Breastfeeding: Is it overrated?

Pregnancy is nine month long tunnel, at the end of which you find the light showing through the soft, cuddly

bundle in your arms. But are we ever ready for that moment of our lives? Do you feel that you are fully equipped for what is going to embrace you? Trust me.We are not. A single decision of selecting between breast feeding and bottle feeding takes enormous proportions. Is breast feeding really great or is it in fact overrated? Lets, see.

Why breastfeeding?

Everyone from your pediatrician, obstetrician, nurse to your own mom would vouch that breastfeeding is the best. It will be safe to say that breastfeeding comes naturally to most of us. May be we are genetically predisposed towards it! But still, there are some of us who have a hard time deciding. There are many benefits associated with breastfeeding. These are;

1. Milk especially meant for your baby: Human breast milk has all the ingredients that your baby needs. It cannot be synthesized in the laboratory, cow's milk or formula does not have all the ingredients found in human milk. As the needs of your baby changes, so does the constitution of your milk. So. it is different for a premature baby and different for a seven month old. 
2. Easy to digest: Since, breast milk is designed for a human baby, its protein and fats are easily digested by the baby. This has an added advantage that the baby has fewer complaints of colic, gas or excessive spit up.Breast milk has natural laxative properties. Babies fed on breast milk have loose stools but do not complain of diarrhea or constipation.
3. Sodium-protein balance: Breast milk has lesser quantity of sodium and proteins and therefore the kidneys of the newborn are not overwhelmed. 
4. Calcium absorption: Breast milk has low concentration of phosphorus which in turn facilitated enhanced absorption of calcium.
5. Allergies: Babies are not allergic to breast milk whereas almost 10% of babies have been found to be allergic to cow's milk formula. The baby may be allergic to something which the mother ate and passed on to her milk.
6. Nappy rash: Breast fed babies do not develop nappy rash. Their bowel movements are sweet smelling and do not have objectionable odor.
7. Healthy baby: The exclusively breast fed baby has a good dose of antibodies from the mother and has high grade immunity to diseases. Expect fewer colds, fever, ear infection and other illnesses with your breast feeding baby when compared with a bottle fed baby.
8. Obesity: Breast feeding baby's diet is calorie controlled. The hind milk is rich in calories while fore milk is not. The hind milk is generally an indication to stop feeding. A breast feed baby may appear to be less chubbier than his bottle fed counterpart.
9. Cholesterol metabolism: A few research studies have reported an improved metabolism of cholesterol in breast fed babies. 

Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom

Not only the baby, but research studies have revealed that breastfeeding is beneficial for the new mother in many ways. 

1. Healthy Mom: Breast feeding is natural and it helps in shrinking the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size much more quickly. it reduces the flow of lochia rapidly. Good news is that it helps you in shedding leftover pregnancy pounds by burning almost 500 calories or more everyday.
2. Reduced risk of breast cancer: Believe it or not, research studies have revealed that breast feeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. 
3. Convenience: It is very convenient to feed your baby; milk always in stock, ready to use, clean and at the perfect feeding temperature.
4. Economical: Its free as compared with bottle feeding which is an expensive and a wasteful proposition.
5. Protection against future pregnancies: ovulation and menstruation are suppressed in lactating mothers often until weaning and sometimes much later. So you are granted reprieve from the risk of unwanted pregnancy.
6. Forced rest: Breastfeeding ensures you take breaks in an otherwise busy day and so gives a forced time to sit back with your baby in your arms and  rest.
7. Strong bonding: Breastfeeding helps build a strong bonding between you and and your child with the skin to skin and eye to eye contact.

So, nothing can be overrated if it gives you an opportunity to cuddle, share baby babble and coos with your wonderful bundle of joy!