Choice of Infant Feeding

One of the most important decisions you will make is how to feed your new baby. Whether to breast-feed or bottle-feed has been debated over hundreds of years and the trend toward one method or the other has varied considerably. In the past, whether or not to breast-feed has seemed dependent on fashion and not necessarily on whether it was beneficial to mother and infant.

You should at least be aware of the benefit of nursing before making your decision. Mother's milk is balanced for a normal baby and agreeable to the baby's digestive system. Breast milk can also protect the baby from infection, illness, and developing allergies. Perceived disadvantages of nursing, such as leaking, feeling tied down, father's involvement are temporary and, with patience and information, can be overcome.

Of course, the decision to breast feed must be made by each person. It may not be for everyone. However, you need information on which to base your decision. If you have questions or concerns about breast-feeding, we have a lactation consultant who would be glad to talk with you.

Note: This information applies only to Lansing OB/GYN Associates.

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