Should I breast-feed my baby?
Breast-feeding is better for your baby than bottle-feeding. But if for some reason you can't breast-feed your baby, don't worry - modern milk formulas are good and he will be adequately nourished.
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The best possible preparation for breastfeeding your baby is to make sure you and your partner are aware of all the benefits it has. Check that you know what's involved, and that you're physically and mentally ready for it. Physical preparations are simple and straightforward: all you need to do is keep yourself well nourished, avoid hazards that could affect your milk supply, and make sure you look after your breasts properly. Your midwife, doctor, obstetrician, childbirth teacher, or health visitor should be able to answer any questions you have.
Breast-feeding
Breastmilk is the perfect food for a baby. It contains all the essential nutrients (fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, and iron) he needs; it's never too rich or too watery; it's clean, readily available, and always at the right temperature. Like the colostrum that's made by your breasts before your milk comes in), it contains antibodies that help protect your baby from infections such as gastro-enteritis.
Breast-feeding is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience that will enhance the loving relationship between you and your baby. What's more, despite occasional snags such as sore nipples or engorged breasts, it's good for you too. The extra calories you use in producing breastmilk help to use up the fat reserves you gained during pregnancy, so you get back to your pre-pregnant weight more easily. When you breastfeed, the hormone oxytocin that makes your milk glands contract when your baby suckles also causes contractions in your uterus, which helps it to return to its normal size more quickly.
There's also some evidence that women who have breast-fed are less prone to breast cancer and to osteoporosis (brittle bones). From a purely practical point of view, breast-feeding is quick, easy, and convenient. It's free and you don't need to carry round any special equipment.
Breast-feeding does have some drawbacks, though. Until your milk supply is sufficiently well established for you to collect and store some for later feeding by bottle, you're the only person who can feed your baby. If you prefer privacy when breast-feeding, you may find it difficult when away from home.
Breast-feeding can lead to sore or cracked nipples and other breast problems; illness, tiredness, worry, and menstruation can reduce your milk supply; if you're taking any medication or drugs while breast-feeding, these can pass into your milk and possibly cause harm to your baby; and some foods that you eat, such as oranges, may upset your baby's stomach.
Most of the problems and difficulties that you may have in getting your baby to breast-feed tend to lessen after the first couple of weeks. So if you find feeding trying at first, persevere. Stick with it for a while, get advice if you need it and once the initial difficulties have passed, you'll probably find it easy, immensely rewarding, and enjoyable.
Breast-feeding - mother's experience
Unless there are good reasons not to, it's best to breast-feed your baby if you possibly can.
Breastfeeding
Your baby is getting the ideal food; breastmilk is always available and doesn't require any special equipment or preparation. Many women really enjoy breast-feeding, and it's also better for your body: for instance, it helps your uterus to return quickly to its normal size.
There are a few drawbacks, which can be easily overcome. The quantity and quality of your milk depend on your overall health, so eat well and look after yourself. Feeding can lead to sore nipples or breast infections, which need prompt treatment. It can also be tiring so make sure you get lots of rest.
Breast-feeding - baby's experience
- Breastmilk is nutritionally superior to formula, easy to digest, and, like colostrum, protects against many common infections, particularly those of the gastro-intestinal and respiratory tracts. Even if you only breast-feed your baby for the first few weeks, the antibodies in your colostrum and milk will do him a great deal of good, and the close contact between you will strengthen your relationship.
Posted 16.11.2010
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