One of the first and hardest decisions an expectant woman will have to make involves choosing whether they would breastfeed or bottle feed her newborn child. However hard it may be, the woman will definitely have to make her decision when it comes to feeding. Breastfeeding has long been the most preferred method of feeding by most major health organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Dietetic Association. However, formula feeding is at times known to have been through a lot of changes to make the milk equally nutritious as the breast milk.

 

 

Comparing Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding

For you to be able to easily make your decision when it comes to feeding your newborn baby, it would be best if you will look into the pros and cons of each method so that you can be able to determine which of the two is the best one to use.

 

 

The Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding

Let’s start by taking a look at breastfeeding. This method is greatly tried and tested for the newborn babies. Normally, in the first six months, it is advisable  that you feed the child on breast milk. There are a couple of reasons why breastfeeding has for long been preferred over bottle feeding.

First and foremost, breast milk is always available and totally free. Formula feeding comes with a cost and it can range from $54 to $198 depending on which brand of formula you choose. This makes breast milk a lot cheaper and more convenient because it does not need to much preparation.

Breast milk also contains a high level of perfectly balanced nutrients as compared to formula milk. With formula milk, the nutritional content often depends on the brand and the preparation. Breast milk contains the perfect mixture or combination of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and fats that your baby needs for a healthy growth. It can also be easily digestible for the little babies while conversely, some babies find it hard to tolerate some nutrients in bottled milk.

Breast  milk contains antibodies which are very vital in preventing your child from getting infections. It contains active infection fighting white blood cells and several natural chemicals which all increase the child’s resistance against infections. According to the American Medical Association, breast milk can also help to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or the SIDS in children. Breastfeeding can also help to protect your baby from allergies, eczema, diabetes and asthma attacks once they grow up.

Breast milk according to research also contains some fatty acids which are very essential for brain development. It can also help reduce the child’s likelihood of being obese later on.  For mothers, it can help them in their pursuit to quickly lose weight.

However, breast feeding also has its cons though not major ones. The main disadvantage of breastfeeding is that the mother must be available whenever the baby needs to be fed. This does not favor the busy women.

Similac Advance Newborn Infant Formula with Iron, Stage 1 Ready-to-Feed Bottles, 2 Ounce, (Pack of 48) (Packaging May Vary)

 

 

The Pros and Cons of Bottle Feeding

For those who intend to choose bottle feeding, do not get discouraged yet as it also has its own advantages over breast milk. Infant formulas have been made to designed to match the nutrient potential of breast milk. Besides, most babies are not likely to have any serious infections whether breast fed or bottle fed though of course those breast milk have more resistance. Formula also works for babies who are allergic to breast milk and for mothers with diseases like HIV-AIDS, it helps to guard your child from acquiring the said disease.

However, for bottle feeding to work for your baby, there are specific things that you need to know about it. Firstly, there is no need for you to heat the formula. Just serve it at room temperature which is just right for your baby. Also, once the baby has sipped from the formula, the rest should be discarded. Unused formula though can be kept for the next feeding session.

 

 

Choosing The Best Feeding Method: Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding

Choosing the perfect formula for your baby can also be another challenge. To begin with, choose cow’s milk formula rather than soy formula. Also, make it a point to select a formula that is highly rich in iron as it is vital for your baby’s brain development.

Now that you already know about both breastfeeding and bottle feeding, the choice is left for you, as a mother , to decide. You have to ensure that you will choose the one that will perfectly suit you and your baby’s needs.