Breastfeeding Versus Formula Feeding

Some mothers can't breastfeed, it's just not an open option to them. Others purely don't want to, for various personal or social reasons.

Whichever choice you make, there are a few things that you should know.

Breastfeeding versus formula feeding - Breast is best!

Advantages

• Antibodies are passed on through mothers milk which help to protect your baby from various infections such as, ear and chest infections, respiratory infections, and even things like eczema.

• There are no costs to breastfeeding.

• You don't have make up formula feeds, or wash and sterilize bottles (unless you are expressing breast milk and feeding it by bottle)

• Breast milk is digested easier.

• Recent studies, According to the National Women's Health Information centre (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)have shown that breastfeeding your baby may help to prevent obesity in the future.

• You get to really 'bond' with your baby. Skin to skin contact is one of the best emotional and physical processes you can do to bond with your baby.

• How comfortable are you with breastfeeding? Especially in public places.

• Breastfeeding can cause sore breasts and nipples, this should be checked out by your health visitor.

• Breast feeds will be closer together than bottle feeds. Bottle-fed babies will often go 3-4 hours between each feed, breastfed babies may go less (maybe 2-3 hours)

• You will have to watch what you eat and drink. Caffeine consumption for instance should be kept to a minimum, along with other foods and drinks.

• Some medical conditions will make breastfeeding unsuitable. HIV and Aids, some cancer treatments, and other forms of medications will stop the mothers ability to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding versus formula feeding - Formula Feeding

• Formula milk is made to closely mimic breast milk.

• Anyone can feed your baby, Dad, Grandma or Granddad, which also means baby can be left with relatives while you have a well deserved night out!

• Your baby will be 'full' for longer, meaning feeding times will be around every 3 to 4 hours once a pattern is established.

• You don't have to worry about what you eat and drink. So if you fancy a curry, you won't upset babies delicate tummy.

Disadvantages

• Preparation. Making formula and washing sterilising those bottles.

• The cost, a carton of formula powder is around £5.00, and will last anything from 3 days to a week, depending on how hungry your baby is.

• Formula fed babies usually have firmer bowel movements and can suffer more with wind.

• There are no antibodies to passed on from Mum when formula feeding.

Don't feel backed into a corner or let anyone make you feel guilty about your choices. After all it's you that has to breastfeed and no one else. Imagine yourself in certain scenario's and see if you would be comfortable feeding your baby on a bus for instance, or in a cafe. If you decide to formula feed, just be aware that once your breast milk starts to diminish, it would be hard to start breastfeeding at a later time.

If you're really not sure, give it a try. It's such a wonderful feeling to breastfeed your baby. And that way, baby gets the all important colostrum in the first few days.

Not read enough yet to make up your mind about breastfeeding versus formula feeding? Follow this link for more about breastfeeding. Or learn more about formula feeding.

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