While there is no doubt that nursing your baby provides plenty of
opportunities to bond, does that mean that all mothers who don't breastfeed
aren't as close to their children? Hardly! Breastfeeding can be difficult, to
say the least. In the beginning, your nipples are sore, and you can suffer from
clogged ducts, cracked nipples, and a dreaded mastitis infection. If you bottle
feed your baby, you can hold your baby close, gaze into his big baby blues and
forge just as tight a bond. Plus, your husband can get in on the action, giving
you some much needed time to yourself to have lunch with a friend, take a
leisurely shopping trip, or sleep all night! Imagine that!
Health Factor
You needn't bother to argue with the impressive findings from the AAP, so
don't even try. Breast milk is good for your baby, unless you yourself are
extremely undernourished. But, what about all of those babies who were never
breastfed and have grown up to become athletes, world leaders, and fine,
upstanding, healthy adults? Formulas have come a long way from the rudimentary
formulas of the past. If you read the labels on cans of formulas, you'll see
words such as fortified, nutrients, healthy, doctor recommended, and you'll see
abbreviations such as DHA and ARA. These words aren't just flippantly placed on
a label. They are there to reassure moms and dads everywhere that these formulas
were specifically designed with your baby's health in mind. Yes, you'll spend
more money on formula than on breast milk, but what about all the unnecessary
things you buy, such as that bag of chocolate candy, the gourmet coffee beans,
and the makeup which promises younger looking skin? If you are willing to
splurge on items like these, why should you question the amount of your baby's
primary source of food?