The Pros And Cons Of Breastfeeding

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Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding
Taylor N. Mann
University of Central Arkansas

One of the biggest choices new parents make is the decision on whether to breastfeed or bottle feed their baby. This decision is one of the most highly debated topics, and there really is no “correct” choice. What seems most comfortable for the mom and baby is the best choice, and this feeling varies from family to family. Being informed on the pros and cons of both formula feeding and breastfeeding is the best way to approach this important decision.
Unlike some may think, the milk we buy from the grocery store and drink on a regular basis is actually quite different from that of human milk. Milk from cows is primarily composed of casein. Casein is very hard for babies to digest, that is why milk is not suggested. Human milk, on the other hand, is made up of mostly whey protein, which is much easier …show more content…

Antibodies to fight bacteria and sickness are passed through the mother’s milk to the baby, making their immune system stronger. According to HealthyChild.org, “This defense against illnesses significantly decreases the chances that your breastfeeding baby will suffer from ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or certain types of spinal meningitis’ (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2017).
One of the more simple benefits, but definitely one worth taking note of, is the cost and time efficiency breastfeeding provides. Breast milk is 100 percent free, and it is always ready to go when the baby is hungry. This alone is one main reason new moms choose to breastfeed, rather than use formula. As far as time efficiency, there is no prep time when it comes to meal time. Breast milk is always the right temperature and is easily accessed at any place or time. As any mom knows, all time is valuable, and every minute spared is one that can be spent doing something