Why Should I Breastfeed?

This is a question I hear often from expectant mothers, and my answer may surprise you. Breastfeeding is a choice—a relationship that, if you’re interested in exploring, can be deeply rewarding and beneficial for both you and your baby. It’s not something you must or should feel obligated to do. However, if you’re curious about what makes breastfeeding so special, I’d be happy to share some reasons that make it a wonderful part of mothering, for health reasons and beyond.

The Science

Human milk is uniquely tailored to nourish and protect human babies—just as every mammal’s milk is designed to meet the specific needs of its young. Breastfeeding helps lower the risk of childhood obesity, plays a vital role in building a healthy microbiome, and strengthens immunity. In fact, in the UK, over half of hospital admissions for diarrhoea and a quarter of admissions for respiratory infections could be prevented through exclusive breastfeeding.

And it’s not just the baby who benefits. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce a mother’s risk of certain cancers (like breast cancer) and may lower the chance of developing type II diabetes.

The Personal Side

These scientific facts are compelling, but if I’m honest, they’re not why I personally chose to breastfeed. For me, it felt like a natural, comforting place for my baby, even if it took a bit of practice. With some guidance, it quickly became my favorite time with her. There was something irreplaceable about knowing I could comfort and nourish her in a way only I could. Watching her chubby cheeks grow fuller and realising, “My body did this—my body is helping her grow!” was immensely fulfilling. And nothing quite compares to the moment she’d finish feeding, look up, and give me a contented little smile.

Breastfeeding also became my go-to parenting tool. It was amazing to have something that answered almost all her needs in those early months. My husband, meanwhile, would rock her or use soothing sounds to comfort her. I’ll admit I was a bit envious of how skilfully he used these methods since I had leaned so much on breastfeeding. But he pointed out that I had my own unique way of meeting her needs—and it required minimal effort on my part!

There were practical perks, too. My babies were born in winter, and the thought of getting up in the dark and cold to make bottles felt daunting. Instead, I could simply reach over, pick her up, and settle back in bed for a warm, peaceful feeding. The added task of cleaning and preparing bottles would have been overwhelming, especially during those exhausting early weeks.

Breastfeeding’s convenience really shone through when we flew to visit family in Australia with our three-month-old. The journey was a breeze—feeding, snuggling, and sleeping on repeat. Looking back, I don’t think we’d have attempted that trip if we’d had to juggle bottles, sterilising, and formula. Thanks to breastfeeding, our baby met his family at three months instead of several months later.

A Deeper Connection

Trying to describe the positives of breastfeeding can feel a bit like explaining the joys of parenting itself. From the outside, it seems like a lot of hard work—and it is! But the rewards are meaningful in ways that are hard to capture. Just as a baby’s first smile somehow makes all those sleepless nights feel worth it, the journey of breastfeeding brings its own sense of accomplishment and closeness that’s hard to put into words.

Nothing truly worthwhile comes without challenges. Breastfeeding wasn’t always easy to learn, but the empowerment I felt in nourishing my baby is one of the most cherished memories of early parenthood.

Finally, remember that you don’t need to decide now. You’re not being asked to commit to a feeding plan during pregnancy. Take it one step at a time; you can start with skin-to-skin contact after birth and see how it feels. Whatever you decide, early support can make all the difference in your journey.