Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding – What
Mothers-To-Be Need to Know
If
you are a mother-to-be, there are many important decisions to make before the
birth of your child. One of those
decisions can be whether you will breastfeed, or provide your child with
formula after his birth. Breastfeeding
definitely has many more health advantages for both you and your baby, and the
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it be done exclusively for at least
the first six months of your baby's life.
It is then recommended that it be continued up to one year, after the
introduction of solid foods at around six months of age.
But
what if I need to feed my baby formula?
Does that make me a bad mother?
Mothers
should never feel like they are substandard if they need to or choose to
formula feed, for whatever reason. The
old saying, “Never judge someone unless you've walked a mile in her shoes,”
certainly holds true.
Formulas
have come a long way, and more closely mimic breast milk than they ever did in
past years. Infant formulas offer
complete nutrition for your baby, and if you cuddle your baby during every
feeding, it can still provide a wonderful bonding experience for you and your
baby.
So
if baby formula is adequate, why even consider breastfeeding?
Here
is a list of reasons why breastfeeding is still recommended over formula:
1.
Breast milk contains live antibodies (immunoglobulins)
*
This is the main ingredient missing in infant formulas. When the mother is exposed to germs, her body
produces antibodies to fight the potential infection-causing organisms. These antibodies are then passed along to her
infant in her breast milk, providing protection against potential illnesses and
diseases.
2.
Breastfeeding is free while formula is very expensive
*
Because formula can be very expensive, some parents have been known to give
their infants plain cow's milk or other milk alternatives at a much earlier age
than recommended. Although this is
adequate for a calf, it does not contain the necessary vitamins and minerals to
encourage healthy development and growth in an infant. In addition, this could cause allergic
reactions, and a number of other health problems.
* On
the other hand, breast milk is made specifically for human babies, and is
always free and on tap.
3.
Breast milk is “smart”
*
Breast milk changes its composition over the course of your baby's growth and
development.
*
Colostrum, for example, is the first milk that is produced by your breasts
during pregnancy and then for the first few days after your baby's birth. It is very high in protein as well as
antibodies, which give your baby's immature immune system a “boost” of
protection. It also acts as a natural
laxative for your baby's first bowel movements.
*
Colostrum is replaced by transitional breast milk approximately three to four
days after you give birth, and lasts for a couple of weeks.
*
Mature breast milk comes in last. It is
composed of one kind of milk that has two different compositions:
a) Foremilk – The baby drinks this watery, thin
milk first during a nursing session. It
helps hydrate the baby, and contains more lactose and less fat. The lactose is important for energy
production in the infant.
b) Hindmilk – The baby gets this higher-fat
content milk as the nursing session continues.
This is what is important for the baby's growth.
In
summary, breast milk is still the recommended nutrition for babies. A few reasons why you may want to consider
breastfeeding over formula feeding have been provided. Although not discussed above, there are many
other reasons why breastfeeding is beneficial including breast milk is more
digestible, and breastfeeding also protects you against certain cancers. No matter what decision you make – breastfeeding
or formula – know that it has to be right for you and your situation. Only you can make that decision.
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