The affectional bonding that occurs from the touch and eye contact during breastfeeding translates into increased emotional and psychological wellbeing for the child in his later years. Interfering with this close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact prevents a vital exchange of sensory experiences, nutrients and information required for normal and healthy brain development.

A baby is actively involved in breastfeeding; the amount of suckling determines the amount of milk produced in mother's breast for the next feeding. Baby's jaw and mouth muscles are fully involved and active in suckling, ensuring the proper development of jaw and airway. Artificial nipples and pacifiers actually achieve the opposite, resulting in increased incidence of ear infections. There is also a strong association between exclusive bottlefeeding and malocculsion of the jaw requiring orthodontics later.

Which is more convenient, breast or bottle? Whereas formula-feeding mothers feel they are less “tied down,” most nursing mothers are grateful they don’t have to shop for formula and prepare bottles. How can climbing out of bed in the middle of the night to fix a bottle be more convenient than drawing the baby to the breast and dozing off together? For those concerned that it may be painful, normally, women find it comfortable and pleasurable. As for modesty, with time and experience, nursing in the presence of others can be discreet and comfortable. Outings with a nursing baby don’t require bottles and nipples. When the breastfed baby must be left behind; mother can leave milk for him.

While encouraging every mother to delay the return to work as long as possible, believing that every additional week at home is to baby’s—and mother’s—benefit, the reality is that many mothers will return to work sooner rather than later, and this is one of the most common reasons that women decide against breastfeeding—or wean prematurely.

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