Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: What You Need to Know

Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best nutrition for infants. Babies should be only breastfed for the first 6 months, after which the baby begins to eat other foods. However, experts encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding and if breastfed up to 2 years and beyond, then it is beneficial for both, especially for mothers.

Benefits of Breast milk for your baby

• It contains the proper proportion of nutrients that your baby requires.

• It provides natural antibodies that help your baby resist illnesses.

• It's usually more easily digested than formula.

• It may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome in the first year of your baby's life.

• It may raise your child's intelligence.

• The baby is less constipated and gassy.

• Breast milk may even help your child in later years, by reducing the risk of being overweight, and of developing asthma, allergies, type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers

• Reduced risk of diabetes

• Reduced risk of high blood pressure

• Reduced risk of osteoporosis

• Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers

• Help you lose your baby weight more easily

• Make it less likely for you to have postpartum depression

Challenges of Breastfeeding

Moms and babies need plenty of patience to get used to the routine of breastfeeding. Common concerns of new moms are:

• Personal comfort

• Latch-on pain

• Time and frequency of feedings which can make it harder for some moms to work, run errands, or travel

• Diet restrictions

Formula Feeding

Formula feeding is also a healthy choice for babies. Many moms choose formula for a variety of reasons:

• It's convenient and can be fed by anyone at any time.

• It's flexible.

• Your partner can help out with night time feedings.

• Scheduling feedings may be easier as formula-fed babies don't need to eat as often, especially in the first few months.

• You don't have to worry about what you eat.

• You can have a cocktail once in a while.

Challenges of Formula feeding

Some challenges to consider when deciding to formula feed are:

• Lack of antibodies

• Can’t match the complexity of breast milk

• Expensive

• Possibility of producing gas and constipation in the baby

Conclusion

Deciding how you will feed your baby can be a hard decision. You'll really only know the right choice for your family when your baby comes. 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: Webmd, Kidshealth, Medline Plus, John Hopkins

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on January 03, 2023