Breastfeeding Vs. Bottlefeeding

Photo by InferisChoosing between breastfeeding and bottle feeding/formula feeding is a personal choice for a mother. It is a choice that is respected by your physician and pediatrician, and they will give you some guidance on how to do so. However, pediatricians do encourage that you breastfeed for the first 6 months because it has a lot of benefits for your growing infant.

BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding has a lot of benefits for both you and your growing infant, making it the first choice that pediatricians advocate for infant feeding.

ADVANTAGES

Free: produced by your own body, you do not need to worry about your budget in order to give your baby the nutrients that he needs.

Gets you back in shape: breast feeding causes you to consume a certain amount of calories for production and secretion. Think of breastfeeding like you’re jogging in the morning, only you’re sitting or lying down and bonding with your infant. Aside from that, it helps your uterus go back to its pre-pregnancy state faster.

Promotes resistance to common disease and infections: colostrum, the initial breast milk produced by a mother is rich in Immunoglobulin IgA. This form of passive-natural immunization helps is important for the infant for his immune system is still immature. Breastfed infants have lesser incidence of getting sick compared to formula-fed babies.

Aids in better digestion: the protein of breast milk is easier to digest and absorb compared to those found in infant formula. Because of this, there is lesser incidence of constipation and diarrhea.

Promotes mother-infant bonding: While you’re breastfeeding, you always hold your infant close. Skin-to-skin contact makes your baby more attuned to your body temperature, heartbeat, and scent.

DISADVANTAGES

Discomfort: some mothers report slight pain whenever the infant suck, especially during the first time. The problem primarily lies on the improper latching of the infant. You and your infant needs to be comfortable with each other, and it takes the both of you to teach each other how to feed your infant.

Only you can feed your baby: if your baby has gotten so used to your scent, it may be difficult for your partner or other caregiver to feed your baby.

BOTTLEFEEDING/FORMULA FEEDING

Some mothers have to forego breastfeeding for a number of reasons. Medications, health conditions, intolerable discomfort, or being a busy breadwinner may opt the mother to bottlefeed their infants.

ADVANTAGES

Feeding convenience: you don’t have to worry about getting yourself exposed or looking for an appropriate place to breastfeed your infant.

Anybody can feed your infant: since the milk can be prepared by anyone, anybody can feed your infant while you’re away. This way, fathers can also have the opportunity to bond with their babies the way mothers can.

Allergy issues are easily resolved: unlike breastfeeding, you immediately know what caused the allergy of your infant. You do not need to constantly thinking about what you eat.

DISADVANTAGES

Lesser nutrients: in comparison to breast milk no matter what formula companies do, they cannot match the nutritional content of breast milk.

Warming: some infants wish to have their formulas in a certain temperature. This may be a problem when you’re not at home or while traveling.

Digestive issues: there may be a need to change formulas every now and then. Some formulas cause either constipation or diarrhea.

Added costs: some special formulas can be very costly and expensive.

Consider all of these factors when you’re choosing between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Remember that each person you talk about how to feed your baby will have certain preferences and bias. You and only you can decide which feeding will be most beneficial for you and your baby.