Breastfeeding Vs Formula
The Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding vs Formula
One of the most important things a new mother has to take into consideration is breastfeeding vs formula. Of course each has its pros and cons, but sometimes it can be difficult to step back and see them both for what they really are and what they can offer a child. When it comes to the health of a newborn baby, a new mom can feel quite anxious that she won't make the "right" decision. We are going to talk about some of the main benefits and downfalls of breastfeeding and formula that a new mom might want to take into consideration when making this important decision.
First and foremost, it's important that moms understand that both breast milk and formula milk will provide a child with the nutrients it needs to grow and develop properly. Many mothers who intend to breast feed but are not able to due to production issues, work schedule, comfort level, or some other reason, often feel as though they have failed. This is simply not true. While formula milk cannot offer everything that breast milk can, it is still a completely acceptable form of nutrition for a growing baby.
Now, as mentioned earlier, there are certain things that breast milk can offer which even the most complex and advanced formula milk cannot. One of the major things is antibodies. When we think of every illness we've ever come across in our lives--every cold and flu bug--as well as all of the vaccinations we suffered through as children, we have to admit that most of us have a pretty impressive store of antibodies in our immune system. Breast milk is able to pass on these antibodies to the baby as long as it is drinking breast milk. This can cut back on the occurrence of many infantile illnesses that are not only stressful for the baby but also for the parents who have to worry about whether or not to administer medicine, go to the doctor, keep a fever down, etc. Some studies even show the possibility that breast milk could lessen a child's chances of developing allergies, asthma, and diabetes.
When it comes to breastfeeding vs formula, there are some definite overlaps in the area of convenience. With formula feeding, there is the benefit that anyone can feed the baby--not just mom. This means dad, grandma, or anyone else can lend a hand during feedings and mom can catch up on some much needed rest, housework, or simply get out of the house for some fun. That being said, there is always the option to express breast milk into storage containers or bottles to be refrigerated and heated later on. Breast milk may also be frozen and stored for up to one month. A possible "downfall" with breastfeeding is that the mother has a much greater limitation on what she can eat. Some babies are allergic to milk, nuts, wheat, and even eggs, and when a breastfeeding mom consumes these foods, her allergic baby could produce a reaction to the milk. Alcohol, caffeine, and fish with high mercury content are also items that should be avoided while breastfeeding. Certain medications can also be passed through breast milk.
Another thing to consider is cleanup. Breastfeeding is virtually mess-free as it doesn't require the cleaning and sterilizing of bottles, nipples, and preparation that formula requires. Breast milk is always at the perfect temperature and is more nutritionally balanced than formula, but again, formula milk will still meet a baby's needs. Breast milk is also free, although one has to consider the expenses of breast pads, nursing bras and tops, as well as the one-time cost of a breast pump if one is to express the milk into bottles. A real downfall for formula is that it is quite costly. Depending on the brand, one could expect to spend anywhere from $75 to $200 on formula!
If one is particularly torn between breastfeeding and formula feeding, there is always the possibility of doing both. Many women primarily breast feed but use formula milk as a supplement, which in most cases can be quite helpful. Formula milk generally enables a baby to feel full for longer, therefore feeding a baby with the usual breast milk and topping up with a few ounces of formula before bed time could encourage the child to sleep for longer periods during the night.
There are many more pros and cons of breastfeeding vs formula milk, but the abovementioned topics are probably the most prevalent ones to consider. At the end of the day, the decision is solely up to the parents and what they are comfortable with. Choosing one or the other is no reason for condemnation or for feeling as though one is making the wrong decision. Both breast milk and formula milk are acceptable forms of nutrition! New parents have enough on their plate and they are encouraged to make the best decision based on their own family's circumstance.