Disadvantages of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has many benefits, but there are some downsides too. Following are some of the disadvantages of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding can be painful.Breastfeeding can be stressful if you are modest.It can be difficult at the beginning.It requires healthy lifestyle choices.You have less freedom. Your partner can’t feed the baby.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
There are many benefits to breastfeeding for both mother and child. Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your baby. Your body was created as the ideal way to supply your child with the perfect source of nutrition. Here are some of the top reasons to nurse your infant.
Breast Milk Is the Healthiest Food for Your Child
Breastfeeding provides your baby with a variety of health and developmental benefits. The natural ingredients found in breast milk help protect your baby from illness and disease during infancy. They also continue to provide your child with better health as they grow, even after weaning. Breast milk is also easy for your newborn to digest. Your body makes breast milk specifically for your baby. It is easier to digest than formula and may help prevent gas and colic. A breastfed baby’s bowel movements are not as smelly. Breastfed babies tend to experience less diarrhea and constipation as well.
Breastfeeding Is Good For Your Health
Women who breastfeed tend to recover from childbirth faster than women who choose not to nurse their babies. Breastfeeding may reduce your risk of ovarian and breast cancer. It may also decrease your chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease as you age.
Breast Milk Tastes Good to Your Child
Breast milk is sweet and creamy, a flavor that is much different and, arguably, better than formula. Also, the taste of the foods you eat is passed along to your baby, which can diversify their diet right from the start. It can also be comforting to your child. A scared, injured, or sick child can be comforted by breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Is Convenient
Your breasts are the perfect way to supply your baby with optimal nutrition at the perfect temperature. There’s no need to worry about preparing and heating formula, and there aren’t any bottles to clean up after feedings.
Breastfeeding Is Economical
Breastfeeding can save you thousands of dollars. If you exclusively nurse your baby, you will not need to buy formula, bottles, and supplies. Breastfeeding also helps keep your child healthier, which can lower medical costs and reduce the amount of work you miss to care for a sick baby.
Nighttime Feedings Are Faster and Easier
When you breastfeed, you don’t have to make and warm bottles in the middle of the night. Breastfeeding can also be relaxing for you. While you’re breastfeeding, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that promotes relaxation. It also provides you with time each day to take a break, sit down with your feet up, and spend quality time with your baby.
Delays Your Period and Serves as a Natural Birth Control
Breastfeeding can prevent your period from returning for three to six months or even longer. Typically, menstruation returns approximately one month after you stop breastfeeding exclusively. If you breastfeed exclusively without supplementing, your child is under 6 months old, and your period has not yet returned, then you can use the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) for birth control. When you meet the criteria and follow it correctly, this natural birth control method is up to 98% effective.
You Can Feed Your Baby Pumped Milk
Pumping your breast milk can give you a bit more freedom while still gaining many of the benefits of breastfeeding. Pumping can make it easier for you to spend time away from your baby, so you can return to work or do other activities that you enjoy. It can also allow your partner to participate in feedings.
Drawbacks of Breastfeeding
While there are many advantages to breastfeeding your baby, it isn’t for everyone. Here are some reasons women choose not to nurse.
You Have Less Freedom
When you breastfeed, you are always on call. You and your breasts need to be available for every feeding, day and night. It can be exhausting, especially during the first few weeks when you will be breastfeeding your baby every two to three hours around the clock.
Breastfeeding Can Be Painful
You may have to deal with some of the uncomfortable or even painful problems common with breastfeeding. These include things like mastitis, breast engorgement, blisters, plugged milk ducts, and sore nipples.
Your Partner Can’t Feed the Baby
Your partner might want to feed the baby and may feel left out of the breastfeeding relationship (unless you pump milk in advance for your partner to use).
It Can Be Stressful If You Are Modest
Some women may be uncomfortable and embarrassed about breastfeeding around others or in public. If you find it difficult to go out with your baby, you might end up staying home more often, which can lead you to feel lonely or isolated.
Breastfeeding Can Be Difficult in the Beginning
Not every baby latches on immediately or breastfeeds well. Breastfeeding might be harder than you think, and you may end up feeling disappointed or discouraged. For some, breastfeeding is a learning process.
Breastfeeding Requires Healthy Lifestyle Choices
You have to think about your diet and lifestyle when you breastfeed. Your baby may have a reaction to different foods in your diet. So you may have to stop eating dairy products or other items that you enjoy. There are also some substances that should be enjoyed in moderation like caffeine and alcohol, or taken out altogether, like smoking. These can be harmful to your baby. Stress and other factors can also affect breastfeeding and even decrease your milk supply.
Deciding Whether or Not to Breastfeed
Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Some women are comfortable with breastfeeding exclusively, but it is not the only option. Some moms partially breastfeed, some combine breastfeeding and formula feeding, and some pump exclusively. One of these options may help resolve breastfeeding problems you experience.
A Word From Verywell
As you decide whether breastfeeding is right for you and your baby, consider contacting a breastfeeding group, such as La Leche League, to learn more and find a breastfeeding coach before your baby is born. Though natural, breastfeeding can be hard in the beginning and you will need support to get through the first few weeks. In addition, if you find you cannot breastfeed, remember that a fed baby is best. Don’t feel guilty if you need to feed your baby formula.
