Congratulations! You’re having a baby. No doubt you are busy making so many plans, what with setting up the baby’s room, meeting with your future pediatrician, picking out baby names, clothing, toys,  and furniture. Then there’s also the all important decision to breastfeed or bottle feed. If you are still undecided, here are ten reasons why you should consider choosing breastfeeding:

1. You and your baby will find that breastfeeding is a rewarding and relaxing experience.
2. You will save money from having to buy expensive infant formula. Of course, breast milk is always free.
3. Infants who are fed only breast milk for the first six months of life are less likely to get colds, flu, diarrhea, and ear infections.
4. Chances are you have another child, a job, and a host of family chores. Breast milk is convenient and easy. Your hungry baby doesn’t have to wait for you to access formula and you don’t have to waste time buying formula and washing bottles.
5. Breast milk is just the right temperature. You don’t have to spend time heating a bottle, and then waiting for it to cool down, if it’s too hot.
6. Fitting into those jeans.  If you wish to lose unwanted pounds gained during pregnancy, it’s nice to know that breastfeeding helps you lose weight.
7. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
8. Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding experience between mom and baby.
9. Health care costs are on everyone’s mind.  Breastfeeding babies don’t get sick as often as babies who aren’t breastfed, thereby reducing the chances of you and your family members getting sick. This means fewer missed work and fewer missed school days for everyone.
10. Breastfeeding is also a win for the environment. There are no formula cans to discard.