Breastfeeding- It’s Worth A Try!

I believe every woman should at least consider breastfeeding their babies. Lets be honest- breastfeeding is tough at first! It can be painful and frustrating but it won’t last long. Soon you and your baby will be pros! Stick with it and reap all of the many benefits. Breastfeeding is good for you, your baby and your pocketbook!

Baby

  1. Breastfeeding saves money on formula. You have the potential to save approximately $800-1200 a year or more on formula by breastfeeding your baby. Breast milk contains everything your baby needs and more that 100 ingredients not found in formula. Breast milk is a far superior baby food. Breast milk is digested easier and no baby is allergic to their mother’s milk. Special formula for babies that have allergies can be quite costly!
  2. You don’t need to buy a bunch of extra baby bottles. If you breastfeed you probably will only need a bottle or two to use for pumped milk when you are unavailable to feed your baby. You won’t have bottles to prepare or wash. You won’t have to remember to pack a clean bottle and formula every time you leave the house either. You’ll have milk that is the perfect temperature and ready to feed your baby at a moments notice. If you are returning to work and can pump milk for your baby you will probably need to invest in an electric pump and you will need a few more bottles. Even so, you will still be saving quite a bit of money while simultaneously providing your baby with the best nutrition possible.
  3. Breastfeeding has the potential of saving hundreds of dollars or more on doctor bills. Breastfeeding has been proven to protect babies from illnesses and infections. Breast milk contains antibodies from the mother which are passed on to the baby protecting it from many illnesses. It has been proven that breastfed babies have fewer ear infections, develop fewer food allergies and are overall healthier than formula-fed babies. Most common illnesses are not passed through the milk to the baby. In fact if a mom is ill, her breast milk will contain antibodies to help protect the baby from those same illnesses.
  4. Breastfeeding benefits mothers. Besides not having to wash bottles or prepare them (especially for middle of the night feedings!), breastfeeding helps moms lose the extra baby weight after pregnancy by burning extra calories. Breastfeeding also helps the uterus contract back to it’s original size after birth. Studies have shown that breastfeeding may reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer.
  5. Get more assistance. Breastfeeding mothers are eligible to participate in the WIC program longer than non-breastfeeding mothers. In addition, mothers who breastfeed their babies receive an enhanced food package. Breastfeeding mothers can also receive breast pumps, breast shells and more to help support the continuation of breastfeeding.

As you can see, the benefits of breastfeeding are many! If you are able, give it a chance and see for yourself!

    Holly is a wife and stay at home mom of two little ones. She has been married to her husband since 2005. Her favorite part of blogging is trying and reviewing new products. She enjoys scrapbooking, bead work, reading and playing Texas Hold ‘Em in her “spare time.” Holly’s writings can be seen at Mommies With Cents.

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7 comments to Breastfeeding- It’s Worth A Try!

  • Jessk

    Great post! I formula fed my first and am currently nursing my 2nd. I have to say besides all the above points made… I enjoy the convenience of Breastfeeding….ESPECIALLY at 5am. I initially wasn’t sure if I could handle it because I am a huge foodie and didn’t think I’d be able to avoid foods even after pregnancy for another year but so far it’s not really bothered me. My daughter is almost 6 months, although I am dying for some Ice cream….the sacrifice I believe is worth it.

  • Mommy News

    Hi Jess, Thanks for your comment! Does your baby have dairy allergies? If not, then there really isn’t any reason to avoid ice cream!! I ate it all the time when my son was little. And even if she had reactions early on, she may have grown out of them. You can test to see if she is still sensitive by having one serving of dairy and then watching her for a reaction over the next few days. If she doesn’t have one, then try slowing adding dairy back into your diet. If she does have a reaction, then you will need to continue avoiding it – but it’s worth a try to see if she is still sensitive or not. Congrats on giving breastfeeding a try! That is great!! For you and your baby. — Judy

  • Breastfeeding is amazing in so many ways. You’re right though that it can be hard at first. The first three months of breastfeeding my son were a nightmare. I had a terrible thrush infection. There were so many moments when I wanted to give up. Now he’s 15 months old and still nursing. I’m so glad that I didn’t quit!

  • Jade

    Yay for breastfeeding, still feeding my 29mth old and my 6mth old :)

  • Melissa

    How true! The first several weeks were difficult for me and my youngest son. I had breastfed my other 3 children and they had all slept thru the night, however Draven was eating every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. We would finisha feeding and 30 minutes later he would be ready again! But, my milk came in really good that way and I was able to breastfeed him until he was 9 months old (which was longer than I did my other children!).

  • What a great post!!! Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, but it is definitely worth it!!

  • I truly enjoyed breastfeeding my 3, even when it seemed an impossible task (or maybe *because* of that!). My first was a preemie in the NICU and even though we couldn’t try until she was nearly 3 weeks old…I ended up weaning her when she was about 2. Had lots of great advice and support than made me stick with it and I’ve always been glad that I did.

    Great post!

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