V. Reasons to breastfeed or not

Breast feeding or pumping/expressing breast milk is an excellent option for most. Mother, parent, caregiver and baby should all be engaged and on board. If not, formula is a viable option for those that cannot or do not want to nurse their baby. Here are V. (five) benefits to breastfeeding for baby and mom, or not.

V. Benefits to breastfeeding for the baby.

i. Breast milk has an abundance of nutritional components including enzymes and antioxidants that can boost and improve the baby’s immune system and offer some protection against certain infections and illnesses.

ii. Breast milk is easily digestible which means less gastro-intestinal issues for the baby and helps promote healthy baby weight.

iii. Breastfeeding offers an emotional and physical bonding experience for both parent and child.

iv. Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores later in childhood.

v. Breast milk tastes good to babies. And, you can actually pass along the ‘taste’ of certain foods which can elevate and enhance your infant’s diet early on.

V. Benefits to breastfeeding for the parent.

 i. Breastfeeding stimulates the uterus to return to pre-term size and efficiently burns more calories.

 ii. Breastfeeding offers an emotional and physical bonding experience for both parent and child.

iii. Breastfeeding may lower the risk of postpartum depression.

iv. Breastfeeding may lower your risk of breast and ovarian cancer as well as osteoporosis.   

v. Breastfeeding is easy, accessible, affordable and portable.

V. Reasons that is OK if you don’t breastfeed.

i. Infant formulas are a safe and nutritious solution. Today’s commercially available formulas are strictly regulated and mimic the nutritional components of human milk. So, you don’t have to feel pressure if you can’t or don’t breast feed for one reason or the other. 

ii. When using formula the full responsibility is shared amongst parents and caregivers, thus allowing other family members and partners the opportunity to bond with baby as well.

iii. Breastfeeding is both time consuming and physically demanding on one’s body. So, if you choose not to breastfeed, mother/caregiver can have more time to rest, recharge and fulfill additional parenting and household responsibilities.

iv. Sometimes breastfeeding can be uncomfortable and painful causing mastitis, engorgement, plugged milk ducts, and sore nipples. If you choose not to breastfeed, you will not have to experience these symptoms.

v. You can also do a combination approach with some natural breast milk and formula. This may be helpful to new moms who are having issues -- whether it is production, pain/sensitivity, or other medical issues as well as personal and professional conflicts.

BONUS. V. Tips for the breast feeder.

i. Stay hydrated and full. It is important for the breast-feeding woman to remain well hydrated and to maintain a robust caloric intake (at east 2500cal/day). Food choices should be healthy and well balanced.

ii. Take your vitamins. It is beneficial to continue with a prenatal vitamin while nursing/breast feeding so that you and your baby continue to get the appropriate vitamins and minerals.

iii. No caffeine + cocktails + cigarettes. Avoiding or significantly lowering caffeine and alcohol consumption is important if a woman is nursing. Smoking is definitely not advised.

iv. Make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. There are several well-known positions that help to ease and eliminate the strain on you and/or baby while breastfeeding. Cradle, Football and Side-lying positions offer a variety of ways to protect both of you while providing added support.

v. Don’t forget the birth control. You can still get pregnant while breast-feeding. Therefore, consider taking a non-hormonal birth control and/or non-estrogen containing contraception or use a condom. 

Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. Discuss nursing and feeding options with your personal OBGYN or pediatrician.

If you think you or your baby may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.