Infant nutrition is crucial to a baby’s overall growth and development. That’s why there are a few decisions that you need to make when choosing between formula and breast milk. Although both options have benefits and drawbacks, choosing between them is often a complex decision many new parents must make.
Many people perceive breast milk nutrition as the gold standard, providing excellent nutritional benefits and immune system support. However, infant formula offers parents better flexibility and control, ease of use, and even accessibility.
Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of breast milk and infant formula to help you make a sound decision.
Practical Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding kids provides essential health benefits. Moms still prefer human milk over baby formula. Let’s talk about these perks of breastfed babies.
Superior Diet
Breastmilk has all the nutrients that all babies need. It has the right fats, carbs, proteins, vitamins, and minerals for growing kids. Breast milk also digests easily and reduces colic, constipation, and other stomach issues.
Supports the Baby’s Immune System
Another benefit that breast milk has is that it contains antibodies that can help support your baby’s immune system. Besides containing essential vitamins and minerals, breast milk contains enzymes and antibodies, which act as your baby’s natural defense against illness and infections. That’s why breastfed babies are less prone to experience ear infections and diarrhea. Studies show that babies who regularly receive breast milk are less prone to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) [1].
Breastfeeding Benefits the Mothers
Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mother. It helps the uterus contract and returns to its pre-pregnancy size, leading to a quicker recovery. Breastfeeding also burns calories, aiding in weight loss and reducing the risk of obesity. Breastfeeding mothers also have a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis.
It Can Help Save Money
Besides being good for the baby’s health, breastfeeding is an easy and cheap way to give babies the nutrients they need. Since breast milk is readily available for breastfed babies, making bottles or buying formula is unnecessary. Breastfeeding can also save money since baby formula can be expensive, especially for low-income families.
Preparing to Breastfeed
While it may seem easy, providing breast milk to your baby requires an in-depth understanding of the process, proper preparation, and enough social support. Let’s discuss the steps to help your breastfed babies get all the necessary nutrients for their growth.
Learn More About Breastfeeding
Learn about the body’s natural process of producing breast milk before your baby arrives. Consult a lactation consultant or join a class with other nursing moms. Understanding the benefits of human milk, proper positioning, latching on, and ensuring your baby gets enough milk will benefit both you and your baby.
Set a Space Where You Can Feel at Ease.
You should make sure your baby is comfortable when you feed them. You might want to set up a place in your home where you can breastfeed your baby that is both comfortable and private. Putting your favorite relaxing chair and pillows in place can make you feel even better. You can also help by setting a nursing pillow in the room.
Prepare the Essential Supplies
Preparing all the needed tools before feeding your baby is highly advisable. It should include your nursing bralettes and pads, nipple cream, and a breast pump. It’s also best to get a breastfeeding-friendly wardrobe with easy access to your breasts when feeding your baby.
Ask for Support From A Breastfeeding Support Group
You can consider speaking with your baby’s doctor or lactation consultant or joining a group with other nursing mothers for additional guidance. These professionals can provide advice, assistance with latching, positioning, and milk production, as well as emotional support and encouragement.
Set Your Expectations
Like everything else, breastfeeding also comes with its set of challenges, especially in the early days. Prepare for potential breastfeeding challenges like sore nipples, engorgement, and difficulty latching. Have a plan for seeking assistance from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.
Addressing the Most Common Breastfeeding Challenges
Breast milk is a natural source of nutrients for many babies. But while it’s entirely au naturale, it can still present a few challenges, especially for breastfed babies. Let’s look at a few ways to help you with overcoming breastfeeding problems effectively.
Sore or Swollen Nipples
Although breastfeeding has many health benefits, not all mothers find it enjoyable. Many moms actually experience their nipples getting sore, especially during the early days of breastfeeding. Besides poor latching techniques and positioning, they also experience breast tenderness when they feed their babies. Fortunately, you can address such problems through correct posture when it comes to positioning and latching. You can also consider using nipple ointment and avoid using strong soap on the mammary gland area.
Breast Engorgement
Breast engorgement occurs when a person’s breasts become overly full because of excessive milk production. It may feel stiff and tight, which can sometimes cause a painful sensation. If your ongoing health problem persists, you could try putting a warm, wet cloth on your mammary glands or taking a shower. You can also address the issue when you pump milk.
Infant Refusing Baby Breast Milk
Babies can get moody sometimes. So, expect that they may refuse your breast milk at times. To encourage a healthy appetite, you may try various positions and offer breast milk supply when they’re sleepy or feel at ease.
Benefits of Formula Feeding
Not every parent either choose or can breastfeed their babies. So, formula feeding is a must for healthy infants as an alternative to a steady supply of proper nutrition. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the excellent benefits of formula feeding.
Alternative Nutritional Source
Baby formula products have special formulations designed to provide babies with complete and balanced nutritional sources. That’s why formula-fed babies still acquire the necessary nutrients such as proteins carbs, and fats, even without any access to baby breast milk.
Highly Convenient
Formula feeding suits many mothers, especially those who must return to work or have other commitments. A formula can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it easy to use when needed. It also allows for greater flexibility in feeding schedules, as a caregiver can feed the baby if the mother is unavailable.
Easily Accessible
Powdered formula products and other variations are accessible almost anywhere you go. It can also help mothers who have existing health problems that result in too little milk or those that take certain medicines that can affect their babies’ health.
Creates a Unique Bond
When you feed your baby with a bottle of formula milk, you’re giving yourself to have a unique opportunity to create a bond with your baby. While many people still prefer breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding, formula-fed babies still have a unique opportunity to establish a strong bond between themselves and their babies by establishing an enjoyable feeding routine.
Tips to Help Feed Your Baby with Baby Formula
Get the Most Suited Formula
Unlike before, various types of baby formula are now readily available for parents like you who want to feed their babies with properly formulated formula products. Consider your baby’s dietary needs when getting a suitable infant formula. You can even look for a specific formula brand that can supply all the nutrients babies need and more.
Read the Print
Remember that every product is different, especially when it comes to your little bundle of joy. So, before you head on to the nearest store and grab the first thing that you can see, it’s important to read the print to ensure that it has the necessary nutrients that will suffice your newborn’s needs.
Check the Temperature
Some babies prefer to consume warm milk, especially during nighttime feedings. So, if your toddlers are very particular with the temperature of their bottle, then it’s best to warm the temperature and ensure that it’s at the right level.
Securely Hold Your Baby
Hold your baby in a comfortable and upright position while bottle feeding. Doing so can help prevent choking and reduce the amount of air that your baby swallows. Make sure your baby’s head is slightly elevated, and the bottle is tilted in order to avoid air from entering the nipple.
Conclusion
Choosing between breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding is a matter of choice. Although breast milk naturally provides the essential nutrients that the baby needs, there are times when breastfeeding isn’t something that’s realistic to some parents. So, consider various factors when you choose a source of nutrition for your growing infant.
Remember that choosing between breast milk and formula milk should be a healthy choice. So, it’s important to consider your baby’s needs before buying anything at the store. Meanwhile, you should also consider weighing the benefits of breastfeeding and a few ways to overcome breastfeeding challenges if you’re planning to breastfeed your child.
Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.
