Breastfeeding offers a number of benefits to both the mother and baby. It is recommended that babies be breastfed exclusively for at least 6 months of its life. Breast milk contains antibodies, hormones that protect the infant against a host of problems namely SIDS, gastrointestinal infections, UTI, respiratory infections, middle ear infections, food allergies, eczema, tooth decay, pneumonia and meningitis. It also helps to promote normal development of the facial and jaw muscles. It is good for mothers too; breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone that helps the uterus contract to prepregnancy size.


It also promotes weight loss since 500 or more calories are required for this activity per day. It also has far reaching benefits to the mother as women who breastfeed are less likely to develop premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer or osteoporosis. Other favorable points include:



• Breastfeeding is convenient: no bottles to prepare at odd hours, no teats to sterilize. You can feed your baby anywhere, anytime




• Breastfeeding is inexpensive: it is practically free. Other than packing in extra calories, you would need breast pads and a breast pump




• Breast milk is designed specially for baby: it contains the right balance of nutrients such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates for your baby




• Breast milk promotes bonding: this isn't to say that you cant feel close to baby through bottle feeding. It is just that skin contact and having your baby tucked against your breast creates a more intimate feeling



Having said that, breastfeeding isn't the choice for every mother, and you shouldn't allow anyone to make you feel like a second class mother because of your choice. Finally you have a choice of doing both; you may choose to do both if time or circumstance prevents you from breastfeeding exclusively although there is the risk of baby preferring the bottle as it is the easier way out. Nevertheless any amount of breast milk is better than none.