With all the time restrictions today, many parents find it easiest to give their newborn baby a bottle. Some also believe that the nutrients in a formula will be better for the baby. But, there is nothing more beneficial than breast milk for your baby.

As nature intended, your breast milk contains just the right amount of nutrients the baby need. There are other benefits involved with breastfeeding as opposed to bottle-feeding such as:

• Breast milk boosts the baby’s immune system – Nutrients in the mother’s breast milk helps the baby fight off infections. It is based on any infections to which the mother (and therefore the baby) is exposed. So the baby gets customized protection from diseases. Studies show that breast fed babies are less likely to be ill, develop immune disorders or allergy related diseases such as asthma.
• Breast milk aids in the proper physical development – Breast milk helps babies initially gain the weight they need, yet over time, it can prevent them from becoming overweight.
• Breast milk aids in mental development – Breastfed babies may have a more alert state, which helps their brains develop properly.

It is possible for a mother to express their breast milk and use a bottle to feed the baby. While this is preferable to feeding the baby formula, there are still some lost benefits by not actually breastfeeding. While breastfeeding, there is a closeness between the mother and child that improves the bond between them. Breastfeeding is also good for the baby’s oral health. It can prevent tooth decay associated with bottle-feeding. Breastfeeding helps your child develop good hand eye coordination when you switch sides and positions during feeding.

While breastfeeding have many benefits for the baby, there are also benefits for the mother. Mothers who breastfeed find they:

• Experience less hemorrhaging – breastfeeding will shrink the uterus naturally and prevent dangerous hemorrhaging where as mothers who give their babies formula may need to take medication for this.
• Experience less stress – Because babies who breastfeed do not experience as many infections, they are healthier. This can reduce the amount of stress a new mother feels. Also, mothers who need to feed in the middle of the night don’t have to get up and mix formula then heat it up, so they aren’t as sleep deprived.
• Lose the baby weight quicker – The production of breast milk burns calories, so mothers who breastfeed tend to shed the pregnancy pounds quicker.
• Bond quicker with their babies – Breastfeeding not only helps the baby bond to the mother, but also helps the mother bond to the baby.

Of course, not all mothers can breastfeed and formula feedings will be necessary. Mothers who have tested positive for a disease should not breastfeed as it can be transmitted to the baby through the breast milk. Also mothers who are taking some type of medication should avoid breastfeeding as the medication can be transmitted to the baby and cause possible harm. If you have any concerns, speak to your physician about them. In most cases, breastfeeding is a wonderfully close and valuable experience between the mother and baby.