used to the constant use by babies, and thus nipples can become very sore at first. The pain, however will subside with time (it took me about 3 wks), and on the bright side, some women do not experience this pain. Secondly, breastfeeding can be difficult because many women feel the need for privacy while feeding. In today's fastforward society it is often difficult to find a private, clean & quiet place to breastfeed your baby. An easy solution-get a good breastpump and make bottles for the baby when you need to be in public places if you are one of the many women who feel the need for privacy while breastfeeding. Another disadvantage of breastfeeding is embarassing leakage; breast pads usually need to be worn the first couple months to soak up the leaks, but its not so bad. Lastly, breastfeediing can really tie down the mother, as she is the baby's

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