Questioning the Convenience of Bottlefeeding - from The Nursing Baby

1. Anyone can feed the baby.

   True, anyone *can* feed your baby. The question is, who do you want to feed your baby? Probably not just anyone. Probably, you'll only want the people you want caring for your baby to feed him or her. That will probably be yourself, your husband, and perhaps your mother or trusted friend.

   Now, once we've narrowed the list down, it doesn't sound like such a convenience. And when you come up against the reality that most bottlefeeding mothers face, that they feed their baby themself almost every single feeding, it ends up being a convenience only seen once every week or two.

   And for husbands who do insist on feeding the baby before solids are introduced, breastfeeding mothers can let them share on occasion with minimal effects on milk supply.
   
   

2. I can leave my baby.

   Actually, you can leave your baby whether you breastfeed or bottlefeed. This can be a true advantage if you plan on absences longer than 4-6 hours. Your breasts will never engorge at long absence, nor do you need to take time to pump. However, most mothers don't want to leave their babies for long in the early months, except for working mothers who must. Certainly don't plan a feeding method based on what you think you may want before your baby is born - it's bound to change as the realities of motherhood sink in.
   
   

3. I can bottlefeed anywhere.

   You can bottlefeed anywhere. You can also breastfeed anywhere as well. Some moms are initially embarassed at nursing in public, it's a skill that requires a bit of practice. And even if you choose not to nurse in public, you can still give bottles (of breastmilk or formula), so don't choose bottlefeeding just for this reason! And remember, if you are nursing, you don't need to bring premixed formula or worry about how to heat your bottle. Most nursing moms only need a tiny diaper bag to carry two diapers, wipes, and a toy.
   
   

4. I can go back to work.

   Actually, breastfeeding rates are similar between working and stay at home mothers. Nursing mothers can go back to work and choose to bottle or cup feed their baby breastmilk or formula while they are gone. Should they choose formula, it may take a few weeks for the engorgement they experience during the workday to go away, but their milk supplies are generally still adequate for when they are home.
   
   

5. I can drink or smoke.

   Evidence strongly exists that a smoking mother should still breastfeed, despite the contaminants in the milk, because of the protection breastfeeding gives against respiratory infections and allergies. Also, although drinking large amounts isn't recommended, alcohol is considered compatible with breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
   
   

6. My sex life will be better.

   It's true that a bottlefeeding mother's fertility and libido will likely return faster than a breastfeeding mother's. This is one of the reasons that mothers who nurse for a total of 24 months over their lifetime have a 25% reduced chance of breast cancer. Mothers should be aware that breastfeeding can have a libido reducing effect, but they should also be aware that parenting a young child has a strong libido reducing effect as well. A couple's sex life is often different after children, mainly because the demands of parenthood are so high.
   
   

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.