Explain at least 3 advantages and 3 potential disadvantages or concerns related to breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding

Introduction Breastfeeding is the process of feeding a baby with milk from a woman’s breast. In the first 6 months, it is advised that babies are exclusively breastfed. This should continue with complementary food up to 2 years. However, some mothers find it difficult to breastfeed their babies, and other opt for formula. This article discusses both the benefits and drawbacks of breast-feeding. Also, it examines the differences between formula feeding and breastfeeding.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is beneficial for mother and baby. First, breast milk contains essential nutrients that help in the baby’s growth and development. The milk is rich in proteins, fats, and vitamins that are vital for the baby’s brain development, immune system, and digestion (Bennett et al., 2020). Second, breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child. The skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and physical touch during breastfeeding create a bond that promotes the baby’s emotional development. Thirdly, breastfeeding helps in reducing the mother’s risk of certain cancers such as ovarian and breast cancers (Bennett et al., 2020).

There are some potential downsides to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers can face a variety of challenges, including engorged or sore breasts, painful nipples and mastitis. These conditions may cause pain and discomfort (Neville, et. al., 2013,). Second, nursing can make a woman feel limited in her social and time activities. You may find that a breastfeeding mother is unable to consume alcohol, or use medications which may negatively affect the infant through her breast milk. Breastfeeding can also be stressful. This is especially true for mothers that are not able to provide enough milk for the baby, causing frustration and anxiety.

Formula Feeding: Benefits and Drawbacks Formula feeding involves giving a child a milk formula specially created in a bottle. The convenience of formula feeding is one benefit. The formula-fed baby does not have to be breastfed as often as the breastfeeding infant, and can also be divided between caregivers. Formula feeding gives a mother more control and freedom over her timetable. Mothers can, for example, leave their baby with someone else and go back to work. Lastly, formula feeding allows the mother to know how much milk the baby is taking, and it is easier to monitor the baby’s growth.

There are some disadvantages to formula feeding. First, formula feeding increases the baby’s risk of infections such as ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastroenteritis (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012). Formula feeding can be more costly than breastfeeding and this cost will accumulate over time. Lastly, formula feeding lacks the beneficial antibodies and nutrients found in breast milk that help in the baby’s immune system and overall development.

Breastfeeding and Working Mothers Breastfeeding has a major impact on working mothers, particularly when they return to the workplace after their maternity leave. It is possible that the mother will experience some stress or anxiety because she has to separate from her child and balance work with breastfeeding. Mothers may face other challenges, such as finding a safe place to store milk or locating a space where they can pump their milk privately (La Leche League International – 2020). Second, the mother could experience discomfort from engorged or leaky breasts during working hours. Last but not least, employers may discriminate or harass the mother if they are unsupportive of mothers who breastfeed.

Recent Legal Concerns with Breastfeeding There have been many legal concerns and laws related to breastfeeding in recent years. Employers are required by the Affordable Care act to offer reasonable breaks for breastfeeding mothers and to have a space that is private, besides a restroom, where they can express themselves.