It’s been such a popular topic among new moms, or I should say – breastfeeding seems like the only right method when it comes to feeding our precious babies. Because it’s all NATURAL. but just because it’s natural, does it mean it’s the best way for you and your family? Now that I have raised 2 babies and have tried different ways of feeding them, exclusive breastfeeding and partially exclusive pumping, I’m here to tell you – NO! breastfeeding is not the only way to raise a healthy child.

When I had my first baby, I was all for breastfeeding because I thought that’s what a mom is for – to continue providing the nutrients while she’s out of the womb. I had to drink a variety of high protein soup everyday for every meal (yes, even fish broth for breakfast) to get the milk down fast. It quickly proved to me that it was a bad decision – I developed mastitis and got a high fever of 40 degrees for 3 days. While I was experiencing worse than labor kind of pain, I had to breastfeed a fussy baby every 2 hours to get the clogged milk out. It became the worst time of my new motherhood. Because of this, I didn’t push too hard when my second baby didn’t latch on very well. And of course, I refused to have fish broth for breakfast as my mother in law proposed (that part didn’t go very well but that’s ok). I started to pump as my nipples got sore again, which I didn’t expect as a second time mom but that’s what is going to happen every time you have a new baby, sorry if this disappoints you… Now my baby boy is 4 months old and I’m still pumping. He is healthy and I am happy, I even got more time to spend with my daughter, a triple win for the entire family 😉

But just because I had painful experience it doesn’t mean that I suggest you not to breastfeed. No I didn’t say that. I’m going to share with you some of the pros and cons of breastfeeding, just so that you have a second opinion if you are also struggling with breastfeeding.

It’s fresh and nutritious

Who doesn’t want fresh milk? We parents want to provide the best to our children without thinking. Breastfeeding allows the baby to have first hand milk at the best temperature. It also provides nutrients tailored to your baby’s developmental needs. For example, colostrum – the first bit of liquid gold you produce after giving birth, contains the highest level of antibodies and will give your fresh newborn a good kickstart so that she doesn’t get sick when she’s suddenly out into the whole new world full of air pollution and coronavirus (Don’t get me wrong on this, you still need vaccine for it). If you want to give your baby the best but nothing, mommy milk it is.

It’s super convenient

To be honest, this one was the only reason I didn’t throw my baby girl out when she was sucking my burning cracked sore nipples. I love to have the convenience just to lift up my shirt anytime and anywhere to feed her. When travel was still a thing back in 2019, we fed like a champ – on a ferry boat, in the suspension park, in the aquarium, even in my sleep… Not having to pack any bottle is really a huge benefit for life on the go.

It saves you big money

Because it’s all natural, all you need is a mommy with not yet bitten nipples (kidding, it’s not that bad). Who doesn’t love to save big fortune when you already spent thousands even before the baby arrives. I’m still worried that my pump won’t last until I wean my baby and try to sell it. Because it’s expensive:( Not having to mention the investment you have to make to store the milk. Same with formula if you are not pumping. It’s hard to resist from getting time saving and fancy products like formula maker. So if you have a tight budget, breastfeeding is the most economic way to go.

Now I’ve talked about 3 obvious benefits of breastfeeding, here it comes the cons of it.

It’s PAIINFUL

This is something that has been under looked in the postpartum topic. I have all my friends including myself complaining that the process of learning breastfeeding is much more painful than giving birth! Yes, you have to learn it! It doesn’t come naturally! I was the lucky one that I only got sore nipples (mastitis was something else). Pinky milk is more likely to happen if you are unlucky. Yes, your nipple will bleed. Don’t be too hard on yourself is what I tell my mommy friends. You don’t have to cut your nipples to become a great mom. I said what I said.

You are being hooked up 24/7

Being a breastfeeding mom basically means that you have to sit down and just be a milk bottle every 2 hours. even worse, you have to act like a pacifier whenever your baby needs comfort, like when she gets woke up by the noise of your husband opening the bedroom door when you just have put her down. I remember the time when my daughter was cluster feeding and took 2-3 hrs to fall asleep every night. Not to mention that she also woke every 30 mins to nurse in order to get back to sleep, and each nursing session took 30 mins. This all happened while my husband was sleeping soundly… It’s all about balance – he can’t breastfeed so I had to do it, just like I couldn’t sleep so he had to… right? No, THATS NOT RIGHT.

You get NO time for your family

This is why I chose to bottle feed my younger baby – I want to spend time with my daughter, who was used to being the only baby in the family. I’ve heard so many stories about the jealousy feeling the older kids would have towards new babies. Not only it’s too big of a feeling for such small bodies, it also leaves us mommy heart broken. And don’t forget your poor husband, who also wants attention and love of yours.

There are many other reasons why I didn’t breastfeed for the second time, like constant leaking milk and the engorgement pain due to frequent feeding. No matter which method you choose to feed your baby, there is no right or wrong. Just remember to be kind to yourself, like you would do with others.