Top 5 Reasons Why Breast Is Best

No, I'm not a member of la leche league and I absolutely have respect for all moms whether you breastfeed or not. Personally, I have friends who have not been able to do so and their children are just as well adjusted as mine. Being a new hubber, I wanted to just share my view on breastfeeding and how it has saved my sanity.

Reason # 5: Convenient

The fact that you can whip out your breast at any moment in time when your baby is hungry is undeniably very convenient and the best feeling in the world. You don't need to search for bottles and pour formula. If your baby is crying and even if you are prudish like me, you can feed your baby in the car, in the bathroom, under a blanket or under those hooter hiders. Whatever the case may be, breastfeeding is very convenient.

Reason #4: Economical

Everyone knows that breastfeeding is free. Not many people realize that while breastfeeding they will save over $1000 a year. When you calculate the cost of formula, bottles, liners and other utensils, the cost is staggering. Having a baby is very costly in our country. We spend money on diapers, wipes, clothing, lotions, equipment and so many other things. This is a great way to save money without sacrificing anything in return. Babies require nourishment to thrive in their first year of life and the most economical way to do that is by feeding them breast milk.

Reason #3: Nutritional

Undeniably, one of the best reasons for breastfeeding is nutrition. Human milk contains all of the essential nutrients and antibodies a baby needs for the first year of life. Breastfed babies are protected from illnesses and have lower rates of diarrhea, ear infections, allergies, respiratory problems and other medical problems because breast milk transfers a mother's antibodies to the baby. Unfortunately, scientists still have not been able to make a formula that can duplicate the nutritional benefits of breast milk.

Reason #2: Natural bonding

Breastfeeding is the natural way for a mother and newborn to form a powerful and extraordinary bond. When my first child was born, it was difficult to get him latched on and we had a rough start, however, when we did finally perfect the art of breastfeeding together, it was incredible. He would look at me while eating and hold on to me and I felt linked to him. With my daughter, the moment she came out of me, she latched on and started suckling. It was the sweetest most amazing moment knowing that this baby was inside of me 5 minutes prior to this and now she needs me to provide her with milk. Of course if you are formula feeding, you can hold your baby close to you and bond, however, studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers carry and hold their babies more and have a better chance of bonding earlier on. While a formula feeding mom tries to teach her baby to hold their own bottle, a breast fed baby is always held for breastfeeding. Even though the first few weeks of breastfeeding may be difficult and possibly painful, holding your baby close to you and looking into their eyes with skin to skin contact not only makes baby happy, it makes mom happy emotionally, physically and scientifically.

Reason #1: Breastfeeding is good for mom

When I had my daughter last October, I knew right from the start she was not a typical child. In the hospital, she spent her time eating or screaming. My husband had to leave for work a few hours after our daughter was born and I was left all alone. I was so exhausted from labor and breastfeeding and lack of sleep that I asked the nurse for a bottle of formula just so that I can get some rest. Well, my little princess surely refused. She didn't take the bottle and I spent the rest of the time in the hospital not sleeping and counting the hours till I can go home. When I finally came home, I was yet again alone with my daughter. My inlaws had taken my son for a few days so that I could have that time to form a bond with my baby. My husband was working 12 hour days and could not help me at night. I did have feelings of loneliness, but honestly, I was so happy.

Because I was breastfeeding my daughter, endorphins were being released into my brain that made me feel good. I was blessed with a beautiful little girl who did not want to nap or sleep at night for more than 1 hour intervals, but yet, somehow I felt bliss. Don't get me wrong, I was exhausted and I still am after 7 months, but I truly believe that breastfeeding saved me from depression and from having negative feelings. Every time I would hold my baby and she would nuzzle up next to me suckling, I would feel like I am the luckiest and happiest girl in the universe. Scientifically, oxytocin is released in the mother's brain when the baby suckles triggering a release in breast milk. Oxytocin is known as the "trust hormone" or "love hormone" and is associated with pleasurable feelings. The endorphins that get released during breastfeeding are linked to decrease stress and also provide a happy feeling.

Breastfeeding saved my sanity and helped create a strong bond between myself and my children. This experience made me more of an attachment style parenting and brought my children closer to me. Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, remember that you are making the best decision for your child and yourself and that no one should be judging you as a mother.