Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
Reviewed by Edward Kulich, M.D.
Deciding whether or not to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the first decisions parents have to make. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, it’s more or less what you as the mother feel comfortable with. However, many places like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that breast is the best choice. Below we’ll go over the advantages and disadvantages of each. This way you as the parent can make the right choice for your baby.
Breastfeeding Advantages
Breastfeeding is a great way to fight infections. Antibodies that are passed from you to your baby can help lower the occurrence of many conditions such as ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infection and meningitis.
Breastfeeding is especially beneficial for premature babies and may also protect children against allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breast milk is also known as the “perfect formula” for a baby’s digestive system. Some of the ingredients include lactose, protein (whey and casein), and fat. All of which are easily digested through a newborn baby’s system, and it also naturally contains all the vitamins and minerals that a newborn requires.
With all that said breast milk is free, convenient and doesn’t require the extra time for mixing, washing and sterilizing bottles.
Breastfeeding Disadvantages
As a nursing mother, you must cut down on certain foods and beverages that contain caffeine. This can cause restlessness and irritability in babies. But many mothers are used to drinking less caffeine anyway because they kept their intake to a minimum during pregnancy, so the transition shouldn’t be hard.
Other problems some mothers face are medical conditions such as HIV or AIDS or those that involve chemotherapy or treatment with certain medications that may make breastfeeding a not so good choice. Mothers who’ve had breast surgery, such as a reduction, may have difficulty with supply if their milk ducts have been severed. This too can pose a problem and a lactation specialist should be contacted.
Personal comfort and taking the time to feed can be disadvantages to certain mothers wary of beginning this routine. But remember, breastfeeding is a personal choice, so these mothers might just want to formula feed if these things can not be overcome.
Formula Advantages
Formulas are a nutritious alternative to breast milk and even contain iron. Formulas attempt to duplicate mother’s milk using a complex combination of proteins, sugars, fats, and vitamins that would be virtually impossible to create at home.
Formula feeding allows either parent to feed the baby at any time of day. Because formula digests slower than breast milk, formula-fed babies usually need to eat less often than breastfed babies. Parents who choose to formula feed don’t have to worry about the things they eat or drink affecting their babies..
Formula Disadvantages
The downfall to formula feeding is the preparation of it all. You have to have enough formula in the home at all times to feed your baby. Plus, you must wash and sanitize your bottles and nipples to ensure your baby’s health. Bottles left out of the refrigerator longer than 1 hour and any formula that a baby doesn’t finish must be thrown out, so there is a possibility of wasting a good amount everyday.
Another problem with formula feeding is the cost. During the first year of life, the cost of basic formula can run about $1,500 if it’s a specialty formula. Powdered formulas are less expensive but they must be concentrated. Again, the price adds up.
Tips To Remember
Before making your decision, there are some things to keep in mind such as:
1) Most breastfeeding moms these days buy breast pumps and pump their milk (at least to some extent)
2) Breastfeeding is difficult in the first week and then gets better
3) Breastfeeding is recommended for the first year and at least 6 months
4) When moms have poor milk supply, fennel tea and occasionally prescription medicine called metoclopramide (reglan) can be used.
5) Breastfeeding is a great way to lose weight after pregnancy (you need extra 500 calories a day to breastfeed and only 350 a day to be pregnant)
6) Breastfeeding is not a contraceptive
