This essay details the advice that would be given to Mary, a first time mother, who wishes to breast feed her baby

who wishes to breastfeed her baby. Mary is confused because her mother has suggested she would find it easier to bottle feed and wants midwifery advice on the matter. In order to educate Mary in this regard, the benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and baby will be outlined. These benefits will be contrasted against the use of infant formula to demonstrate why breast milk is superior. Evidence shows that the most effective way to encourage mothers to breastfeed is to educate them about the ways in which breastfeeding will benefit both them and their babies (Blincoe, 2005, p.400). The benefits of breastfeeding include, the provision of all the babies required nutrients, protection of the baby from infection, maturation of the babies immune system and adequate colonisation and development of gastrointestinal bacteria; these benefits lead to better health outcomes for breastfed babies compared to formula-fed babies. The benefits of breastfeeding for the mother include, reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, more rapid involution of the uterus, enhanced postpartum weight loss, increased bone density, an enhanced bonding experience with her baby, a more calm disposition and lower perceived stress levels. To dispel the myth that bottle feeding is easier, some challenges of bottle feeding will be explained to Mary, followed by possible challenges when breastfeeding. Methods of enhancing and extending Mary’s breastfeeding experience will be explored. The aim of education is to present Mary with the facts regarding both breastfeeding and bottle feeding so she is able to make an informed decision on how she will feed her baby (Blincoe, 2005, p.400). It is acknowledged that the content of this essay is detailed and lengthy and not appropriate to use directly when educating mothers. For the sake of education this information would be summarised and simplified to enhance understanding and retention.