breastfeeding vs formula feeding

The Honest List of the Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding

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Ah, yes. One of the touchiest subjects of our time. Sadly, whether you plan on breastfeeding or formula feeding — you’ll be wrong in someone’s eyes. There are a lot of pros and cons to breastfeeding, but here’s the simple truth — breastmilk is best. Everyone should try to provide their baby with breastmilk at some point in their infancy. BUT… if someone cannot do that, it’s okay! They aren’t any better or worse of a mother for not breastfeeding.

Sometimes women aren’t able to produce milk. Sometimes they are taking medications that are too dangerous to be given to their baby. Whatever the reason may be, as long as your baby is fed, everyone need not judge you! 

Let these pros and cons of breastfeeding help you make your decision!

breastfeeding

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Pros of Breastfeeding

1. It’s Made Specifically for Your Baby

Your breastmilk is specifically designed for your baby. It has all the right nutrients, and in most cases, it’s easier on sensitive tummies than formula is. Many mothers go through many different kinds of formula to find one that works well for their baby.

One of the COOLEST things about breastmilk is that it’s adjustable. What this means is that the baby’s spit enters the breast, and the mammary glands analyze it to see if anything is off, your milk’s composition will then change to better help the baby to overcome whatever virus or sickness they have. How awesome is that?!

It also:

  • boosts their immunity and helps to protect against infection
  • may lessen the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
  • helps to ensure a healthy digestive system

2. It’s Convenient

It’s nice to never have to worry about bringing enough formula, or purified water, or a bottle warmer. No matter where you are, you can just feed your baby straight from the source. If you find it more convenient to bottle feed because you’re uncomfortable nursing in public, or you’re in the car or something, you can always pump and bottle feed.

3. It’s Good for Mom

A lot of people talk about how great the bond is between mom and baby while breastfeeding, and it is pretty amazing! But another great thing for mom is that nursing helps to lose weight faster. It burns calories, and it makes your uterus contract, which helps to shrink your tummy back down after birth.

*Make sure to check out our 14 Most Effective Ways to Lose the Baby Weight!*

Breastfeeding also acts as birth control. While nursing, most women do not have a period, no period means no ovulating, and no getting pregnant. Also, not having a period can help decrease your chances of developing an iron deficiency after birth.

Studies have also found that breastfeeding can help to reduce the risk of certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, and different types of cancer.

4. It’s Cheaper than Formula Feeding

If you decide to exclusively breastfeed, it can save you a ton of money! Formula can cost you hundreds a month, plus the expense of bottles, bottle warmers, etc. And if you find yourself needing a pump, most health insurance will provide you with one for free!

Check out my all-time favorite nursing cover!

nursing cover, breastfeeding cover

Cons of Breastfeeding

1. Breastfeeding is Hard

For most women, it freaking sucks at first! It’s difficult and painful for a couple of weeks. Your nipples get chapped and it’s awful. But when you’re looking down at your sweet baby, you can’t help but suffer through the pain with a smile. Besides, you’ll get used to it shortly.

Another thing women find inconvenient is having to pump. Some women are lucky and they make just the right amount of milk for their baby. But others make wayyyy too much and they have to pump just as often as they nurse.

While this is a pain in the butt, it’s nice to have a stockpile in the freezer for if you decide to use a bottle. It’s great if your baby will take a bottle so that you don’t have to do ALL the feeding ALL the time.

2. It’s Not as Filling

Formula keeps babies feeling fuller, longer. Sometimes doctors will have moms supplement with formula to help underweight babies gain some weight. And with formula, you can see exactly how much your baby is drinking, whereas you can’t if you are exclusively breastfeeding.

3. You Have to Be Careful

If you are breastfeeding you have to be cautious of everything you consume, including food, alcohol, and medications. They have alcohol test strips to test the milk beforehand, but as for medications– it’s up to the mom to read the warning labels. Here’s a list of safe medications while breastfeeding.

4. It’s Demanding

Breastfeeding is a lot of work, and it’s all on you! Other family members can’t do much to help when you are breastfeeding. Newborns nurse often, and it can be draining to be latched onto for so much of the day.

If you are planning on breastfeeding, be sure to check out this article of the 8 things you will need to breastfeed!

Remember this:

I know there’s a lot of pressure to breastfeed, but if you can’t do it– don’t beat yourself up! Your baby will love you just as much if you formula feed.

And for those of you who want to breastfeed, I know there’s a lot of controversy of whether or not it’s “appropriate” to breastfeed in public. To anyone who gives you any grief about nursing, please tell them to express their concerns through a well thought out letter, and then tell them to shove it where the sun don’t shine because no one cares about their obnoxious complaints. Be sure to check out our best tips on breastfeeding in public! 

Just had a baby? Make sure to check out our 14 Most Effective Ways to Lose the Baby Weight! Our readers also seem to LOVE this Postpartum Cure – Weight Loss While Breastfeeding!

Read More About Breastfeeding and Motherhood:

The Ultimate Guide to Breastfeeding

8 Must Have’s If You Plan to Breastfeed

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breastfeeding vs formula feeding

Kayla is the content creator over at motviationformom.com. She is a wife and mother who loves to share all of the tips, tricks, and life lessons that she has learned over the years with all of her readers. Her primary focus is on children’s education, motherhood, and healthy family relationships!


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