I often get asked, "does it really matter if I don't breastfeed?" My answer is "yes and no". There are advantages and disadvantages to both. But if you want my honest opinion, if you can do it and it feels right for you, then do.

This isn't a judgement call by any means. There are a multitude of reasons why women can't breastfeed or chose not to breastfeed. And that's ok. But if you are sitting on the fence, here are some reasons that you should seriously consider it.

Breastmilk is specially made, by you, to meet all of the nutritional needs of your baby

Human breastmilk changes in composition throughout lactation, during a single feed and over a 24-hour period. It is specially designed by your body to precisely match the nutritional needs of your baby. That also includes adjustments to compensate for a particularly thirsty baby in the height of summer.

It's always ready and on hand

When your baby is hungry, he or she is hungry NOW. There is a very real advantage to having food 'on tap', rather than having to rush around with your screaming child, to make up formula. Of course, if you're organised, you may keep portions of formula pre-measured and ready to go, for such occasions. But who is actually that organised?

It can make your baby smarter

A number of studies have shown there to be a correlation between breastfeeding and improved cognition. Researchers suggest that it is a particular group of fats, the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) that are responsible for this. In a study comparing breastfed babies with babies given formula that was supplemented with LCPUFSs, both breastfed and supplemented infants performed better than the standard formula group. Similar studies have shown that these developmental advantages can last up to 4 years old. Having said that, you could also buy formula that has been supplemented.

Breastmilk protects your baby from disease

Bacteria present in breastmilk are some of the first microbes to enter the human body.  It contains a number of immune and growth factors that lead to significant short and long-term advantages over artificial alternatives. Babies who are breastfed have less gastrointestinal infections, while essential components contained in breastmilk actually promote immune system development. Also, a breastfed baby's poo smells much less offensive.

Breastfed babies may be less likely to be obese or diabetic as adults

This is really exciting. Breastmilk contains essential growth factors which protective effect against obesity and diabetes. Breastfed babies also grow at different rates to their formula-fed peers. If you look at the way a breastfed baby grows, relative to a formula fed baby in the first 6 months, you might notice some interesting differences. A breastfed baby will grow quickly in the first few months, slowing thereafter. Whereas a formula fed baby will have the opposite pattern of growth.

Bonding

There is some beautiful bonding that happens when a mother breastfeeds her child. Having said that, maintaining eye contact while bottle feeding can be just as good and it has the advantage of being an activity anyone in the family can get involved in.

But remember, if you do breastfeed, look after yourself. Keep plenty of water handy. Just like when you were pregnant, your body is literally nourishing your little one. And your body is smart - it will make sure if gives your baby everything it needs. So if you don't put the right things into your body, it won't be your baby that misses out, it will be you because your body will nourish your baby at your expense. I'll write a post soon about healthy eating to support breastfeeding.