The Disadvantages of Choosing Breastfeeding

Though breastfeeding is nutritious, nurturing and healthy for both mother and baby, there are some disadvantages, especially with working mothers. Also, the sensitive area of the breast, improper latching, and decrease in supply can make breastfeeding an ordeal.

A nursing mother must be able to feed at any and all hours. If she is working a full-time job, this task becomes very difficult. Juggling pumping sessions during coffee breaks and lunch may not always work, and can affect the milk supply. Sometimes fifteen minutes is not enough time to pump a reasonable amount of milk. If pumping is possible, it may be hard to properly store the milk during work hours, or leave work to get the milk to the baby on a daily, regular basis.

When starting breastfeeding, the sensation can be extremely uncomfortable to the mother. The nipple area is made up of several ducts that channel the milk. If a duct becomes plugged somehow, either with milk, or skin buildup, the only way to relieve the plug is for baby to suck it out. This can be very painful in such a sensitive area. The nipple can also crack and bleed. This can be a disadvantage to breastfeeding, as pain is the last thing a nurturing mother wants to experience when feeding her child.

If the baby doesn’t latch properly, or form a secure suction, he cannot get the much needed nutrients of the breast milk. It has been discovered in recent years that during the last few days of being in the womb, a baby learns how to suck, or has the inclination to latch. That is why sometimes on late-pregnancy ultrasound pictures, some babies are seen sucking a finger or thumb. It is an instinct. There are times, however, when sucking is difficult or uncomfortable, or the baby doesn’t seem to have the instinct yet, or is fumbling too much as he tries to latch onto the breast. Also some babies cannot latch, due to facial deformities or facial muscle weakness. These are rare situations but can change a mother’s whole plans of feeding the natural way. If a problem occurs that halts breastfeeding, it is best to consult a pediatrician to recommend a new feeding routine, most likely involving baby formula.

Sometimes the supply of milk decreases. Milk supply depends on a mother’s health and habits. Supply decrease can occur if mother is ill, is on certain medications, decreases calorie intake, or does not maintain regular feeding sessions.  If this happens, it is imperative that a pediatrician is consulted to ensure the baby is getting the proper nutrition, and find a solution with formula feeding.

While nursing, a mother must always be aware of what she is ingesting, as it can affect the breast milk. Alcohol, caffeine, spices, dietary supplements, and chemicals from medications can end up in the breast milk at any given time. Even though the liver and blood are constantly moving these substances throughout the body, they can make it into the breast milk and ultimately into the baby. An infant’s small, developing digestive system can be greatly affected by too much of any substance. Both alcohol and caffeine in breast milk have been found to affect a baby’s sleep patterns and behavior.  Mothers who want to drink alcohol or coffee, or take weight-loss supplements should do so while watching the clock, to avoid consumption too close to the feeding schedule. This can be a disadvantage for a breastfeeding mom who doesn’t like to constantly self monitor her habits.