Do most moms breastfeed or formula feed?
One of the most overwhelming decisions that new moms have to make is whether to breastfeed their children or use formula feeding.
There are different reasons why a mom would prefer breastfeeding over formula feeding and vice versa.
Even the public has an opinion on what a mother should do. Some people feel uncomfortable around breastfeeding moms while others view formula feeding moms as bad parents. For them, formulas are not natural so they are not good for the baby.
Let’s decipher the advantages of each method.
Breastfeeding
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your newborn. The AAP also says that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. The breastfeeding should continue until the baby is at least one year old even if you have introduced other foods.
The benefits of breastfeeding are:
- It is a source of natural antibodies necessary or your baby to resist infections.
- Breast milk is more digestible than formula so the baby will not have constipation.
- According to some studies, breast milk raises a child’s intelligence and cognitive abilities.
- It lowers the risk of your baby developing sudden infant death syndrome within their first year.
- It has an effect in the later years of your child’s life where they are less likely to become overweight, develop asthma, diabetes or leukemia.
- It’s a great bonding experience between you and your baby, including “Skin-to-skin” contact.
- It is good for you as well because breastfeeding moms have reduced risks of breast and ovarian, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Today, you have the luxury of pumping breast milk using specially made breast pumps which allow public feedings and other members of your family to participate in feeding your baby.
Formula feeding
Unlike what most people think, formula feeding is also a healthy choice for babies. In real sense, formula is the closet alternative to breast milk.
Moms opt for formula feeding because:
- It is convenient. Your baby can be fed at any time and by anyone.
- It is a flexible feeding method. It keeps you from having to fitting pumping in your schedule.
- It is easier for your partner to help you with the feeding especially when you are tired so that they can also bond with the baby.
- It is easier to schedule feedings because formula-fed babies do not eat as often. The formula takes quite a while for the baby’s system to digest.
- Unlike breastfeeding mothers, you don’t have to worry about what you eat.
- You can enjoy wine or alcoholic drinks once in a while which is impossible for breastfeeding mothers.
Every feeding method is good. The only priority should be ensuring that your baby is well-fed, cared for and loved.
For moms who can’t breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is a healthy alternative. The formula provides babies with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
Another option is to combine breastfeeding with formula feeding. This way you can benefit both feeding methods.
Regardless of what feeding method you choose, people will always have an opinion. Their opinion should not influence the decisions you make concerning your baby. Remember that it is not about them. It is not even about you. Your baby is your first priority.
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