PROS:What is colostrum? I had never heard of this word until after my baby was born. Colostrum is a natural 100% safe vaccine. Colostrum is a substance that is produced before your milk comes in. I was told when my child was first born that he was only getting a few drops of it at a time, but the few drops he was getting was providing him with all the nutrition he needed. Here is a link that will explain colostrum and its benefits in more detail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colostrum.
Breast milk
Breastmilk is different for each child. Scientific research has shown a difference in the quantity and content of the breastmilk produced based on the baby's gender. For boys, the breastmilk produced is richer in fat and/or protein. For girls, the breastmilk has more calcium. More breastmilk is produced for girls than for boys. I find this highly interesting.
Antibodies are found in breastmilk. It may take awhile for babies to make their own antibodies. Through breastmilk, these antibody molecules are passed to the nursing baby. The medical field knows that breastfed babies contract fewer infections than bottle-fed babies. The antibodies a baby receives are targeted against the bacteria the mother comes in contact with. When the mom comes in contact with infectious germs, the mom produces an antibody for that bacteria and transmits it to the nursing baby through breastmilk. There are many molecules and antibodies that benefit the nursing child in many ways. Studies show that breastmilk induces a baby's immune system to mature more quickly. This is a good research for any mom considering breastfeeding. I am only touching the surface. I am by no means covering all the beneficial aspects of breastmilk.
The benefits of breastmilk are tremendous. I always say, "God-made is far better than man-made." When you actually do a study of the benefits of breastmilk, its amazing. The benefits are endless.
Here are a couple of links where I gathered my above information:
https://explorevaccines.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/breast-milk-and-antibodies/
http://americanpregnancy.org/first-year-of-life/whats-in-breastmilk/
Mom/Baby Time
When my first child was born, it was an exciting time for my husband and myself and also for our parents/in-laws. My parents lived across the street and his parents lived about 2 to 2 and 1/2 hours away. His parents stayed with us for about a week or so. It was mine and my husbands first child. Both of our families were just overjoyed. They couldn't get enough of our baby. But, it was my first child and I wanted one-on-one time with my baby. That's one reason why I loved breastfeeding. It was my chance to have that with my baby and to have bonding time. I would be mesmerized watching my beautiful baby feeding and knowing I was doing something that was so beneficial to him. The feeling is indescribable.
Its Cheaper
We all know formula can be expensive. Breastfeeding is a good way to save money. You don't have to worry about running out of it, etc.
CONS:Its Not Easy
Breastfeeding is not always easy. It can be very difficult. I always say, "The good things in life require a lot of hard work and sacrifice. They don't come easy." This is so true, even concerning breastfeeding. My son's first feeding was a bottle. I remember it well. I had never breastfed before, so I didn't know what I was doing. He wasn't latching on. And when he did seem to latch, he would spit it out and scream. My baby was hungry. Like I pointed out above, my breastmilk had not come in yet. My breastmilk didn't come in until he was about 3 or 4 days old. I was producing colostrum and he was only getting a couple of drops. I couldn't take my baby screaming in hunger. I gave in and gave him a bottle. He inhaled his first bottle. Even though I gave in at that moment, I was still determined that I was going to breastfeed my child. I didn't give up on that desire. They sent someone to my room to give me pointers and tips on breastfeeding. One tip was how to get my baby to latch on. Once he latched on, I was able to breastfeed my baby.
It Hurts
Does breastfeeding hurt? YES! But the good news is, it only lasts for about 2 weeks. I found pumping to be even more painful. The first two weeks are the hardest. Once you make it through 2 weeks, you should be pain free if no other issues arise.
Cracking/Bleeding Nipples
Cracking/Bleeding Nipples????? Yes, that is what I said. I wasn't told by anyone about the possibility of cracking bleeding nipples. But thankfully, I discovered Lanolin Cream. One day, I pumped and the milk was red. That was blood mixed in with the milk. I poured out the milk because I couldn't feed my baby blood. I later discovered two kids later, that that is okay to do. The blood just goes right through the baby. In this particular case, I bought Lanolin Cream and stopped breastfeeding and pumping for 24 hours. My baby took a bottle also, so I fed him formula for those 24 hours. When my second child was born, I was far more experienced. My baby latched on right away and I could tell when my nipples were getting dry and about to crack. I rubbed the lanolin cream on before they had a chance to crack. My nipples never did crack with my last two babies. I prevented it before it happened.
Not Socially Acceptable
Breastfeeding had become less and less common. I think recently, it is picking up. But, most women today don't breastfeed. So, expect the negative comments, the disgust looks, talking behind your back, etc.
Working Moms
Breastfeeding and work don't mix well. Some are blessed with jobs where you have your own office or private area you can go. But, what if you're a cashier at a grocery store working an eight hour shift or a teacher? Finding a "private area" and a place to store the breastmilk once its pumped may be difficult. If you have no choice but to work (which is the case for most moms), then you may have to formula feed once you go back to work. But at least your child received breastmilk for the first month or so of his/her life. I was blessed to be off 3 months with my first child, 6 weeks with my second, and 8 weeks with my third. I was also blessed to have my own office and own private place to pump at work.
Doing what's best for our children is not always the easiest route, but it is definitely the most rewarding and beneficial route. Looking back on my breastfeeding experiences, I would do it again in a heartbeat. My only regret is not breastfeeding my babies longer than I did. If you look at the pros and cons, most of the pros are for the baby (and I didn't list all of the pros for they are many) and the cons are for the mom. There are no cons listed for the baby. As a parent, we learn what true love a sacrifice is all about. We have to sacrifice our time and comforts for what's best for our child.
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