Why Breastfeed? (and Tips for Making it Easier)

Even though it takes a lot of time, breastfeeding yields a lot of benefits. According to many pediatricians, babies that are nourished with breast milk tend to be healthier. Their immune systems develop quicker and they are less susceptible to chronic diseases. It also means that they won’t have to deal with as many colds and ear infections which are common infant ailments.

Mothers get a few benefits from breastfeeding as well. In addition to the bond that breastfeeding creates between mother and child, breastfeeding also helps a woman’s uterus return to normal size. So, breastfeeding is an easy way to help loose the weight that you gain during pregnancy. Breastfeeding is also economical. You can save hundreds of dollars using breast instead of buying formulas, and healthier children will mean lower health costs too.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Breastfeeding for at least the first year of life, and some organizations even recommend breastfeeding for two years, but that seems like a really long time to me. Even as beneficial as breastfeeding is, I know I’m not going to want to commit to two years of feeding a child every couple of hours.

Making Breastfeeding Easier

There are things mothers can do to make breastfeeding a little easier. One is to buy a cute and convenient breastfeeding cover up or nursing cover, as it may be known. These are very similar to aprons because they have an adjustable strap that rests on the back of your neck, but the bib section in higher and wider than most aprons. Nursing covers give you more freedom because the modest covering it provides allows you to nurse in more places.

Another tactic that can help mothers feed their babies with breast milk is pumping. Pumping allows mothers to relieve any pain caused by built-up milk supplies even if their baby isn’t hungry and it also provides a little more freedom. For example, if you and your husband want to go out together one evening, but your baby is still on breast milk, you can pump out a bottle or two of milk that a babysitter can then feed the baby while you get a little break.