[shiro]

It depends on each individual, but having looked at how my wife breastfed my son, I wouldn't say "just offer her breast". Creating milk in women's breast isn't free. They must prepare for it, and also have to take care of their breasts. My wife said it was very tiring and also got mastitis a few times. The experience may vary and I guess it'd be generally easier for young, healthy women, though.

We couldn't switch to formula because after the initial few weeks my son refused to take it. We tried various ways but couldn't make it work except breastfeeding. If we could, I wouldn't have minded preparing formula, considering how much work my wife has done for pregnancy and delivery.