Benefits and Cons of Breastfeeding for Both Child and Mother

Breastfeeding provides multiple benefits to both the child and the mother (Cattaneo, 2007). Some of the most essential advantages of breastfeeding entail:

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Breast milk is rich in fatty acids and antibiotics, which enhances the immune system of the child.

Breastfeeding promotes childbirth recovery process and minimizes the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

It acts as natural birth control by delaying monthly periods.

Cons of Breastfeeding

Less freedom and exhaustion because the baby will be breastfed every two or three hours.

It can also be painful or uncomfortable due to problems such as sore nipples and mastitis among others

Pros of Formula Feeding

Formula feeding is stress-free and convenient such that healthcare providers or fathers can assist taking care of the child.

Mothers who formula feed get their bodies back since they can eat and wear what they prefer without distressing how it will affect the baby.

It helps to keep up with the infant's food demands due to the infant formula.

Cons of Formula Feeding

Formula-fed babies are at a higher risk of getting sick when compared to breastfeeding due to the lack of natural antibodies.

It does not change to baby's needs as opposed to breast milk which varies as the child grows.

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding

I would recommend her to consider breastfeeding method since it will work for her and the baby. With sufficient support from medical practitioners and loved ones, it is possible to eradicate the challenges of breastfeeding (Kent, 2019). However, the decision to breastfeed or not rests on the caregiver with no judgment or guilt since a healthy child needs a healthy and happy mother.

Introduction of Solid Food into an Infant's Diet

Solid food should be introduced to an infant at the age of six months. A baby may not be grown enough to swallow solid food before that age and may cause eczema and allergies, which is associated with chronic conditions such as celiac and diabetes (Harrison, Brodribb, & Hepworth, 2016).

Foods Not Appropriate During the First Year of Life

Foods such as cow milk, honey, citrus, soft foods, wheat, egg whites, and large chunks of food among others. This is because such foods lack proper nutrients for growing infants and cannot be digested (Harrison et.al., 2016). Moreover, it contain toxins, enzymes, proteins, and certain minerals that damage the child's kidneys and other organs.

References

Cattaneo, A. (2007). The benefits of breastfeeding or the harm of formula feeding? Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 44(1-2), 1-2. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1754.2007.01263.x

Harrison, M., Brodribb, W., & Hepworth, J. (2016). A qualitative systematic review of maternal infant feeding practices in transitioning from milk feeds to family foods. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 13(2). doi:10.1111/mcn.12360

Kent, G. (2019). Comparing Breastfeeding and Feeding With Infant Formula. World Nutrition, 10(1), 100-118. doi:10.26596/wn.2019101100-118