Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed their baby is one of the most pertinent decisions expectant and new parents will make.
Health experts believe that breast milk is the greatest nutritional choice for infants. However, it may not be possible for some women. Most mothers’ decision to breastfeed or formula feed is emanated from their comfort level, lifestyle, and specific medical conditions.
For moms who aren’t able to breastfeed or choose not to, infant formula is considered a healthy alternative. Formula offers babies the necessary nutrients required for growth.
The decision to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is a personal one. Here are a few pros and cons of each method that can assist you in making the decision that is best for you and your baby.
Benefits of breastfeeding
Nursing can be an amazing experience for mother and baby. It provides ideal nourishment and a special bonding experience that many mothers cherish.
Health organizations such as World Health Organization (WHO) endorse breastfeeding as the best choice for babies. Breastfeeding helps defend against infections, prevent allergies, and protect against a couple of chronic conditions.
Here are some benefits of breastfeeding.
Fighting infections and other conditions. Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants. Breastfeeding lowers the chances of ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections, meningitis etc. it can also protect babies against allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity, sudden infant death syndrome, etc.
Nutrition and ease of digestion. Breast milk naturally includes several vitamins and minerals that is needed in a newborn. Additionally, breastfed infants have less difficulty with digestion than formula fed infants. They have fewer bouts of diarrhea or constipation.
Free. Breast milk doesn’t cost a cent, compared to formula. Unless your pumping breast milk to give to your baby, there’s also no need for bottle feeders, and other supplies that can be costly. Also, medical expenses significantly reduce because breastfed babies are less likely to fall ill. So, less trips to the doctor’s office.
Beneficial for mom, too. Breastfeeding also helps the mother burn calories and help shrink the uterus. Some studies reveal that breastfeeding helps lower the risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Challenges of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be easy for some mothers, and difficult for others. Common concerns of new moms, especially during the first few weeks and months, may include:
Personal comfort. Many moms feel uncomfortable with breastfeeding in the beginning. For instance, latch-on pain is normal for the first few weeks to 10 days, and should last less than a minute with each feeding. Though sometimes pain can mean something else is going on, like an infection. If this is the case, seek immediate medical attention.
Time and frequency of feedings. Breastfeeding needs great commitment, especially in the beginning. As aforementioned, breast milk digests faster than formular, so breastfed babies will need to feed every 2 to 3 hours (could be more, could be less). This can make it difficult for some moms to work, run errands, or travel.
Diet. Women who are breastfeeding need to be conscious of what they ingest, since these can be passed to the baby through the breast milk. Breastfeeding moms can’t eat fish as it is high in mercury. Alcohol or caffeine should be avoided as well.
Maternal medical conditions, medicines, and breast surgery. Medical conditions such as HIV or AIDS, or those that involve chemotherapy or treatment with certain medicines can make breastfeeding unsafe. Women should consult their doctors if unsure about breastfeeding with a specific condition, or while taking medicines, including over-the-counter and herbal medicines. Click here for Part 2.
Source
Ben-Joseph, E. (2018). Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth. Retrieved 1 April 2022, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/breast-bottle-feeding.html
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