4 Reasons Why Some Mums Choose Not To Breastfeed

Despite being a natural process following childbirth, breastfeeding affects women differently. For a number of reasons, not all women will be able to breastfeed their child or some will opt not to for personal reasons other than fragile health conditions.

It is a good thing that more and more of us women are learning to be gracious and less judgemental because the decision to breastfeed is an easy one for most mums, but for others, there are health, financial, or emotional barriers that interfere with the ability to make that decision.

Below are 4 of the reasons why some women may choose to bottle-feed their baby.

1. Health Concerns:

This tops the reasons why a mum may choose to not breastfeed her infant. Even though women with many types of health issues can breastfeed and are often encouraged to do so, it can still be difficult. Certain health conditions including mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain and swelling, can occur in breastfeeding women. Women who have had breast cancer may not be able to breastfeed after radiation therapy or a mastectomy. Plus, there are some health-related issues, such as HIV infection, that completely nulls the idea of breastfeeding.

2. Lack Of Help and Resources:

Not every mum is as lucky to have help and support after they leave the hospital. For such mums, breastfeeding can become a stress, not to mention other emotional stresses from just welcoming a baby.

If women, and particularly first time mums are not given follow-up instructions and information on the breastfeeding resources available, they can easily give up on breastfeeding.

3. The Need To Return To Work or School

It can be overwhelming to handle a new baby, family responsibilities, a home, and the additional stress of work or school.

Some mums really have no choice than to get back to work a few months after they put to bed, or it could be school or some other life pursuits. If the stress of pumping or breastfeeding is too much for a woman, she may decide not to breastfeed.

4. Personal Issues:

It is misleading to assume that health problems are why every mum who is not breastfeeding is doing so. Some mothers find that breastfeeding leaves them feeling too uncomfortable and sore, and bottle-feeding offers them a convenient and pain-free alternative. Others choose not to breastfeed because of other family, job, or social pressures.

Supporting Another Mum’s Decisions

While breast milk provides newborns with the best combination of antibodies, vitamins, proteins other nutrients for the baby’s health and cognitive and physical development, it is clear that not all mums will be able to breastfeed.

An important truth to note is that breastfeeding and formula both pose their own unique challenges and conveniences, so it is alright to respect the decision of other mums concerning their wellbeing and their baby’s.