Benefits of Formula Feeding
Commercially prepared infant formulas are a nutritious substitute to breast milk, and even contain some vitamins and nutrients that breastfed babies need to get from supplements.
Besides medical conditions that may prevent breastfeeding for some women, others who choose to formula feed may enjoy the following benefits:
Convenience. Either parent (or caregiver) can bottle feed the baby at any time (though this is also true for women who pump their breast milk). This allows the mom to share the feeding duties with their partner who perhaps would like to be more involved for the sake of the bonding process.
Flexibility. There’s no need for moms to pump or to schedule work or other responsibilities and activities around the baby’s feeding schedule because they can get help from their partner or caregiver. Additionally, formula is less digestible than breast milk, therefore fewer feeding times.
Diet. Women who opt for formula feeding do not have to worry about what they eat or drink that could affect their babies.
Challenges of Formula Feeding
Formula feeding has some challenges:
Lack of antibodies. Manufactured formulas lack antibodies found in breast milk. Therefore, formula can’t provide a baby with the added protection against infection or illness compared to breast milk.
Can’t match the complexity of breast milk. Manufactured formulas are yet to replicate the complexity of breast milk, which adjusts according to the baby’s needs.
Planning and organization. Compared to breast milk which is available, unlimited (varies from mother to mother), and served at the right temperature, formula feeding requires planning and organization to ensure that you have what you need when you need it. For instance, formula feeding needs mums to ensure they have bought sufficient formula, and the necessary supplies (like bottles and nipples) that need to be always clean, easily accessible and ready to go. A formula fed baby will require at least 8 – 10 feedings in a 24-hour period.
Expense. Formula is costly. On a monthly basis, formula feeding mums spend about Ksh 7,000 to Ksh, 24000. Could be more, could be less. Either way, it is an expensive affair.
Possibility of producing gas and constipation. Formula-fed babies may have more gas and firmer bowel movements than breastfed babies.
Making a Decision
While you’re weighing the pros and cons, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. These health care providers can give you more information about your options and help you make the best decision for your family.
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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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