Motherhood has its own advantages and disadvantages. All of your free time before the baby, is now replaced with other activities; your interests are changed, your schedule is different and you are different.
You have probably thought whether or not you should breastfeed your newborn – and, at this question, most mothers choose to breastfeed their baby.
Breastfeeding is scientifically proven to have many benefits, for both mom and baby. It creates a special bond with your baby and it’s less likely to develop postnatal depression (PPD).
Breastfeeding burns up to 500 calories a day, and may offer you some protection against developing ovarian cancer, breast cancer and hip fractures.
Breast milk contains more than 100 ingredients that the formula industry simply can’t duplicate. Containing the right balance of nutrients in a very easily digestible form, the mother’s milk contains antibodies, helping you to protect your baby from all kinds of germs and infection.
Your baby’s immune system is still largely undeveloped when born. It has been proven that children who are breast fed for eight months or more tend to develop faster than those who are bottle fed. Plus, breastfeeding reduce allergies, eczema and asthma, and your baby is less likely to develop diarrhea or constipation.
There are also few disadvantages in breastfeeding. Some women find breastfeeding painful, stressful and exhausting. You can’t control the amount of milk your baby consumes and this can be a disadvantage if your baby is having problems putting on weight.
The most dangerous aspect, blood borne viruses such as hepatitis B or HIV and some medication can be passed on to your baby through breast milk.
It’s recommended you take a few tests before breastfeeding.
