I have been struggling lately with the decision to switch from breastfeeding to formula. My baby will be 6 months at the end of this month. I breastfed my first child till she was 12 months old and my second till he was 10 and half months. I had to quit early for my second because I had some health issues. I could not bare my headaches any longer and had to get on some meds. This time my struggle is some health issues and the fact that I cannot seem to lose any weight. I know this is a selfish reason for me to quit breastfeeding. But at the same time I’m tired of being fat and not fitting into my clothes. You would think with my stomach problems I would lose weight from just that. I try to exercise when I can squeeze it into life. I do exercises at my desk and even in bed. I try to watch what I eat but I have not lost ANYTHING!!
The benefits of breastfeeding for my child and I definitely out way the benefits of formula feeding. (This is personally my opinion for my child and I. I am not judging any ones else’s choices. The choice to breastfeed or formula feed is a personal decision.)
One benefit I have seen for my kids is their immune system is great. I know of a few friends and family that only formula fed and their kids get sick A LOT.
Did you know that a breastfeeding women decreases her chances of getting breast cancer? And that breast milk has natural anti bodies that fight infection? These anitbodies can reduce the risks of the baby getting ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections, meningitis. Other factors help to protect a breastfed baby from infection by contributing to the infant's immune system by increasing the barriers to infection and decreasing the growth of organisms like bacteria and viruses.
Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial for premature babies and also may protect children against: allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).As a group, breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants.
All of this is in the article.
Here are the links to the article:
Formula Feeding: The Advantages
Formula Feeding: The Challenges
How to make breastfeeding easy, enjoyable and successful
I don't believe you are being selfish. Don't think this way. You have breastfed for six months and longer before and it is OK to stop.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing you breastfed as long as you have!
I breastfed my daughter for 12+ months and weaned her off because I wanted my body back. Selfish? I guess it's debatable..
There is nothing wrong with wanting to stop for yourself. I say go for it!