We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding a Baby?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,138
Share

While some women are quite determined to breastfeed their babies, others are not so sure they want to do it, as there are pros and cons. Just a few of the advantages for the mother include the possibility of losing weight faster than usual, the ease of feeding, and the typical delay of menstrual periods. The baby benefits by being less likely to become ill, as well as being able to easily digest his food, which happens to come with a taste that most babies enjoy. Additionally, breastfeeding a baby often results in a comforting feeling of closeness between the mother and child, though this may also result in little chance to bond with other caretakers. Furthermore, nursing mothers often find it to be time-consuming, as well as physically exhausting.

Breastfeeding a baby is often appealing to women because there are several benefits for both the baby and themselves. For example, since breastfeeding tends to burn at least 500 calories per day, women are able to eat more without gaining weight, and sometimes even lose weight faster than mothers who do not breastfeed. Also, nursing mothers may find that latching the baby onto their breast is often easier than mixing and heating formula, especially in the middle of the night. One of the other main benefits of breastfeeding a baby is the delay of menstrual periods, as many women do not menstruate at all until they either start supplementing with formula, or wean the baby entirely.

Babies benefit greatly from breastfeeding, as well, with one of the pros being the sweet taste that most enjoy. Of course, one of the most well-known benefits of breastfeeding a baby is the extra immunity that the milk provides, as breastfed babies are typically more adept at fighting viruses, diarrhea, and diaper rash than formula-fed infants. Thus, they are usually less likely to require trips to the hospital or doctor, and also have a lower likelihood of developing diabetes or cancer during childhood. Of course, babies also benefit from the added comfort of getting to eat every meal in their mother's arms, which tends to provide a sense of closeness and security.

This closeness between the baby and mother may come with a price, however, as it does not allow other caretakers, such as the father or grandparents, to bond through feeding. Of course, the mother can usually pump milk to put in a bottle, but this usually takes some time and effort. In fact, breastfeeding a baby in general is time-consuming, and can often lead to fatigue and extra stress since the mother needs to be attached to either her baby or her breast pump every couple of hours.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-breastfeeding-a-baby.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.