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Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding Benefits and Disadvantages

breastfeeding vs bottle feeding

For sure one of the most common debates when it comes to newborns is focused on feeding. And this is normal because a baby will mostly sleep and eat, during the first months of his life. While sleep comes naturally, once basic conditions are met, feeding can occur either naturally if the mother breastfeeds her baby or less naturally if formula feeding is chosen. Let’s take a close look at both options. Our goal is to share all facts, compare the pros and cons and offer you all the info for taking the best decision when it comes to nourishing your baby.

To have this clear from the get go, breast milk is considered the best nutrition option for newborn babies, by all specialists and organisations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). However, due to various reasons, objective or subjective, some mothers opt for the formula feeding option. Some of them don’t produce enough breast milk at the beginning, decide to switch for bottle feeding, find it convenient enough and use it as a permanent replacement for breastfeeding. Others are simply afraid of myths that claim that mothers will end-up with sagging breasts due to breastfeeding and decide to go for the 2nd best option for their infant.

Breastfeeding Facts
A. Benefits
1. Breastfeeding is the natural way to nourish a baby. All elements are perfectly delivered starting with temperature and ending with quantity.
2. It’s widely known that breast milk always has the perfect nutrient composition for your baby. The breast milk nutritional value is continuously adapting to the age and the needs of your infant.
3. Breast milk comes with crucial antibodies that strengthen your baby and protect him against illnesses and infections. (Such as colds, ear infection and even gastroenteritis).
4. Due to its natural composition breast milk is easily digested and absorbed. Thus babies are less likely to get stomach cramps and feel gassy.
5. Mother’s milk is also growing the babies’ intelligence. Studies have shown that cognitive function is improved.
6. Breast milk considerably lowers the risk of the sudden infant death syndrome occurence in the first 12 months of your child’s life.
7. The risk of developing allergies in families with such predispositions is considerably lowered by breastfeeding. Mother’s milk do not pass allergens that could be found in other milk products.
8. Breastfeeding creates an unique bond between mother and baby. Eye and skin contact, as well as the fact that the infant is able to listens to his mother’s heartbeat, feel her breath and hear her gentle voice, develops a relaxing environment and a sense of security for the newborn.
9. Breast feeding does not require additional costs, compared to bottle feeding.
10. No preparation time is needed for meals. Milk is available anytime and anywhere. Without needing to carry additional props.

B. Disadvantages
1. Mother must be available all time to breastfeed.
2. Mother must pump her own milk if a meal is skipped.
3. Mother must avoid certain fruits, alcohol and other foods that could negatively affect her breast milk.
4. Some medications could interrupt the mothers’ ability to produce milk.
5. Breastfeeding could become painful at some stages.

Formula Feeding Facts
If a mother can’t breastfeed out of various reasons, formula feeding is the best replacement for breast milk. Nowadays you can find different kind of formulas in the shops, however the majority of them have similar nutritional values.
A. Benefits
1. Bottle feeding is very convenient because the baby can be nourished by anyone.
2. Mothers gain flexibility because they aren’t the milk source and don’t have to be around for any mealtime.
3. The father can also create a nice bond with the baby during bottle feeding.
4. Mothers can eat whatever they wish, they don’t have to look after their diet in order not to negatively affect the breast milk.
5. Alcohol consumption for mothers is allowed.

B. Disadvantages
1. Extended preparation time for preparing the mixture, warming formula, cleaning and disinfecting bottles.
2. Props always needed and have to be carried around if on the move, including: bottles and mixing items.
3. Formula milk is not as efficient as breast milk.
4. Nutritional value is dependent on proper mixing.
5. Bottle feeding costs from $60 – $200 per month, depending on manufacturer.
6. Some babies might not tolerate formulas well.
7. Babies lack the health boost provided by breast milk which has been proven to diminish the risk of getting overweight, developing asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol and even leukemia.

How did you feed your baby? Please comment below and share your opinion regarding breastfeeding and formula! If you need breastfeeding tips you can find some good ones them here.

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