Mothering for many women has included being able to breastfeed their baby. For some it is not an option. With our fast paced economy, where mothers are also career women it has made this decision a more complicated one for many new mothers. Breastfeeding is a healthy option for you and your baby, here are 10 reasons why you should breastfeed.

1) Breastfeeding is healthy for your baby. Breastfeeding can help your baby with digestion because breast milk is easily processed in their bodies. There are a myriad of other healthy effects of breast milk for your baby including, cognitive development, oral health, and helping to keep your baby from getting allergies and other illnesses.

2) Breastfeeding is natural. Breast milk is natural, thus it generally comes without the risk of high levels of toxins or other preservatives and additives. While formula is safe for babies to consume, it could contain preservatives or additives that could make your baby sick or dislike the taste of the formula.

3) Breastfeeding helps you burn calories. It’s like exercising without having to actually exercise! According to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, breastfeeding can help you burn approximately 600 calories per day. (YAY!) Breastfeeding helps you burn calories because of the work your body automatically has to do to produce breast milk.

4) Breast milk is always available. Since you are the producer of the breast milk, it is available at all times. No hassles with preparing bottles,  you don’t have to worry about running out to the store as if you have run out of formula because your body constantly produces breast milk.

5) Breast milk can be stored frozen. If you do not wish to physically breast feed or are unable to at every feeding time, you can store breast milk in the freezer. Storing extra breast milk is especially helpful for those occasional date nights or any times when other people are feeding your baby. Making it handy to step out and letting your partner take over.

6) Breast milk can be obtained from breast milk banks. If you have trouble producing your own breast milk, there are breast milk banks from which you can buy breast milk. For those of you that produce breast milk at excess, think about donating it to a breast milk bank to help other women. Breast milk banks make it possible for anyone to breastfeed, so it is important to think about whether or not donating to a bank is feasible and something you wish to do.

7) Breastfeeding is environmentally conscious. Breastfeeding is smart not only for you and your baby but also for the environment. It uses fewer resources and creates less waste than formula. As breast milk comes from your body, there are no jars, cans, cups or any other type of waste to get thrown away, thus there is no negative environmental impact from breastfeeding.

8) Breastfeeding is free. Breastfeeding is cost effective because it is free! A great way to save money, breastfeeding your baby allows you to keep your money in your wallet instead of shelling it out for expensive formulas.

9) Breast milk doesn’t spoil in your body. Your body is naturally a safe storage center for breast milk, thus you don’t have to worry about it spoiling. With formula, you have to check expiration dates, whereas milk straight from your body won’t go bad. You can, again, store extra breast milk in the freezer to prevent spoiling once it is pumped.

10) Breastfeeding helps you connect with your child. Breastfeeding provides you with an opportunity to bond with your baby in a way that no one else can. Time spent breastfeeding is one of the most natural ways to support a healthy relationship and special connection between you and your baby.

The choice to breastfeed will most likely be one of the best decisions you make regarding your baby’s health. Take the time to enjoy the time with your baby through the experiences of
breastfeeding.

Sources:

Kramer, F., Breastfeeding reduces maternal lower body fat, Journal of American Diet
Association 1993; 93(4):429-33.