How to Decide Whether or Not to Breastfeed

Deciding whether or not to breastfeed is a major decision when having a new baby. Only you can make this decision, but hopefully this article will shed some light on the topic.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ask your doctor if you are able to breastfeed. Some women cannot breast feed due to illness or genetics. Chronic diseases, such as MS, require specific medicines that will transfer to the breast milk and will be bad for your baby.

2. Make sure than any medications that you plan on starting after giving birth are not transferred while breastfeeding. This includes birth control so you may have to stock up on condoms if you are not planning on trying for another baby.

3. Determine if you have enough money for baby formula. Baby formula costs an arm and a leg and breast milk is free. Enough said?

4. Realize that breastfeeding is best for your baby. Whatever your reasons, breastfeeding is the best choice for your baby because of the natural immunities it will provide to your child. Correlations have been drawn between intelligence and breastfeeding, and even as far as to say that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of cancer for your child.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't avoid breastfeeding just because you think it is going to be hard. It really is the best thing for your baby.