A flood of questions and concerns arises upon confirmation
of pregnancy. Certainly one of the important ones is: "How will
we feed our baby?" In this article, we will review advantages
and disadvantages of breast and formula feeding and helpful
concepts in preparation for breastfeeding. This article is
intended to help parents feel comfortable in making an
educated decision about feeding their child based on scientific
information.
When should we decide about breastfeeding?
Generally, it is a good idea to meet with the baby's doctor prior
to the birth in order for all to get to know each other in a
controlled, non-rushed, quiet environment. This is a perfect
opportunity to discuss your concerns and wishes about feeding
your baby. One important reason to have the decision to
breastfeed made before the delivery is that it can be very
difficult or even impossible to start using formula and then later
try to switch to breastfeeding. This is because the ability of the
breasts to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without
the stimulation of breastfeeding.
Why is the choice so important?
During your baby's first year of life, he/she will more than triple
his/her total body weight, and the vast majority of this weight
gain will come from the milk that they drink. According to the
American Academy of Pediatrics, human milk is the preferred
feeding for all infants. This includes premature and sick
newborns, with rare exceptions. Of course, breast milk would
appear to be the most ideal food for your newborn. It is the
food least likely to cause allergic reactions, it is inexpensive, it
is readily available at any hour of the day or night; babies
accept the taste readily; and the immunity factors in breast milk
can help the baby fight off some infections.
Although breast milk is the ideal food for human infants,
because of medical or other reasons, some women opt for
formula feeding. Infant formulas have been developed to
artificially duplicate human milk, although no formulas have
been developed that are an exact replacement for human milk.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of
breastfeeding?
The nutritional advantages of breast milk are certainly
numerous. The amino acids in breast milk, the building blocks
of proteins, are well balanced for the human baby, as are the
sugars (primarily lactose) and fats. The baby's intestinal tract is
best aided in its digestion by the vitamins, enzymes, and
minerals found in breast milk. Breast milk also contains
infection-fighting antibodies from the mother, and breast-fed
babies are believed to be at a reduced risk for many acute and
chronic infections early in life. Thecholesterol content is also
high in human milk and very low in formulas. Cholesterol
promotes brain growth and provides the building blocks of
hormones, vitamin D, and intestinal bile.
Breast milk is also the least expensive way to feed an infant.
However, the mother must maintain good nutrition and
continue taking any vitamin/mineral supplements her doctor
recommended during the pregnancy.
Formula-fed babies also have the risk of developing
an allergy to a particular formula. When a baby develops an
allergy to formula, he or she may have symptoms that include
irritability, crying after feedings, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or
a skin rash.
Nursing helps most women lose weight (though not fluid) after
delivery, as 500 calories or more are used by breastfeeding
each day.
There is a well-accepted extra closeness that breastfeeding
mothers experience that is both hormonal and emotional in
nature.
The only disadvantages for the baby in breastfeeding occur
when things are not going well, for example, if there's an
inadequate supply of breast milk or an inefficient suck reflex in
the baby. However, it is unusual for a mother not to produce
enough milk for her baby unless she is not breastfeeding
correctly or frequently enough. The disadvantages that most
commonly arise involve the rest of the family. Siblings and dad
often feel "left out" of baby care since mom is the only one who
can do the nursing. However, other family members can be
involved in helping with different aspects of the baby's care,
and this gives them a valuable feeling of importance and
allows mom a chance to rest.
Breast-fed babies eat more often than formula-fed babies since
breast milk is more quickly digested and leaves the stomach
empty more frequently. This puts a little morestress on the
mother because of the potential necessity for more frequent
feedings. If the mother develops certain medical conditions,
whether or not to continue breastfeeding may need to be
reassessed. These conditions should always be discussed with
the doctor. However, it is rare that breastfeeding would need to
be discontinued completely. In any interaction, the mother's
doctor and/or pharmacist should be informed that she is
breastfeeding. Some medicines should be avoided during
breastfeeding. Numerous other medications have not yet been
adequately studied in the context of breastfeeding and the
possible effects on the baby. If a breastfeeding mother is
required to take a medication which has not been fully studied,
she may want to consider discussing this matter with her
doctor.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of formula
feeding?
For some parents, or when the baby has certain medical
conditions, it is very important to know exactly how much their
baby is receiving at each feeding, and formula/bottle-feeding
allows exact measurement. Foods, medications, or physical
conditions in the mother are no longer a concern for the baby
who is receiving formula. The entire family can immediately
become intimately involved in all aspects of the baby's care,
including feedings, allowing the mother to get more rest.
Formula-fed babies actually need to eat somewhat less often
since formula is less readily digested by the baby than human
milk. The disadvantages of formulas are primarily their
expense, the lack of maternal infection-fighting antibodies that
are in breast milk, and the fact that no formula can exactly
duplicate the ideal composition of breast milk.
Can we use both forms of feedings for our baby?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusive
breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal
growth and development for approximately the first six months
after birth. Furthermore, it is recommended that breastfeeding
continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as
mutually desired. Infants weaned before 12 months of age
should not receive cow's milk feedings, but should receive iron-
fortified infant formula.
Supplementing breastfeeding with formula is usually
discouraged, although it may be helpful in cases where the
mother is not producing an adequate supply of milk or the baby
is not able to breastfeed well.
Lactation aids are also available as an option to avoid using a
bottle when supplementation is necessary.
Is there any special preparation required for
breastfeeding?
Education about the benefits and practice of breastfeeding are
keys to optimal preparation. Your local hospital may offer
breastfeeding classes as part of the childbirth class, or you can
join your local La Leche League or other breastfeeding support
group. These classes can put you in touch with a lactation
specialist who may later be your personal breastfeeding
consultant. These classes can also help you to learn proper
positioning and latch-on techniques.
Contrary to some popular beliefs, it is not necessary to
stimulate or prepare the nipples in advance for breastfeeding.
Moreover, some techniques of stimulating the nipples may
actually be harmful.
No specific physical preparation is necessary for optimal
breastfeeding. General good health measures and adequate
hydration are helpful measures. Most doctors recommend
continuing basic prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding.
When can breastfeeding begin?
Breastfeeding can begin within minutes after birth for most
babies. Most babies take a few licks or sucks and then pause
at the beginning. Frequent bursts of sucking interrupted by
pauses is the usual pattern for the first few hours and
sometimes even the first few days.
The first milk the mother produces, called colostrum, is the
best food for a newborn. The nipple stimulation that occurs
during breastfeeding also helps the uterus contract and can
help stop uterine bleeding.
When a baby begins to open its eyes, look around, and put his
or her fist into his or her mouth, then it is time to offer your
breast. Breastfeeding experts recommend that the baby not be
given sugar water or other types of bottle feedings in the
hospital unless specifically prescribed by the doctor.
What is the proper technique for breastfeeding?
Observing other breastfeeding mothers and talking with
breastfeeding support organizations can help new
breastfeeding mothers learn techniques for optimal
breastfeeding that can help reduce the likelihood of any
discomfort or complications. These techniques are briefly
outlined below.
After the mother has assumed a position comfortable for her,
she can nestle the baby in a cradle hold (cradling the baby with
the mother's arm on the same side as the breast being
presented). The baby's body should be on its side, so that the
baby does not have to turn his or her head to reach the nipple.
1. First, manually express a few drops of milk to moisten the
nipple.
2. Cup the breast with your hand and using the milk-
moistened nipple, gently massage baby's lips, encouraging
the baby to open its mouth.
3. When the baby's mouth is opened, the nipple is inserted
into the center of the baby's mouth while pulling the baby in
very close. The baby's gums should take in at least a 1-inch
radius of the areola.
4. The mother may have to make adjustments for the baby's
breathing by changing the angle of baby's position slightly or
using the thumb to press gently on the breast to uncover the
baby's nose.
5. Hold the breast throughout the feeding so the weight of
your breast does not tire your newborn's mouth.
6. When feeding is over, to avoid trauma to your nipples, do
not pull your nipple from baby's mouth without first breaking
the suction by inserting your finger into the corner of baby's
mouth.
Should certain foods be avoided while breastfeeding?
Some babies appear to be sensitive to certain foods in the
mother's diet, while other babies never appear to have
negative reactions to foods. A baby may become fussy, may
have trouble sleeping, or may develop gas after the mother
eats certain types of foods with strong flavors. Some of the
most common triggers of fussiness in babies include
chocolate, spices, citrus fruits, and gas-causing vegetables like
cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli. However, not all babies will
have a reaction to particular foods.
Most experts recommend limiting consumption of caffeine
while breastfeeding, since high levels of caffeine can make the
baby fussy or disturb the baby's sleep patterns. Having more
than one alcoholic beverage is also not recommended, since
two or more alcoholic beverages at one time can increase
blood alcohol levels to a point where the alcohol enters the
breast milk. If a nursing mother consumes more than two
drinks, she should wait at least two hours until nursing the
baby to allow for elimination of alcohol from the body. If the
breasts become engorged, it is fine to pump and discard breast
milk while waiting. Studies have also shown that alcohol can
interfere with the body's ability to "let down" (enable the free
flow of breast milk) during breastfeeding.
Symptoms of allergy in a nursing baby may or may not be due
to something eaten by the mother. If an allergic reaction to
mother's food is present in the baby, it usually develops two to
six hours after the mother consumed the offending food.
Because of concerns about mercury poisoning, the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) recommend that nursing mothers limit their
exposure to mercury in fish. The FDA and EPA advise eating
no more than 6 oz. (about one serving) of canned albacore or
"white" tuna a week and limiting intake of canned "light" tuna
and other cooked fish to about 12 oz. (about two servings) per
week. Nursing mothers should completely avoid eating shark,
swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish (also called golden or
white snapper) because of potentially high levels of mercury.
How can one manage minor discomforts related to
breastfeeding?
Clogged milk ducts
Clogged milk ducts may appear as small, red, tender lumps
within the breast. Milk ducts may become clogged with dried
milk or other material. The goal of treatment is opening these
blocked ducts. This can be aided by increasing the
breastfeeding frequency and offering the affected breast first,
as well as pumping the breast after breastfeeding if the baby is
not emptying the breast.
Moist heat packs can be applied to the affected area to
increase blood flow and healing. A warm shower and
massaging of the area may also enhance resolution of this
problem.
Sometimes, the baby will refuse the affected breast because
the milk develops a sour taste. Pump the breast and empty it
as well as possible. Continue to offer that breast to the baby
until the accepts the affected breast again.
Sore nipples
Sore nipples can be relieved by exposing the nipples to the air
as much as possible. Using a hair dryer on a low setting to dry
nipples after breastfeeding may also provide relief. Nipples
should be washed only with water, never with soap, alcohol,
benzoin, or premoistened towelettes. Petroleum-based
ointments and other cosmetic preparations should not be used,
but unmedicated lanolin may help alleviate nipple cracking.
When should one seek medical care for problems with
breastfeeding?
 It is important to call your health-care provider if the above
techniques do not alleviate the problem, or if you develop
serious symptoms such as fever or signs of mastitis (a breast
inflammation that may be caused by an infection). Symptoms
of mastitis include increasing pain in the breast, fever, chills,
sweats, breast swelling and/or hardness, and redness of the
skin over the affected area. A delay in treating mastitis could
lead to a more severe infection and possible breast abscess.
Breastfeeding At A Glance
 The ability of the breasts to produce milk diminishes
soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding.
 Infants triple their total body weight during their first
year of life.
 The immunity factors in breast milk can help the baby
to fight off infections.
 Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes
which aid the baby's digestion.
 Breast milk is the ideal form of nutrition for infants.
About breastfeeding
Your body will begin to prepare for breastfeeding during your
pregnancy. Your breasts will enlarge as the milk ducts and
milk-producing cells develop.
After giving birth, your suckling baby will stimulate the release
of hormones called prolactin and oxytocin into your
bloodstream. Prolactin causes milk to be produced, and
oxytocin causes your breasts to secrete the milk, which is
called 'let-down'.
You can breastfeed whatever the size and shape of your
breasts and nipples. Breast size depends on fatty tissue, which
isn't involved in milk production, so the size of your breasts
won't affect your ability to breastfeed. Your midwife or health
visitor can help you find suitable positions to breastfeed if you
have large breasts. If you have flat or inverted nipples, nipple
massage or breast shells (that help to draw out your nipples)
can help.
When to start breastfeeding
It's ideal to have close contact with your baby early on after
delivery. There are various opinions on when it's best to start
breastfeeding. The World Health Organization recommends
that you should try to breastfeed within an hour of giving birth.
However, The Royal College of Midwives doesn't believe there
is a critical period for starting to breastfeed, and thinks the
pace and timing of the first feed should be left to mothers and
their babies. Your baby will naturally root for your nipple and
start to suckle when he or she is ready.
During the first few days of breastfeeding, your breasts will
produce colostrum, a thick yellow fluid that's rich in antibodies,
which will help to protect your baby against illness.
How to breastfeed
Find a comfortable position where your arms and back and
your baby's head are supported. It's important that your baby
latches on to your breast correctly and doesn't just take your
nipple in his or her mouth, because this can give you sore
nipples.
Your midwife or health visitor can explain how to check your
baby is feeding the right way.
How often to feed
Newborn babies need to feed little and often. The World Health
Organization recommends that you feed 'on demand' - as often
as your baby wants to.
How long a feed should last
As a rough guide, each feed may be 10 to 20 minutes per
breast, but every baby is different so it may be longer.
How long to continue breastfeeding
Breast milk contains all the nutrients your baby needs for the
first six months. After this time, you can gradually begin to
introduce solid food. You can supplement solid food with
breast milk for as long as you want to. When you stop
breastfeeding is a personal decision.
The World Health Organization recommends that babies are
breastfed for the first six months of their life. However,
breastfeeding for any length of time will benefit your baby, so
don't worry if you have to stop earlier for any reason.
Deciding to breastfeed
It's up to you whether you breastfeed your baby or not. The
advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding are listed
below.
Advantages
Benefits for your baby's health include:
 good nutrition - breast milk contains everything your
growing baby needs, and is also easy for your baby to
digest
 fewer infections - breast milk contains antibodies that
help protect your baby against infections such as ear
infections, stomach upsets and pneumonia
 reduced risk of eczema
 reduced risk of diabetes as a child
 reduced risk of asthma
 reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome
 less chance of your baby becoming obese as a child
Benefits for your health include:
 less bleeding after the birth - your womb shrinks back
to its normal size more quickly
 weight loss - breastfeeding uses up calories
 reduced risk of breast cancer
 reduced risk of ovarian cancer
Other advantages of breastfeeding for you and your baby
include those listed below.
 Breast milk is the right temperature for your baby so
there is no need to worry about cleaning and sterilising
bottles and teats.
 It's convenient - you can feed your baby anywhere as
soon as he or she is hungry.
 It helps you to form a close bond with your baby and
can be a rewarding, relaxing experience for you.
 Breastfeeding can be effective as a contraceptive, if
your baby is under six months, you're fully breastfeeding
(with your baby not eating or drinking anything else) and
you haven't had a period. However you shouldn't rely on
this.
Disadvantages
There are some potential difficulties with breastfeeding. For
example, it relies on you to do all the feeding, which can make
it difficult for you to have a break, and some fathers may feel
excluded. However, you can extract (express) breast milk so
that your partner can do some feeds from a bottle, or so that a
babysitter can feed your baby.
Pain isn't a regular part of breastfeeding, but you may have
some discomfort to begin with. Your breasts may feel over-full
(engorged) at times and your nipples may become sore. Your
breasts may also leak milk. There are ways to relieve these
problems, such as positioning your baby correctly for feeding,
taking warm baths, massage, using nipple creams, shields or
breast pads. However, some women find these problems make
them feel less attractive, which can affect their desire to have
sex.
You may feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, although
it's becoming more acceptable to do so. Often there are mother
and baby rooms where you can feed your baby without being
disturbed.
Special considerations
Certain medical problems can make breastfeeding risky for you
or your baby. For example, if you have an infection such as
HIV, there is a possibility that you could pass this on to your
baby through breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding may not be appropriate if you have a serious
heart or kidney problem. Talk to your GP, midwife or health
visitor if you think you may have a problem that could affect
your decision to breastfeed.
What are the alternatives to breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding isn't the only option for feeding your baby. You
can bottle-feed your baby with infant formula, which is
designed to be as close to breast milk as possible. It comes
either as a powder that you make up with boiled water or as a
ready-made liquid formula.
It's important to follow the instructions on the powder formula
pack as it may harm your baby if you mix the formula
incorrectly. Also, take care to sterilise bottles to prevent giving
your baby an infection. Powdered infant formula isn't sterile so
should be made using water that is hotter than 70°C, before
being cooled to body temperature.
Cow's milk isn't suitable for newborn babies as it doesn't
provide enough nutrition for babies and is difficult for them to
digest.
Your diet while you're breastfeeding
You don't need to eat a special diet while breastfeeding, but it's
important, just as it is for everybody else, to eat a healthy
balanced diet. It's also recommended that all pregnant and
breastfeeding women take a daily supplement of 10
micrograms of vitamin D.
Alcohol
If you have an alcoholic drink, some alcohol can be passed on
to your baby through your breast milk. The effect it has on your
baby depends on how much you drink. If you drink large
amounts, it can make your baby drowsy or weak, and can
result in growth problems. It could also affect the amount of
milk you produce. If you do want to drink alcohol, it's best to do
so only occasionally and not in large amounts.
You can plan to minimise the impact of having a drink. For
example, if you know you're going to be drinking, consider
expressing your breast milk in advance. To help reduce your
baby's exposure to alcohol:
 try not to breastfeed for at least two to three hours
after drinking
 don't drink just before you feed
 have your drink after the last feed of the day (if it's
possible to predict this)
Smoking
Some nicotine is passed on to babies in your breast milk. It's
therefore best not to smoke while you're breastfeeding.
Medicines
Some medicines can be passed on to your baby through
breastfeeding. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist
which medicines you can safely take while you're
breastfeeding.
While most know that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to go
when feeding their baby, there are some disadvantages to it.
Before you decide between formula and breast feeding, it is
important to know the advantages and disadvantages. Some
moms are unable to produce milk for breastfeeding right away
and give up after only few tries. If you really feel as if you want
to breastfeed, it is important to stick with it until you feel
comfortable. The more you try the easier it will get. There are
also specialists that are willing to help you with breast feeding
if you cannot get the hang of it. They are willing to work with
you until you feel comfortable. It is important that no one
except the mother and father decide on the type of feeding for
your child. If you are unable to produce milk then the Doctor
should have a say if he feels formula feeding would be more
appropriate for your child. It is important to consider time,
money and convenience when deciding on breastfeeding or
bottle feeding. Work schedule and medical conditions also play
a role in the deciding factor. If the parents decide on
breastfeeding it is important to do research about what you will
expect. Before a mom starts to develop the actual milk for
breastfeeding she will first produce colostrum. Colostrum is a
clear, yellow liquid that produces milk. It is extremely high in
antibodies and very nutritious. This is what the mom will first
produce usually a few days after giving birth until her milk
comes in. Your baby should feel off of this until you are able to
produce milk.
Advantages of breast feeding a baby
-Fewer digestive upsets
-Less spitting up
-Less diarrhea
-Less constipation
-Less chance of allergies developing
-Fewer skin rashes
-Fewer weight problems
-Smarter baby
-Convenient for mother
-Closer mom and baby bond
-Cheaper
-Travel is lighter (won’t need to pack formula, bottles and
water in diaper bag)
-Father doesn’t have to get up in the middle of the night
-Mothers uterus returns to normal size a lot faster
-Takes calories to breast feed, which means the mom loses
weight quicker.
Disadvantages of breast feeding a baby
-Biting
-Difficult to do in public and may make mom feel
uncomfortable
-Mom must be careful and what they eat, drink or medication
they take
-Parents can’t get a night out since mom always has to be
around for feeding
-Mom won’t have their period but may ovulate and get
pregnant
-”Let down reflex” (milk may appear at the sound of a baby
crying or at time of normal feeding even if baby isn’t ready to
eat
Advantages of bottle feeding formula
-Mom doesn’t have to be around
-Other people can feed the baby
-Easy and less embarrassing to do in public
-Mom can eat what she wants
Disadvantages of bottle feeding formula
-More time consuming (heating and making the bottle
-Expensive
-Mom will miss the special closeness of breastfeeding
-Easier for baby to gain weight-sometimes too much.
Advantages of breast feeding:
• Undoubtedly mankind has found it difficult, if not impossible,
to improve on Mother Nature in many facets of our lives, and
breast milk is no different. A mother’s breast milk therefore has
all the nutrients, vitamins, and, probably most importantly, the
anti-infection antibodies that the newborn baby requires to get
a good start in life.
• Breast fed babies have fewer infections and illnesses
according to a whole host of studies that have been published.
This is not to say of course that all breast fed babies are
healthy, and that all formula fed babies are at an obvious
disadvantage, but, taken as a group, breast fed babies tend to
suffer from fewer medical problems than their formula-fed
counterparts.
• There is also an acknowledged closer bond between the
baby and the mother when breast feeding. The warmth of the
mother’s breast coupled with the skin to skin contact helps to
provide a comfortable and safe environment for the child that is
simply impossible to replicate with a bottle.
• There are a number of studies that suggest that breast
feeding is beneficial for the mother in the areas of weight
control and even as a cancer preventative.
• While formula milk certainly provides the infant with a good
range of necessary vitamins and other nutrients that are
needed for the infant’s development, a mother’s breast milk
simply has everything that the child needs in one convenient
package.
• Mother’s milk is more easily digested by the infant than
formula milk. Remember that a baby’s digestive system is still
somewhat immature, so it is much easier for the baby to break
down and absorb the minerals and nutrients contained in
mother’s milk over formula milk. Because breast milk is easier
to digest, your baby will suffer less from constipation and
diarrhoea.
• Mother’s breast milk reflects what the mother eats, and the
taste of breast milk is often affected by the types of foods that
the mother has recently eaten. This provides the baby with
subtle differences in the taste of the breast milk and, as they
say, variety is the spice of life.
• Breast feeding is free and the milk comes in a convenient,
easy to carry, container! While saving money should not in any
way solely influence your decision to breast feed or not, there’s
no escaping the fact that breast feeding can save parents
significant amounts of money over the first few months of a
baby’s life, and is infinitely more convenient. Breast feeding is
also much more convenient insofar as there is no need to
clean bottles, warm the milk or any of the other activities
associated with bottle feeding and there is very little danger of
the food running out.
Disadvantages of breast feeding:
• Not all mothers feel comfortable with the concept of breast
feeding from the start. Many mothers need time to grow into
the role and to master the techniques for comfortable breast
feeding. As a side note, there is nothing wrong with this, and it
is important that mothers who aren’t comfortable breast
feeding take their time and go at their own pace. Bottle feeding
will provide a good alternative until the mother is ready to
breast feed.
• Undoubtedly breast feeding is more demanding physically for
the mother than bottle feeding. Factor in to this that the baby
may require feeding every two or three hours and for some
women the physical effort can take a toll on their own well-
being.
• Pain. Small babies have an astonishing ability to suck with
great force which can take many mothers by surprise. This can
lead to sore breasts (in some cases bleeding) and a great deal
of discomfort for the mother.
• Because breast milk is easier to digest for the baby, it is often
the case that the baby will want (or need) to eat more
frequently than if they were bottle fed. In turn this can lead to
more diaper
• Self-consciousness. While some mothers have absolutely no
problem with breast feeding in public, or semi-public, places
others are not so comfortable with the idea. The decision to
breast feed will often mean that both mother and baby will
have to ‘dine out’ in some less-than-ideal locations and it might
take a while for some women to overcome any embarrassment
or self-consciousness.
• Lifestyle. For many women, getting pregnant in the first place
meant a change of lifestyle and the imposition of restrictions Environmental benefits. You won't have formula cans to
(limited tea or coffee, no smoking, no alcohol etc.). If you throw away or use water and energy washing bottles, for
decide to breast feed then these restrictions should remain in
example.
place as long as the baby is breast fed.
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What are the advantages of bottle-feeding?
Feeding your baby a commercially prepared infant formula
What are the advantages of breastfeeding? does have some advantages:
Health benefits for baby. Breast milk naturally contains all the
nutrition your baby needs. The nutrients in your breast milk
Anyone can do it. Formula, bottles and nipples are readily
also change over time to fulfill your baby's changing nutritional
available, and anyone can feed your baby with them. 
needs. Breast milk is easier to digest than formula. It is full of
antibodies that help protect your baby from infections. In
Your baby may eat fewer times a day. Formula doesn't
addition, studies suggest that breastfed children may have
digest as easily and quickly as breast milk does, so your baby
higher intelligence scores than those who are not breastfed.
may be hungry less often.
Breastfed babies may be less likely to have:
 Ear, urinary or respiratory tract infections (such as There's enough vitamin D. Infant formula provides all the
colds)
vitamin D a baby needs. Breastfed babies may need vitamin D
 Skin problems
 Tooth decay and infections in the mouth supplements.
 Diarrhea, constipation and gas
 Intestinal diseases Nutrition needs will be met. A baby with typical dietary needs
 Asthma will grow and develop on infant formula.
 Allergies
 Diabetes You can eat and drink what you want. For example, you
 Obesity won't need to limit your coffee intake because of the effects of
 Childhood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma caffeine on your baby.
 Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
 Anemia (low blood iron)
 Heart attack and stroke in adulthood
Health benefits for you. Breastfeeding helps your uterus
shrink to the size it was before pregnancy. It can also help you
lose some of your pregnancy weight because your body
naturally burns calories to produce breast milk. Your periods
won't return for several months (though you shouldn't count on
breastfeeding as birth control). Prolactin, the milk-making
hormone, seems to produce a special calmness in mothers.
Breastfeeding mothers also may have less stress (and miss
less work if they're working) because their babies are sick less
often.
In addition, mothers who breastfeed may be less likely to have:
 Type 2 diabetes
 Breast cancer
 Ovarian cancer
 Iron-deficiency anemia
 Depression after pregnancy
 Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
Mother-baby bond. The time you spend breastfeeding is a
quiet, enjoyable time for interacting with your baby. The
physical contact comforts both of you and makes your baby
feel more secure.

Convenience. There's no waiting when your baby is hungry.

You don't have to mix formula or clean and sterilize bottles and
nipples.

Less expense. Breast milk is free. You'll buy only a few things

-- nursing bras, nursing pads and perhaps a breast pump if you
plan to "express" milk to give to your baby. It's estimated that
breastfeeding can save you thousands of dollars a year,
depending on the brand of formula that would have been used
instead.