Breastfeeding Answers - Is It Right For You?

Is breastfeeding your baby the right choice for your lifestyle? Breastfeeding is not for everyone and first time mothers can have a difficult time deciding between breastfeeding and formula feeding. Knowing a few facts about breastfeeding can help you decide if it is right for you.

For the first few days following your delivery your body produces colostrum to nourish your baby. A mother's milk supply does not begin until two to three days later. Some women are uncomfortable with this small amount of nourishment, and may choose to supplement with formula feedings for a few days until their milk supply is established. Occasionally, a woman's milk supply is very weak and is not able to sustain the infant, leaving the mother no choice but to bottle feed her baby.

For other women, the idea of sore nipples and public breast feeding is enough to deter them from breastfeeding their baby. Bruised and sore nipples and the stares of strangers as you breastfeed in public are a few of the major drawbacks of breastfeeding. Some women choose to endure sore nipples and shy away from public breastfeeding, choosing instead to feed their baby in restrooms and back seats while out in public because they believe the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the pain, inconvenience and potential humiliation.

There are many books, articles and videos available about breastfeeding to help you prepare to make your decision. A lactation specialist, your obstetrical nurse or nurse practitioner will be happy to answer any questions you have about breastfeeding. Choosing to breastfeed your baby can be a rewarding and healthy experience for both you and your baby, but knowing what to expect and weighing the benefits against the inconveniences will help you decide if breastfeeding your baby is the right choice for you.

Learning about breastfeeding before deciding if the drawbacks are worth the benefits is recommended by healthcare professionals. Doing some research about breastfeeding and talking to other mothers is a great way to get inside information and to have your personal questions answered. Give breastfeeding a try. If you find that it's not for you, switching to formula feedings is always a viable option.

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