Advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding


Deciding to breastfeed?
 
Breastfeeding is the ideal way to feed your baby. Mother?s milk contains everything your baby needs and also has lots of advantages for mothers. You may be able to breastfeed effortlessly, but it can also be difficult and stressful.
 
Advantages of breastfeeding

For mothers

  • Mother’s milk is always readily available at the correct temperature.
  • No time wasted sterilising, preparing and heating bottles
    with formula milk for feeding.
  • Breastfeeding speeds up the recovery of your womb and protects
    against postnatal bleeding.
  • You can quickly regain your original ‘pre-baby’ body weight.
  • If you breastfeed exclusively for three months you run a lower risk
    of pre-menopausal breast cancer and cancer of the ovaries.
  • Breastfeeding lowers the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures during
    the post-menopausal period.

For babies

  • Breastfeeding lowers the risk of diarrhoea, middle ear infection and
    meningitis, lung and urinary tract infections, infections of the colon
    and other infections.
  • Breastfeeding protects against allergies to cow’s milk.
  • Mother’s milk is easy to digest so there are fewer problems
    with the stomach and colon than with bottle feeding.
  • Mother’s milk is ideal for all babies at all times.
    Breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity and asthma.
  • It provides intimate contact with the mother.
  • It stimulates a close bond with the mother.
  • Helps with the development of the jaw and tongue muscles.
  • Guarantees optimal hygienic conditions whilst feeding.

Disadvantages of breastfeeding

  • You are more tied down because you always have to feed the baby yourself.
  • You have to be ready to feed at night too, unless you express the milk with
    a pump. You can have your partner share in other chores such as changing
    nappies, bathing the baby, etc.
  • Because your mother’s milk is easier to digest, the period between feeds is
    usually shorter than with bottle feeding.
  • Breastfeeding requires a lot of energy, so a lot of rest is required/needed.
  • Unable to measure amount of milk baby has consumed.

More information?

Question or reaction? Write it down in our guestbook!