debating on whether or not to breastfeed being induced in 3 days

Jeri - posted on 02/20/2010

Samantha Edwards,

Well maybe you dont know if you are 100% comfortable with the bottle or the breast. Then which do you choose? Sorry Im one to be a smarty pants...So dont mind that. But there are just a lot of things that someone can be less than 100% on, but they still have to make a move and they can not wait very long to decide.

Jeri - posted on 02/20/2010

I did not know that you should feed the baby as soon as him/her is born. I know when I went to the hospital and I had my baby they waited a while to even give her a bottle. And she didnt take very well to the bottle, they had to change the nipple. And she just didnt really want to eat, but they said its normal because they have never had to eat before and you have to teach them. But I guess anything can be true. All I know is it can be hard to bottle feed and breast feed at first, so its worth a try to go with breastfeeding.

Melissa - posted on 02/20/2010

Oh Chelsea! Please, if your wanting to breastfeed, do! I can't tell you how amazing of a bond it creates between you and your child. If you need any support, please just let me know, and I will be a supporter. The benifits of breastfeeding are amazing... Not only for your child, but for you as well. It helps you lose the weight a little faster, it helps with your hormones, and many more wonderful things. It is VERY painful the first couple times, (I should say some moms are lucky and their babies just "know" how to latch on right the first time) but pushing past that, is like losing that extra 10 lbs. I nursed my little girl for 10 months, and the bond that we created has been the most special thing in my LIFE.

Working while breastfeeding is difficult, but it is something you can do. There are some great electric pumps, and manual pumps available for working/nursing moms. Most everyplace will have a quiet room for nursing moms to "pump". I would definately go for it, and if it seems to much, a bottle is always right there. GOOD LUCK!!!

Clare - posted on 02/20/2010

Try it and see how things go....i did both breast and bottle, i expressed milk so that other people could bottle feed my son if i couldnt breast feed, but overall make sure you are comfortable doing it, whether it be breast or bottle.

Becky - posted on 02/20/2010

Breastfeed! At least give it a try! I am pretty passionate about breastfeeding. I breastfed my first for 14 months and let me tell you, those first 2 months were sooo hard! But I was determined to stick it out for at least 3 months, and after the first 2, it got better and I never looked back. There are so many benefits for you and the baby - breastmilk is free, it's always right there, ready when you need it, no clean up afterwards, no bottles to sterilize or prepare, it's already the perfect temperature, it's the perfect food for your baby, you don't have to worry about unscrupulous formula companies cutting costs by putting in things that may not be healthy for your baby. Breastfeeding helps you lose weight and helps prevent breast cancer, not only for you, but also for your baby if you have a girl. It can help reduce the chances of childhood obesity, diabetes, and boosts your baby's immune system. There's no worry about warming bottles when you're out. It's a special bond. And the satisfaction of knowing you're doing what's best for your baby is wonderful.
I could go on, but my breastfed baby is hungry, so I gotta go!

Kristie - posted on 02/20/2010

i would at least try! for some it comes so natural, for others it takes a bit of time, patience and help. the lactation nurses come by in the hospital to help and i went to a bf'ing support group. i never had any pain issues, but w/ my son being 3 wks early, i was never sure he was getting enough and we had spit up issues as well to deal w/. i stuck w/it cause i was determined. i thoroughly enjoyed it and before i went back to work at 4 months, i started pumping and freezing the milk. i continured to pump at work for the next 2 months and it seems as if my son weaned himself by 5 months, but i still had another months supply in the freezer! whether it's a few days, months or the entire time, your baby will benefit. good luck!!

Jennifer - posted on 02/20/2010

Although there is great formula out there, I do believe breast is best. I guess it depends on the person and your lifestyle....I breastfed both my children for 6 months and then on the formula, for me, you cant get any closer to your baby than that. No midnight bottles....no getting bottles ready to go to town. Everything seems easy once you've done it for awhile. But being a mom who just had a baby on the breast and now on bottles for, oh my, been a month already....its still a pain in my butt having to carry all that around.... I will also add...and of coarse, this was MY main motivation for breast and maybe something that you do not know, but quite possibly do....is that babies do not produce anti-bodies til six months of age and for me I found it really important to make sure that she at least got mine til then.. With both of my girls there was a huge difference on how they got sick...either they didnt get sick at all or it was very mild compared to the rest during the time of breast feeding. Also, some people beg to differ this point, but as far as weight loss goes, just as long as you eat a very well balanced diet....(canada food guide for example) and drink tons of water, you will lose a lot of baby weight.....If you choose too, you must make up your mind before and just say this is what I want to do and you will.....its always difficult at first...my doc told me with my first, baby is trying to learn too and if we are stressed they will be too.....they are natural born suckers and just aslong as we show them where, they will do the rest! Good Luck!!!

Chantelle - posted on 02/20/2010

i wanted to breast feed but after 4 days she still wasn't taking to it and i bottle fed. i think bottle is ideal myself, even tho they say that breast is best for the immune and what not. you can bottle feed and have ur partner do it during the night while u sleep or even when you nap to help you out abit. or a family member that's there. but it comes down to what u want to do, like what was said before you can start on breast and change over after

September - posted on 02/20/2010

The best thing that you can do in my opinion is educate yourself and use the help of a lactation specialist. It is hard at first but gets easy fast and is so worth it! It will only be stressful if you allow it to be. For me it was the most amazing experience and something that only I was able to share with my son. It's what's best and if it does not work there are other options, but why not give it a shot? Good luck!

Mariah - posted on 02/20/2010

I am currently breast feeding and although at night it can be rough since you are the one that needs to get up and feed the baby it is worth it. the baby gets lots of good stuff from you and there is a bond that I would not trade for the world. I say stick it out for at least a month before you decide. then you will have a better idea how it might work for you, and it could take the baby that long to get use to it too. I suggest you give it a try.

Kristen - posted on 02/20/2010

Breast feeding has so many good points but it is very difficult. I nursed my son for 6 months - it was very stressful for me but I am so glad I did it. Wish I did it longer...

I worked full time for a little while but my husband worked more so I could leave my job so i could work on being full time Mom. I pumped at work, which was a pain haha!

I think you should breast feed. Try it ... but the best advice I can give if you do breast feed is relax, be patient and never worry if your baby is gettign enough milk ... anxiety, worry, stress, etc can effect how much milk you prodce.

Having a new baby is stressful, but take time for yourself too! go with the flow! :)

Heidi - posted on 02/20/2010

I breastfed for 13 months. I think I went through more hell than anyone those first few months. But, I stuck it out and was really proud if it. Plus my baby was healthy, happy and we had that time to bond. I went back to work after 8 weeks and pumped at work which was a pain, but she got the pumped breastmilk while I was at work and formula if they ran out at my mother-in-laws. So she knew both breast and bottle without confusion. If you can do it, it really is such a wonderful thing. I know I went through a lot of pain in the beginning but when you have a baby it's not about you anymore. But, mommy has to be happy. You'll know what you can handle when the baby comes. If you start out breastfeeding you can always switch or do both.

Samantha - posted on 02/20/2010

My mom gave me the best advice... If you are not 100% Possitive or comfortable with your decision, DON'T do it.

Rebecca - posted on 02/20/2010

I have 5 children & it's actually way LESS stressful to breastfeed! It's generally free, always the right temp, and is ready at any moment! And when you go back to work, you can maybe go nurse your baby at your lunch hour (I did that with one of my kids), and/or pump while at work (employers are required for you to have a private space to do so if you need it). It's not as hard as it sounds & once you get into a routine, it's a special thing you can share with your baby and is the BEST nutrition you could ever possibly give them!!

Deborah - posted on 02/20/2010

Look I am not going to bullshit you breast feeding is hard work!!! But at least if you breast feed your baby in the first week your baby gets the most nutritional value from the colostrum you give it (the yellowy substance that comes before the white milk) and then if you dont want to continue breast feeding then its simple DON"T.
As a woman who has just had a baby besides the raging hormones that seem to make you cry at a T.V thats not even turned on (LOL) and the OMFG where did my body go and can I have it back now please.... breast feeding is a small and rather personal choice.
P.s and dont let anyone bully you into breast feeding otherwise you will hate it and the most important thing after having a baby is that MUM is happy and healthy otherwise the world doesn't rotate the same way and it may become a dangerous environment for all if MUM isnt happy!!!!!!
Best of Luck x

Jessica - posted on 02/20/2010

I love to breastfeed, but it's not for everyone. I would suggest to try it out, if its not for you then decide then. If you don't try you will never know. If you return back to work all you do is pump and store the milk. I hope this helps you.

Evelyn - posted on 02/20/2010

Breastfeeding is not just about the milk. It is also an opportunity to bond with your child in a very special way. I choose not to breastfeed my first daughter because I was scared. When my second and thirds girls were born I opted to breastfeed. I must say it was a very special moment between us. I am sorry that I did not breastfeed my first. Give it a try. You can always bottle feed later.

Amy - posted on 02/20/2010

I didnt breast feed my first two kids, then I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with the third.

I really didnt think breast feeding would come naturally to me, but it was the healthiest decision not just for my daughter but for my health too.

I was stressed and so anxious I would cry at the thought of breast feeding. I even went to a lactation consultant just so that I knew I made every attempt at an informed decision before baby was born.

Now I am really glad that I did start breastfeeding (slightly disappointed that I didnt try with the first two now) - My daughter who is 7 weeks old is now breastfeed and supplements with the occassional bottle of formula so that I can have her cared for and not have to worry about whether I have expressed milk or not

Legally you are covered to have time out at work to express milk if u dont want baby to have formula back at work

if baby goes into childcare, and your work allows you can go and breastfeed at the centre too, which is what I do

Give it a go, i saw that my anxiety was fearing the worst and that I could do it better than I could have ever imagined.

Good luck, if u want some support join my group http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid...!/group.php?gid=496278050127&ref=mf and come chat anytime x

Emily - posted on 02/20/2010

you should for sure at least try it i breast fet my son only for the first three months... However if it gets to hard then switch to a bottle you can pump and stick it in the bottle then baby is still getting the good breast milk... It can be really hard and fresturating but at the same time it is an amazing bonding expereince

Erica - posted on 02/20/2010

Ultimately, you have to do what is best for you and your family but I wouldn't let the fact that you're going back to work stop you from breastfeeding. I've been able to pump enough for my twin girls without supplementing. I work 9 hour days five days a week. If you want advice about getting milk supply up and pumping at work, message me. Good luck and congrats!

Christina - posted on 02/20/2010

I was determined to breastfeed my daughter!! I studied childcare and it is made very clear to you that breast is best!!! People warned me how stressful it could be but i was determined i would give it a go!! I managed 5days!! My labour lasted 3 days i was so exhausted after having her and the pressure i'd put on myself to breastfeed was immense but i gave it a go!! All went well while still in hospital, she latched on fine, there was some discomfort but nothing unbearable, and the feeling you get when knowing you are providing everything you can for your little life is amazing. But as soon as we got home it all went to pot!! I couldnt get her latched on properly, the pain was unbearable, she seemed to constantly want feeding, she screamed, what seemed like, constantly. I continued with it for another 4 days and couldnt take anymore. (there was more than a few tears on my part) However, i know that if i had managed to get through the pain and wasn't as exhausted as i was (i wanted to do everything myself, was nervous to leave her in anyone else's care) i would have still been breastfeeding as long as i could!!! but the bottle was the best option for me inthe end, it took away all the pressure i was feeling, i personnaly started to bond with my baby more, as when i was breastfeeding the pain was that bad and she was feeding so often that i started to dread her waking up and resent her for the pain i was going through (thats when i knew i had to stop)
I have heard all the good experiences that most breastfeeding mothers have but i just wanted you to hear my experience!!
However, i dont want to put you off, as all the other mums have said, it is an amazing thing to do and if you have considered it you should definitely give it a go!! I wish i had been able to do it, and i would definitely give it another go with any more children that i have!!
Good luck with whatever you decide, only you know what is best for you and you litle one!!xx

Tiffany - posted on 02/20/2010

You could always try it for a week or two and see how you feel then. I would suggest two weeks because it takes that long to get use to it. I nursed my son for 3 months until I returned to work. A little is better than nothing. I had a reduction afterwards. I had my daughter 5 years later and tried for 2 weeks to nurse her, but just couldn't get it to work for one reason or another. There is no shame in doing it for just a short while. It does promote bonding when they are that small. Don't worry about dad not being able to bond. You can always pump and let him use the bottle. Good luck!

Cambria - posted on 02/20/2010

i have breastfeed three children you can do it i am 27 years old and still manage to have a life with a baby on my breast

Cambria - posted on 02/20/2010

go for the breast, u dont have to walk to the kitchen at night and you have built in rest time during the day breast is teh way to go

Rosie - posted on 02/20/2010

while i did bottle feed all 3 of mine, i at least tried it with my first. it didn't work out for us, and i know i made the right decision in choosing to bottlefeed. but at least i can say i gave it a try, and have no regrets with my choice, instead of wondering if i did the right thing.

Kristen - posted on 02/20/2010

Oh I hope you breastfeed my biggest regret is not being able to breast feed. My daughter has been on antibiotics more than 8 times and she is only 22 months old. I know her immune system suffered bc I didn't breast feed and I regret it every time we go to the doctor.

Carol - posted on 02/20/2010

try it, you might like it. i still breastfeed after 13 months, and i'm starting to get teary-eyed because she now drinks whole milk and needs me less and less.

if anything, you can try expressing and freezing milk, then baby gets mommy milk benefits and you get to take breathers every now and then, lol.

Isobel - posted on 02/20/2010

I'm with the lady that said start with breastfeeding cause you can't change you mind if you start with the bottle.

Breastfeeding helps you lose the baby weight faster, it gives the baby all your antibodies, it's free, it's easy, you don't have to make bottles in the middle of the night.

Like some others said though...don't let people make you feel bad if it doesn't work for you or if you don't like it.

If you do breastfeed though...my advice would be to do it IMMEDIATELY after the baby is born, no passing him around ooohing and aaaahing...the minute they hand the baby to you, you feed him/her. They latch on so quickly and easily in the first little while, and that makes ALL the difference.

Heather - posted on 02/20/2010

I went in with the attitude of if my son takes, great, and if not then that is great too. My nurses were great keeping me motivated, and I breastfed excusively for 3 months. It is truely an expierence that I loved, and would do again. I introduced bottles, with the breast feeding around three months, all was well. There is alot of pressure to breast feed, I think what is important is to do what works for you and your child, and trusst yourself.

Cheri - posted on 02/20/2010

Breast feed, and pump. So important for at least the first month of life.

Keren - posted on 02/20/2010

Also, listening to a baby scream while you prepare a bottle can be equallly stressful. My husband tells me all the time how lucky I am that I can just pull out my breast and feed our daughter, while he has to listen to screaming for 5 minutes while a bottle warms. (I may be exaggerating the time, but I don't warm many bottles, so I don't know exactly.)

Keren - posted on 02/20/2010

I nurse my daughter, and it is the best experience. She and I have a bond that noone else can duplicate. Don't get me wrong, she and her daddy have bonded in other ways, but nursing is just for us. Also, I work full-time and pump once a day. We supplement a little with formula, so she is both formula and breast fed. She was mostly breastfed in the beginning, but we introduced a bottle from the start, as well, which made the transition to daycare much easier.

Pros:
1. Bonding
2. Expense
3. Ease of night and morning feeding
4. There are many hands-free breast pumps that allow you to continue working as you pump (as long as you have some privacy)--FYI, your job cannot prevent you from pumping, and in many states, is required to provide you with a place to do so.
5. Once you both figure it out, nursing is easy. Get yourself a Boppy pillow and, if necessary, a nipple shield to help the baby learn to nurse. Your hospital may provide a nipple shield.

Cons:
1. Takes time to pump
2. Some stress in the beginning as you both learn what you're doing

Jeannine - posted on 02/20/2010

It sounds like you want to, you're just not sure how long you can do it for...any amount you do is great for the baby-even if it's just for a few days, so I would try it. Just like a lot of other moms said, you always can go to a bottle, or a blend of both if it doesn't work for you. I did, but it was easy for me I went for a full year (more with my younger two-because of them, not me) and I work full time-but again, it worked for me. My husband still thanks me for the amount of money I saved us :o) Good luck to you, either decision will be fine!

Jeri - posted on 02/20/2010

I know I was having the same problem. I decided on bottle feeding, but I dont think it was the best choice even though at the time it was for me. With my next baby I want to atleast try to breastfeed. There are quite a few mom's out there that have had problems trying to breastfeed that I know. If you cant breastfeed, atleast you tried your best. And I would have a back up plan (bottles) on hand just incase.

One good thing that has nothing to do with milk or formula is that if you breastfeed for months you can just transition your baby to the cup. That is if you strickly breastfeed.

Also, others can help you feed if you pump. Some moms pump and put the milk in bottles instead of breastfeeding.

I hope this gave you a little push and helped out a little. :)

Krystal - posted on 02/20/2010

hi i bottle fed my son from day 1 with formula because he wouldnt latch on and wouldnt except my milk, if you do try to breastfeed and it doesnt work out then dont beat yourself up about it because breastfeeding is not for everyone. my milk dried up in 2 days and i had no pain or anything with them. formula is just as healthy and good for baby as breast milk if it wasnt we wouldnt be feeding them the formula, my son has never been ill and hes 9 months old, the only think he had was a cold at 6 months for 3 days and that was it. if breastfeeding is for you then go for it but it is your decision, giving baby formula is not making baby miss out on anything. if you do want to breastfeed then try it and see how it works out for you and your baby, if it doesnt work out you could express milk or give him formula. hunny its up to you what you choose. your the mommy ok do what you feel will be best for YOU and your baby and do not let other people put you down ok. and if you do choose formula it does not make you any less of a mother than those who breastfeed. hope everything goes well with the induction. good luck and best wishes. :)

Belinda - posted on 02/20/2010

I would definitely at least try if you have any interest at all. I agree with Michelle once you go to bottle you cannot go to the breast. It is healthier and helps for the baby. But also in my case I tried and had a very dificult time because I was not producing enough milk so I understand your delema because it was very stressful for me as well. I am very disappointed all the time because i couldnt, so if you dont try you might regret it later.

Shana - posted on 02/20/2010

With my first, I really didn't care one way or the other whether I went with bottles or the breast. We decided to try breastfeeding because it is so much cheaper. I absolutley loved it. I had no problems, which I am very lucky, A lot of women I know quit the first time they got frustrated, which is their right. Personally, I think you should try it for at least a few weeks. If you do encounter problems, stay calm, stressing about it will only make the problem worse. Good Luck!!!!

Kim - posted on 02/20/2010

I breastfed all three of my kids for at least 6 months. In the beginning it wasn't the easiest thing but it became easier all the time. After the 1st month your body regulates itself to your usual feeding pattern and you will find whatever suites you best. You can pump and I tried a variety of breast pumps both manual and electric or battery operated and the very best was the Avent hand pump!!! It was pain-free very easy and the company was awesome. My pump piece that attaches to the bottle got broken and I found their website and told them, within minutes they sent me an e-mail and they sent me a replacement piece for free. That was awesome!!!! For me breastfeeding was very natural, my kids are very healthy and honor role students, the leaking does stop after that 1st month but you don't have to mix bottle at 3a.m. and warm them etc. Luckily my first child slept through the night, breastfed! My second child was sleeping through the night by 1 minth breastfed and my baby was 2-3 months and sleeping through the night. The only thing I have to say is my mistake was letting my daughter continue to lay on me and hold her for hours after feeding and then my bed was not my own until she started school!!!!! The boys were definitely in bed when they finished eating...lol Good Luck, safe delivery and best wishes!!!

Kris - posted on 02/20/2010

I agree with everyone who said to follow your gut. I breastfed my son for over a year and found it to be more convenient than bottles, but it came easy for me and I am a stay at home mom so I didn't have to worry about pumping at work. The best thing you can do is stay relaxed about it. Try it and if it's not working, switch. Same thing when you go back to work. The important thing is to feel comfortable with whatever you choose to do. A stressed out mommy is no good to anyone! Good luck!

Theresa - posted on 02/20/2010

I did not beastfeed either one of mine and they turned ok.

Heather - posted on 02/20/2010

i personally think you should wait and see, if you want to try breast feeding - go ahead and try, but, if you cant or dont want to - dont beat yourself up - yes colostrum is good for the baby, but formula fed babies are JUST as healthy as breastfed babies - in fact, i have had many friends with breastfed babies that had problems that i never had with my two healthy and smart bottle fed babies... its a PERSONAL choice, and you shouldnt be pressured into doing one or the other by people who say you are a bad mother if you dont breastfeed. being a good mother has nothing to do with the way you choose to feed your child. any one who says differently is lying and seriously messed up =) good luck with which ever way you choose and good luck with your induction!!!!

Kelly - posted on 02/20/2010

As most of the others have said, just give it a go and see how you get on. I can't give you any practical advice as I couldn't breastfeed for medical reasons, but I can tell you that I feel like I've missed out. Don't get me wrong, my daughter is a very happy and healthy girl, but I would have loved that closeness that breastfeeding often brings. If you do try and have trouble, then at least you've given it a go, and your baby has that all important colostrum in them. If you don't manage to do it, don't feel like a failure either (I know I said I do lol but I'm contradicting myself!). Once feeding/latching is established, you can always express your milk for others to give to your baby. Your milk can also be frozen to use at a later date. Obviously its your decision, but as someone who had that choice taken away from me, I want to encourage you to breastfeed - but only as long as YOU'RE comfortable with it. Don't let anyone pressure you or make you feel bad for not doing it. True, it can sometimes be difficult but I would imagine its worth it in the end, in my opinion. xxx

Brittany - posted on 02/20/2010

It can be more stressful than the bottle but all I can say is that you should follow your gut, don't let people pressure you to do something that you aren't comfortable with.

Cassie - posted on 02/20/2010

you can just try it and see what is more comfortable for you. i personally disagree with alot of the information out there on nursing they don't give you all the facts. i am a mother of 4. two children i didn't nurse and 2 of them i did for a little while. it's all in what works for you. there are many types of formula and bottles out there, so it's all a matter of choice. nursing didn't make my children any healthier(they are actually sick alot) or smarter(they are all about the same) than the two i didn't nurse. it's a controversial issue and you need to do what feels right for you and to heck with everyone else.

Valerie - posted on 02/20/2010

Yes definitely breastfeed...it is healthier for both u AND the baby...wont go into all the ins and outs of successfully breastfeeding,like breast pads for leaky breast,sore nipples at first etc. just join or get alot of reading material from The La Leche League, which is an oraganization in support of breastfeeding,if they r still around...Finally,u save money on formula!

Emily - posted on 02/20/2010

You should definitely try to breastfeed. It can be really stressful and uncomfortable at first but it definitely gets better. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for a breast pump, or rent a hospital grade one if your insurance won't cover one, that way you can pump and store your milk so that other people can feed the baby if you are not up to it. When you decide that you want to go back to work, if you start supplementing one bottle a day with formula while you pump and store the milk, your baby will still be able to have breastmilk when you are away. Your body will adjust when you go back to work so that you'll make less milk, and you can still feed the baby in the morning and at night. But definitely try it, and if you find that it's not for you, at least you tried. Good luck!

Marina - posted on 02/20/2010

Oh, don't forget to eat healthy like baked foods, or grilled. Drink lots of milk, juices and shakes. This will all help you to provide healthy milk and strenthen you back up at the same time. Even if you brestfeed for 4 to 6 weeks, it's still giving your baby that first milk from you body to bond with you and get the nutrient your baby can't get from bottled milk. I fed all four of my children for a year each! Good luck on making the right choice!

Marina - posted on 02/20/2010

Yes, go for it! I breastfed all four of my children and they are healthy and strong. The best milk you can give you child is breast milk. It has all the natural nutrients from your body and no man made milk in a can will give your child that any time of the feeding times of the day! I had to be induced with my daughter 5yrs ago and I breastfed her, she is so beautiful, alert, smart, and courageous! What more could you ask for! Breastfeed your baby.

Anna - posted on 02/20/2010

My baby girl is 3 months old and I have been doing both breast and bottle. The reason I started the bottle is because it got so bad that I started to bleed and I just couldn't do it for a day. I am now trying to stop and just so you know it is a big stress on you. But you also get that bond with your baby. I also feel good that I could give something to her myself. But like I said it is a big stress and that is why I am stopping now. It is easier to me when she gets up in the middle of the night to just breast feed and put her back to sleep but I am also looking forward to no longer having milk stains on everything.

Johanna - posted on 02/20/2010

Breastfeeding is probably the least stressful. Imagine midnight feeds & taking 10 minutes to prepare a bottle!!! I breastfed my daughter for almost 3 months. I tried pumps but found them to be uncomfortable & then succumbed to the convenience of formula feeding. Although I hadn't breastfed for as long as some other moms do I have the piece of mind in knowing the benefits I've past on to my daughter. In the early days after birth is probably the most important as the colostrum which is high in the antibody immunoglobulin IgA is designed to help protect the baby until its own immune system is functioning properly. Not to mention that breastfeeding is said to burn 500 calories a day & helps the uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size quicker!!