Should I Breastfeed or Not?

Another great advantage is breastmilk is free. Formula can cost you over $150 a month. While it can be time consuming, you can use a breast pump to serve the milk in a bottle. A breast pump will run you about $30-300 for a good one. Mothers can pump during the day and have the dad bottle feed the breastmilk at night to give mom a much-needed break. This will also allow dad and baby to enjoy the bonding that occurs during feedings. But if mommy wants to return back to work full time right away, it may not be possible to breastfeed because there may not be enough time to pump in your work day. If you do not pump or feed your baby often enough, your body will produce less milk.

Sometimes the best solution is to do both. If you start your baby out on both, it will be much easier when it comes time to wean. Breast and bottle feeding also come in handy whenever a baby goes through growth spurts and suddenly eats like a horse. This can take a lot of stress off you and your baby. I, personally, have mixed both formula and breast milk for both of my daughters and it has worked out quite well. I have the flexibility of doing what I want, or returning to work right away, but I know my daughters have gotten the nutrients they needed.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure it is your decision and not anyone elses. You will get tons of opinions from other mothers, and while it may have worked for them, it may not fit your lifestyles or beliefs. You are the mother and you are raising this child, it has to be the right decision for you and your baby.