Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen's recent comments that all women should be required by law to breastfeed—which she later amended on her blog to say: "My intention in making a comment about the importance of breastfeeding has nothing to do with the law. It comes from my passion and beliefs about children... I understand that everyone has their own experience and opinions and I am not here to judge"—sparked a renewed interest in the debate all new moms face: to breastfeed or not to breastfeed? 

Breastfeeding by the Numbers:

From the 2007 National Immunization Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• 75% of new mothers in the U.S. report breastfeeding at some point
• 43% breastfeed for six months
• 22% breastfeed for a year

Why Breastfeed Your Baby?

• Nutrients and antibodies: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and combining breastfeeding with formula for another six months, breast milk provides the best combination of antibodies, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients for the baby's immune system, cognitive, and physical development.
• Immunity development: breastfeeding prevents many illness even as the child ages, including stomach viruses, ear infections, asthma, juvenile diabetes and even childhood leukemia.
• Easier to digest: Studies show breast milk is easier for babies to digest than formula. It may also lead to less spit-up and less-stinky poops.
• Mom loses weight faster: A breastfeeding mother burns at least 500 extra calories a day, allowing her to get back to her pre-baby body more quickly and easily.
• Easy, cheap, convenient: No bottles or formula to buy or prepare…breasts are always accessible, with milk.

Why Bottle-Feed Your Baby?

• Mom’s dietary freedom: Breastfeeding moms may watch their food and medication intake and their caffeine and smoking habits because they’re afraid they’ll pass trace amounts along to baby. If you're worried about what you eat affecting your child, baby formula is a safer alternative.
• You want to drink: "Breastfeeding mothers should avoid the use of alcoholic beverages, because alcohol is concentrated in breast milk and its use can inhibit milk production," says the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Risk of Infection: Mastitis, an infection most commonly affecting women during the first three months of breastfeeding, results in breast pain and swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic. Clogged milk ducts are also a risk.
• Anyone can feed: Mom doesn’t have to be present; anyone can feed the baby from a bottle.
• Mom is tired: Breastfeeding takes a huge time commitment from the mother, as babies need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours. This might not be possible with the mother’s work schedule or may fatigue the mother too much.

In the end, the choice to breastfeed or bottle-feed a child comes down to what works best for the mother. It’s an intensely personal decision—and you should try not to let anyone pressure you into a decision. Take into consideration your lifestyle, career, and the baby’s health when choosing which feeding method to use. Ultimately, a happy mom leads to a happy baby.