Bottle vs Breast: The feeding debate for babies
After finding out that you are expecting, you may get many different tips and tricks from others who have had babies. One of the topics you might hear the most about is how you plan on feeding your baby: breast or formula fed. Most expecting mothers and families have probably heard “breast is best” and would get advice, maybe not always wanted, from people regarding how to feed their new little one. Within the parenting world, there will always be the great debate on how women should feed their babies.
Breastfeeding is talked about as being the best for babies because of how many natural nutrients are in it, the baby will get the mother’s immunities, and it can bring on a lot of great bonding time. While health care providers will tell you that breastfeeding is the healthier option for your baby, the decision to breastfeed can come down to a few reasons. Is your baby latching properly? Are you producing enough for your baby to get the amount needed each feeding? There can be different obstacles such as mastitis, clogged ducts, and no/low production of milk. If a new mother goes through any of these, it can be stressful on both mom and baby. With each of these obstacles there are different ways to overcome them. The hospital can set you up with feeding classes before birth. Lactation specialists will also work with you after birth and will meet during feeding times to give tips on how to make breastfeed successful. Talk to your doctor, the baby’s pediatrician or your lactation specialist for more questions or concerns regarding breastfeeding.
The other option for feeding your new baby is formula fed. The good thing about formulas is that they can be picked for specific needs your baby might have. Those could be no dairy, no soy, sensitive tummy etc. Formula is typically easily accessible and there are programs to help families that are low income receive the formula needed for their baby. One of the downsides that some people give formula is that it doesn’t have the right nutrients for the babies as well as the natural immunities from the mothers. But that isn’t always true. Formula is designed so that the babies drinking it are getting all of their nutritional needs from it.
Whichever you choose, know that you are doing the best for yourself and your baby. If you have any concerns or questions regarding feeding, the best choice for your family or any feeding concerns, talk to your doctor or the your baby’s pediatrician.