Should I Breastfeed Or Bottle-Feed? Which Is The Better Option For Me And My Baby?

You are closer to the date of delivery of your new bundle of joy and as you look at the unisex baby clothes for babies that are now on sale because the holiday has passed, you imagine your baby wearing one in the correct size when he or she is here. And while you are making these preparations for the baby’s arrival, you have to determine one thing. Are you going to breastfeed or formula-feed your baby?

A mother’s instinct is to breastfeed immediately because breast is best as the baby will get pure nutrients from mother’s milk as nothing can be more natural than that. However, even though it is true that it is scientifically proven that breast is best, is it really the best in each situation? The only way to determine that is by going over the pros and cons of breastfeeding and formula-feeding.

The Pros Of Breastfeeding And The Cons Of Formula Feeding

  • Breastmilk is natural and is the richest in nutrients whereas formula is not natural – however, baby formula is still full of adequate nutrition as it has to follow the nutritional guidelines. But baby formula is not breastmilk as it never will measure up to it because it is manufactured and not natural.
  • Breastmilk can reduce the chances of many ailments in babies such as ear infections, eczema, and digestive issues. Baby formula does not have the natural ingredients to reduce the chances of those ailments all that much. However, the chances are not reduced by that much so moms that are not choosing or able to breastfeed do not need to worry.
  • Breastfeeding has long-term benefits on the mom such as reducing obesity, chances of developing type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers. A mom that is formula-feeding her baby is not breastfeeding unless she is supplementing and it does not mean she is guaranteed to end up with those conditions – but she isn’t reducing the risk either.
  • Breastfeeding is cheaper. All that needs to be purchased is a breast pump, nursing bras, nursing pads and other nursing accessories that do not need to be purchased often. Baby formula is expensive and that is an added expense that parents that are formula feeding their babies need to tack on each day.
  • Weight-loss happens easier with breastfeeding. The energy exerted burns extra calories and formula-feeding moms have to go back to exercising and counting calories for weight loss the old way.

Those pros of breastfeeding may make you guilty for not doing it but don’t feel guilty because you are about to learn about the cons of breastfeeding which are the pros of formula-feeding. And you will only have to be the one to make that determination whether it is right for you or not.

The Pros Of Formula Feeding And The Cons Of Breastfeeding

  • Formula-feeding does not involve physical exertion and pain whereas breastfeeding does, especially in the beginning. You don’t need to worry about the baby latching onto the breast properly when you are bottle-feeding, and that is a big deal. That is because after giving birth, you need to restore your body as much as you can and struggling to have the baby latch onto the breast can be a big problem.
  • Formula-feeding is more convenient than breastfeeding, especially in the beginning. Some would argue with this statement but when it comes to formula feeding, all you need to do is make sure the bottles are sterilized, boil some water, and put in the recommended amount of formula and mix it. That is it. With breastfeeding, it is a big struggle initially for the baby to suck properly and the added pain and stress make it more convenient. The only time that some could argue that breastfeeding is more convenient is after it is mastered. But even then there are many struggles that come with it. Especially when it comes to expressing milk.
  • Anyone can formula-feed the baby but the mother has to be around to breastfeed unless she plans to express it which is exhausting. All that needs to be done is to prepare several bottles for the baby if a sitter is going to watch the baby for a night while the parents are out. Of course, a breastfeeding mom can do the same but that means she has to pump which will wind her out before going anywhere. This is why working mothers prefer to formula-feed since others have to care for their babies.
  • Formula-fed babies are filled up quicker than breastfed babies and may even get more calories. And this is why breastfed babies need supplementation oftentimes.
  • Breast is best but the benefits may be exaggerated. There is no denying that breastmilk is ideal but the benefits studies have found may be somewhat exaggerated. Formula-fed babies do just fine and will end up healthy as well even with fewer benefits.
  • Formula-feeding moms can eat and drink what they want anytime they want. Moms that are breastfeeding have to be mindful of what they eat and drink. Studies have shown that breastfeeding moms can have a little wine and beer hours before they feed or pump but are limited by what to eat. Especially if the baby has a bad reaction from something they eat. Formula-feeding moms don’t need to worry about any of that. They can go back to eating and drinking what they choose and when after they give birth.

Here is the thing. If the mom is experiencing postpartum depression worsened by nursing or is on medication that she needs to take and cannot breastfeed as a result – then breastfeeding is not an option. So when expectant moms are shopping at the boho baby clothes boutique and are thinking about how to feed the baby – it is best if they go over this list to see the pros and cons of each.

Yes, breast is best because it is natural but formula-feeding is just fine too and if that is the only option that can be chosen, then fed is best. For more helpful information about family such as learning the 4 home fixes that you need to do before your newborn arrives, just keep reading posts from our site.