The natural approach
You've probably heard the conventional laundry list of breastfeeding advantages: improved infant immunity, enhanced mother-baby bonding, reduced cost and increased convenience. These bona fide benefits are compelling reasons to breastfeed. Breastfed infants do tend to develop fewer illnesses - including ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory infections. The emotional impact of breastfeeding can also be just as important to the new mother, as many cite the time spent between mother and baby as a primary reason for continuing to nurse.

Certainly, lifestyle advantages may triumph as well: nursing is the ultimate in portability and can certainly be easier on the pocketbook. Breastfeeding moms also lose weight much faster in the postpartum period, especially those who nurse exclusively for up to six months.

Lifelong rewards?
The advantages of lactation usually tend to focus primarily on the infant stage.

However, research also points to many benefits well beyond babyhood. Several studies have demonstrated a significantly reduced risk of childhood asthma and general respiratory illness in children who were breastfed exclusively for at least four months. More recent studies also found a protective effect of breastfeeding against all types of childhood acute leukemias, Hodgkin's disease and lymphoma.

The beneficial effects of breastfeeding may extend well into adulthood as well: a large, long-term study showed exclusively breastfed subjects had lower blood glucose levels (blood glucose elevation can be a harbinger of diabetes), and lower cardiovascular risk factors (such as cholesterol level) as adults. Even more studies seem to demonstrate a lifelong strengthened immune system among breastfed individuals.

When breast may not be best
Despite the eternal hype surrounding lactation, there can be many equally undeniable reasons to use formula. Although the convenience of nursing is widely touted, let's face it - there are many venues where it's simply not possible to nurse "discreetly." Unless you are one of the lucky few who feels comfortable half-exposed, breastfeeding can become somewhat tricky.

No problem, you say - just pump. Although this may provide a solution, you also must extensively plan ahead, which can negate the convenience aspect of breastfeeding. Moreover, electric breast pumps (which are generally the easiest and most effective to use) and their accessories can cost hundreds of dollars, making formula expenses pale by comparison.

The acid test
The desire to regain pre-pregnancy shape is also an incentive to breastfeed. Weight loss attempts nearly always include exercising and calorie restriction of some sort. Unfortunately, exercise produces lactic acid, which is excreted in varying levels in breast milk. Extreme dieting can also cause the production of acidic compounds that are excreted in breast milk. These acidic substances give the milk a sour taste, which the infant may dislike and reject. Some women remedy the problem by nursing or pumping prior to working out; however, this is not always feasible. For women restricting calories, the acidic compounds may always be present to some degree in the milk. These may be times when it is preferable to use formula.

You also may want to consider formula if you are on prescription or over-the-counter medications of any kind; even those considered "safe" are still excreted to some degree in breast milk. Likewise, despite the perceived emotional benefits of breastfeeding, many women simply don't feel comfortable with it. You should pay attention to your "gut" instincts and not make a decision based on what logic or well-meaning advice-givers dictate. Only then will you be most comfortable with one of life's most exciting experiences - raising a healthy, well-adjusted child.

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