Breastfeeding or Formula: How Should You Feed Your Baby?

Taking care of your newborn child can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it also comes with a lot of hard work. Between all the diaper changing and cleaning, one of the most important things you have to think about as a new mother is what you should feed your baby.

Deciding whether to start breastfeeding or formula feeding is a highly personal decision, and it’s crucial to choose the option that best suits you and your baby’s needs. Regardless of what you choose, both choices come with their own benefits and drawbacks that you should carefully consider, and both may include the use of a bottle. Here are some of the most important things to think about when determining which method is right for you.

Breastfeeding

If you’re able to do it, breastfeeding is considered the more nutritious option for your child. This natural method of feeding your baby provides both you and your child with a healthier experience. Also keep in mind that many moms who breastfeed also pump milk to be given in a bottle regularly, as well. Below are some of the most notable benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and baby.

Baby

  • Supplies essential nutrients (e.g. proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates)
  • Enhances digestion
  • Fights off viruses and bacteria to prevent illness
  • Lowers risk of childhood obesity
  • Helps promote faster metabolism

Mother

  • Helps burn fat and promotes a healthy weight
  • Reduces the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer
  • Helps save money
  • More convenient
  • Creates a closer bond with the child

These benefits ultimately cannot be replicated in formula. Nourishing your child with your own breast milk can help them grow and develop in the healthiest and most natural way. Not only is nursing a more wholesome method for you and your baby, but it also helps you form a meaningful bond with your child. The convenience of breastfeeding along with the closeness that develops while nursing allows you to spend more quality time with your child.

Formula Feeding

In certain cases, you may lack the ability to breastfeed your baby. Some mothers aren’t equipped to provide their babies with breast milk for a variety of reasons. The most common situations in which breastfeeding would be inappropriate include lactation failure, underlying medical conditions, drug dependency, and the use of certain prescription medications. Lactation failure is often the result of insufficient glandular tissue, PCOS, hypothyroidism, or a previous mastectomy or other breast surgery. While some problems can be resolved, others may prevent you from breastfeeding permanently. If you’re unable to breastfeed for any reason, formula is a highly effective alternative.

Formula is often packed with many of the nutrients that your baby needs during the first six months. Many brands contain essential proteins, sugars, fats, and vitamins that your child needs to thrive. Formula is also created under sterile conditions that foster the production of a healthy and nourishing solution for your baby’s needs. Formula feeding can be a very effective substitute for breastfeeding if you aren’t able to nurse your child.

However, formula isn’t merely a low-quality alternative to breast milk. There are a handful of benefits of formula feeding that can make life better for you and your baby. One of the most compelling reasons why a mother may choose to breastfeed is because it grants her more flexibility. With breastfeeding, you often need to work your schedule around this activity. Formula feeding, on the other hand, allows you to freely leave your baby with a caregiver and nourish your child even while in public. Due to these benefits, many women find formula feeding to be a more convenient option for their needs, just like some women choose disposable diapers and some choose cloth.

Making the Decision

Ultimately, choosing the best method for you and your baby depends on your personal needs and goals. Health experts agree that breastfeeding is the better option if you’re in good health and can provide your baby with adequate breast milk. And you can find one of the best bottles for breastfed babies to use for feedings when you need a break or can't physically be there. However, there’s no need to worry if you aren’t able to breastfeed. Formula provides many of the vital nutrients that your baby needs to thrive during the formative period. It also may prove to be a more convenient and accessible option that fits well into your everyday life, since it's simple for you or any caregiver to just bring along in the diaper bag or prepare quickly at home.

No matter what you choose, it’s crucial to ensure that your decision is what’s best for both you and your child. It’s also okay to change your mind as your needs adjust. While you may have settled on a certain method before giving birth, having your child might prompt you to reconsider what’s right for you. Regardless of how you feed your baby, providing them with the care that they need to thrive is vital.

Resources— KidsHealth, Verywell Family

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