Breastfeeding is a very personal affair, and whether or not you will breastfeed your baby depends entirely upon you. In recent times, this very natural and taken-for-granted activity of a new mother has come under considerable amount of public scrutiny, thanks to the debate about whether or not a woman should breastfeed in public. But keeping the controversy aside, breastfeeding, which most of us make for granted, does actually come with its own set of side effects- mostly physical. In this article, we will look at both sides of the issue, and then you can decide whether or not you will breastfeed your baby. The location, however, is entirely your choice.
Advantages of breastfeeding:
First of all, let us look at the advantages of breastfeeding.
Most natural food
Breastfeeding is a very natural process. It is quite painless, an although you might need some getting used to the fact, it is quite possible that you will actually look forward to the times of feeding your baby, simply because it will relieve the pressure the buildup of milk causes in your breasts. Of course, it becomes a problem if you are a working mother who has to rejoin office soon after her deliver, then that might become a problem. But in that case, you always have the option of pumping. That way, you will ensure that your baby gets all the necessary nutrition, and you are saved from any discomfort as well.
Maximum nutrition for the baby
Breast milk is the most complete nutrition you can give your child. It has been proven, from years of research, that breastfeeding is the best way to give maximum nutrition to a newborn baby. It provides the baby with a variety of developmental benefits, aiding in better health not just in its infancy, but throughout the child’s life. Breast milk contains natural ingredients that protect the baby from illnesses in its infancy by boosting its immune system. In fact, children who are fed on breast milk regularly are reported to have a stronger constitution and better immunity in their growing years as well, and also all through their lives.
Good for the mother
Breastfeeding is not just good for the baby, but also for the mother. Recent research has proven that women who breastfeed regularly enjoy better health. It also aids in the recovery process, helping the mother convalesce faster after delivering the child, even in cases of the most harrowing of deliveries. Regular breastfeeding has been linked with a decreased risk of developing various cancers, such as cancer of the ovaries and the breasts. Not only that, breastfeeding has also been reported to have other positive effects on the overall health of the mother: as she ages, she will be less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular illnesses, and hypertension.
Financially sensible
Financially speaking, breastfeeding is extremely economical. If you do not choose to breastfeed the baby, you will have to resort to buying baby food for infants, formula, milk bottles, and the such-like. None of these things are inexpensive, of course, and you will end up spending a lot of money. All these can be avoided if you choose to breastfeed instead, and the money you save can instead be out into the children’s education fund.
Disadvantages of breastfeeding:
There are, however, some ill effects of breastfeeding as well, which is why it is best to consult a doctor after your deliver about your next course of action.
Diet will be affected
Breastfeeding does come with certain lifestyle choices. Your baby will be getting its nutrition directly from your body, much like the days when it was in your womb. That means you have to continue being extra careful about what you put in your body, because the quality of your breast milk will be directly affected by the same. This will mean that the dietary restrictions you had to follow all through your pregnancy will continue until you child has weaned off the breast milk.
Can be inconvenient
Breastfeeding can become a bit of a hassle, especially if you are a working women who has to work way from home. Not all offices might be complaint with bringing a baby to work, and even less might be comfortable with the idea of breastfeeding at work. As a result, you might have to take even more time off work than you originally intended. This might actually put your work life in considerable jeopardy. In such situations, it is best to opt for the pumping method.
Might be painful
Breastfeeding can actually be quite painful in the beginning. First of all, the breast engorges when it is time to feed, and if the baby is not hungry at the moment, you will face the problem of leakage. This can actually become more tiresome if you have gone back to work, or have to be in public for any other reason. Besides, this is in itself rather painful. Breastfeeding is also quite uncomfortable in the beginning as you have to deal with and get used to cuts from bites, sore nipples, blocked milk ducts, and mastitis.
There are good and bad sides to everything, including breastfeeding. There are certain conditions in which the mother is instructed not to breastfeed the child. In some cases, again, the woman is unable to produce milk. In such conditions, of course, breastfeeding will be out of the question. In any case, it is advised that you consult with your doctor and review your lifestyle before coming to a decision about breastfeeding.