Should I Breastfeed My Baby?

Breast Feeding

The biggest thing mother has to decide is whether to breastfeed her baby. Here are some questions that may help you to make your decision:

  • What is my lifestyle? For example, do you always drink alcohol with each meal? Do you go to sleep late and get up late as well? Do you smoking? Do you love to eat spicy or Szechuan cuisine? Breastfeeding is a big commitment. You have to be available to your baby 24/7. Especially for the first three months, when baby sleeps, it is your time to sleep as well. You cannot drink alcohol or eat too much spicy food if you decide to breastfeed your baby exclusively.
  • Do I want to spend four to eight hours each day to feed my baby?
  • Is my partner supportive? For example, does he want to help me changing baby’s diaper at night? Can he cook and do groceries for the family? If I have mood swings or depression during postpartum, will he understand me? Will he help me to recover?
  • Do I want to breastfeed; or breastfeed and occasionally bottle feed with pumped breast milk or formula; or just bottle feed with formula?
  • How long do you want to breastfeed your baby? Three months, six months, a year or maybe even two years?

Breastfeeding is really a personal choice. If you are comfortable with breastfeeding, go ahead. If not, do not force yourself to do it because everyone tells you breastfeeding is good for your baby. It is YOUR decision.