Before I say anything more, I just want to point out that I’m not judging mothers who choose to/have to formula feed their babies.  I am simply sharing the reasons that I have chosen to breastfeed.

1. It promotes bonding between mom and baby and is an integral part of attachment parenting, which is very important to me.
2. It’s healthier for both mom and baby.  For the mother, breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer, as well as other diseases.  For the baby, it passes along immunities, helps prevent SIDS and lowers the risk of him getting many diseases including cancers, diabetes, asthma, ear infections, and arthritis, just to name a few.  It also helps prevent baby girls from developing breast cancer later in life.
3. It’s easier!  No mixing and heating bottles (and then washing them later)…I just lift up my shirt and it’s always there at the perfect temperature!!
4. It’s free!  Yes, I’ve chosen to buy things such as a pump (although that was a gift), nursing cover, cute nursing pads, etc. but those things are completely optional.  And the cost of those items doesn’t come even close to the $1200 per year it costs to formula feed!  Plus, breastfed babies are generally healthier than formula-fed ones, which means fewer doctor visits!
5. It helps mom lose the baby weight faster.  Thanks to breastfeeding, I’m down below my pre-Kelvin weight and only 4 pounds away from my pre-Ava weight.  That’s with no dieting and very light exercise…and no phentermine for me, thank you very much!  Plus, did you know that if a woman doesn’t breastfeed, her uterus will always be slightly larger that it was before pregnancy?

These are just my top reasons….here are 101 Reasons to Breastfeed!

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