We all want what’s best for our little ones. From picking the healthiest foods to finding the right balance between rest and play, motherhood is full of choices. One of the most important decisions we make early on is how to feed our babies. In this post you will find out the hidden costs of not breastfeeding.
You’ve probably heard that breastfeeding is the best nutritional start for your baby, but do you really know how significant it is? Let’s break it down and talk about why breastfeeding isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but the biological norm for both mom and baby—and why skipping it might come with some serious risks.
What the Experts Say
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months (180 days). After that, breastfeeding should continue alongside solid foods for at least two years—and longer. The natural weaning age is between 2,5 and 7 years. This isn’t just a small health tip—if these guidelines were followed worldwide, we could save hundreds of thousands children every year.
The Hidden Disadvantages of Not Breastfeeding
Here’s something most people don’t talk about enough: breastfeeding isn’t just a bonus. It’s what our bodies are designed for, and skipping it can have lasting consequences for both mom and baby. Let’s look at some of the risks:
For Baby:
- Weakened Immune System: Breast milk is packed with antibodies, white blood cells, and stem cells that protect your baby from illness. Without it, babies are more prone to ear infections, asthma, stomach issues, and even more serious conditions like SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), which is twice as likely in non-breastfed babies.
- Higher Risk of Allergies and Obesity: Non-breastfed children are more likely to develop allergies and have a higher risk of obesity and diabetes later in life. Breastfeeding helps regulate their metabolism and supports healthy weight gain.
- Cognitive Development: Studies show that breastfed babies have better brain development and are more likely to do well in school. Non-breastfed babies can have less white brain matter, which affects learning and communication between brain regions.
- Stress Management: Non-breastfed children often have more trouble managing stress and emotions, and they’re at higher risk for behavioral problems as they grow.
Did you know that breast milk is specially tailored to your baby? Read more about the superpowers of breast milk in my recent post here.
For You, Mama:
- Postpartum Recovery: Breastfeeding helps your body heal faster. It contracts your uterus, reducing postpartum bleeding, and helps you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight more easily.
- Mental Health: Breastfeeding has been shown to lower your risk of postpartum depression. It’s a natural mood booster, thanks to the release of oxytocin (the love hormone).
- Long-term Health Benefits: Moms who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer and even heart disease later in life.
The Emotional Impact
Beyond the physical, there’s something else that breastfeeding provides—bonding. That quiet time spent nursing your baby isn’t just feeding—it’s nurturing their sense of security, and it helps you both connect in a deeper way. Studies show that non-breastfed children can be harder to soothe, and mothers often find it more difficult to build a close emotional bond.
Societal and Practical Downsides of Formula Feeding
It’s also important to recognize that formula feeding can come with extra challenges:
- More Costs: Formula, bottles, and sterilizing equipment can add up. In fact, non-breastfeeding parents spend about $3500 CAD in the first year alone. And that’s not including the stress of making sure you always have enough on hand!
- More Sick Days: Non-breastfed babies tend to get sick more often, which means more trips to the doctor and more missed days at work.
- Environmental Impact: Formula production uses a lot of resources, from water to energy, and produces waste from packaging and transportation.
Why Breastfeeding Is the Biological Norm
We sometimes forget that breastfeeding is the way our bodies were designed to nourish our babies. Breastfeeding protects, nourishes, and soothes in ways that formula can’t fully replicate.
It’s not about perfection, Mama—every family’s situation is unique. But knowing the risks can help us make more informed decisions and feel empowered in our motherhood journey.
You’ve Got This!
Breastfeeding is natural, and with the right support, it can be a rewarding and empowering experience for both you and your baby.
Let’s keep the conversation going! What has your breastfeeding journey been like? I’d love to hear your stories and any tips that have helped you along the way.
Sending love and encouragement your way.