BREAST OR BOTTLE
There is much to be
said for breast feeding. It has its advantages for mother and baby. It does
have some disadvantages for the mother. Breast milk is easily digestible;
nature made it for the baby. It contains virtually everything necessary during
the first months of life. Babies who are breast-fed seem to have a partial or
temporary immunity to certain diseases. The act of nursing also helps to satisfy
emotional needs.
For the mother, nursing contracts the muscles of the uterus,
aiding its rapid return to normal. It makes her feel close to the baby,
satisfying her emotional needs. It is less expensive, and it will not ruin her
figure. Nursing mothers need not gain weight even though they eat well and
drink a quart of milk a day (skimmed milk is far less fattening and will do
exactly as well). If the mother does not gain, and if she wears a good
supporting brassiere, the appearance of her breasts will not be appreci- ably
altered.
Nursing does not interfere with her health. It may be
tiring, as exercise is, but not harmful. If she becomes overtired, she is under
par in some other way and should see her doctor. Nursing does restrict a
mother's freedom. She can't go away for days at a time. It is difficult to
nurse a baby and go out to work, although it is possible.
If, for example, she
returns to work when her baby is two months old and on a four-hour schedule,
she may be able to manage things so she need miss only one feeding, which may
be given in a bottle. The main disadvantage in nursing lies in the feeling of some
women has about it. If you feel a real revulsion toward nursing, not just an
objection on the ground that it may be a nuisance, don't force yourself to
nurse.
Or try it and stop if it disturbs you. Don't blame yourself; you are not
going to be an "unnatural" mother. While nursing is better for the
baby than bottle feeding, there is not enough difference for you to get upset.
Cuddle your baby and give him plenty of affection while you give him his
bottle.
