Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding

As noted already, the vast majority of women are capable of breastfeeding, and infants benefit from it. Nonetheless, a woman's de­cision to nurse depends on a variety of factors, some of which may make breastfeed­ing impractical or undesirable for a woman. Mothers who don't want to breastfeed their infants should not feel compelled to do so. Breastfeeding provides distinct ad­vantages, but none so great that a woman who decides to bottle-feed should feel she is significantly penalizing her infant.

Advantages Of Breastfeeding

Human milk is tailored to meet infant nutrient needs for the first 4 to 6 months of life. The possible exceptions are the relative lack of fluoride, iron, and vitamin D. In­fant supplements, used under the guidance of a pediatrician, can supply these and are generally recommended. Some sun exposure also helps compensate for the gap in vitamin D nutriture, but will likely not be enough for dark-skinned (e.g., African-American) infants, as they synthesize less vitamin D from typical sun exposure. Sup­plemental vitamin D is advised. Fluoride may be found in the household water supply. If it is not present in adequate amounts or the child is not re­ceiving tap water, a fluoride supplement after 6 months of age should be considered and a dentist consulted. Vitamin B-12 supplements are recommended for the breast­fed infant whose mother is a complete vegetarian (vegan).

Fewer Infections Breastfeeding reduces the general risk of infections to the in­fant. This is partially because of the antibodies in human milk that an infant can use. Breastfed infants also have fewer ear infections (otitis media) because they do not sleep with a bottle in the mouth. Experts strongly discourage allowing infants to sleep with a bottle in their mouths (or continuing to breastfeed as the infant sleeps). When that happens, milk pools in the infant's mouth, backs up through the throat, and eventually settles in the ears, creating a growth medium for bacteria. Infant ear infec­tions are a common problem. By avoiding them, parents can decrease discomfort for the infant, avoid related trips to the doctor, and prevent possible hearing loss. Tooth decay from nighttime bottles is another likely consequence.

Fewer Allergies and Intolerances Breastfeeding also reduces the chances of allergies, especially in allergy-prone infants. The key time to attain this benefit from breastfeeding is during the first 4 to 6 months of an infant's life. Breastfeeding for even just the first few weeks is beneficial. A longer commitment than 4 to 6 months is better, but the first few months are most critical. Another benefit of breastfeeding is that infants are better able to tolerate human milk than formulas. Formulas must occasionally be switched several times until caregivers find the best one for the infant.

Convenience and Cost Breastfeeding frees the mother from the time and ex­pense involved in buying and preparing formula and washing bottles. Human milk is ready to go and sterile. This allows the mother to spend more time with her baby. On the other hand, if the child is bottle-fed, the mother may be free to do other things while others feed the baby.