Some of the best reasons to breastfeed are the most obvious. Breast milk is free, packed with the right nutrients for your baby, already at the perfect temperature, and boosts your baby's immune system. But there are several extra benefits to breastfeeding that are often overlooked when decided whether to breastfeed or use formula.
Your body burns calories producing milk, and it can help you lose some of that baby weight. You burn an additional 200 to 500 calories per day, which equals about 30 minutes of high intensity aerobics or an hour of walking Feeding is much easier on the go. You don't have to pack formula and bottles before you leave the house and then search for a place to heat the bottles when your baby gets hungry. Plus, all those bottles can get bulky in your diaper bag. You'll save money above and beyond the cost of formula. Bottles, nipples, drying racks, sterilizers, and other feeding accessories can really add up. And the more convenient the option, the greater the expense. For example, disposable liners make bottle feeding even easier, but the cost is quite a bit more than just washing plastic bottles. Breastfeeding can help with your emotional state. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for making milk, is believed to have an overall calming effect on nursing moms. Breastfeeding guarantees that you will have frequent periods of rest through the day, which can really help you recharge. Plus, you can use this time to read a book or magazine or do another relaxing activity that you might not take the time out of your busy day to do otherwise. I actually started looking forward to the nursing sessions so I could get back to whatever book I was reading without feeling guilty that the housework wasn't getting done.

Breastfeeding can be challenging at first, and some days it can be frustrating to be constantly on call. However, the benefits to both mom and baby make it a worthwhile option and I encourage you to at least give breastfeeding a chance before you consider using formula.