Advantages And Disadvantages of Breastfeeding and Formula-Feeding
Formula feeding or breastfeeding? It’s an ultimate question for new and expectant parents. But here are some advantages and downsides of both methods you should consider!
While nutritionists and pediatricians consider breastmilk the healthiest and safest feeding solution for newborns, most mothers can’t breastfeed due to medical conditions and comfort issues. Breastfeeding also requires some tough lifestyle changes, that most new mothers are not ready to make, and it’s ultimately their choice.
For mothers who can’t breastfeed or who choose against it, the healthiest alternative is formula milk. Formula milk from the right brand is full of necessary nutrients that your child may require to grow healthier and stronger.
It is a common misconception that mothers who don't breastfeed usually neglect their babies, which isn’t true. Mothers bond with their babies through love, care, and affection. And no matter what feeding method you choose; you will ultimately generate a great bond with your little one.
The decision to breastfeed or not to breastfeed entirely depends on the mother. In this article, we are listing down some pros and cons of both methods, so you can decide better for yourself and your baby.
Breastfeeding: Advantages
Breastmilk is Healthy and Nutritious
Breastmilk is full of necessary nutrition that strengths your infant’s immune system and provides various health and development benefits. Breastmilk is easier to digest for your little one and prevents diseases like gas and colic. Apart from that, if you are breastfeeding your baby, she will have less-smelly poop, and suffer from constipation and diarrhea less often.
Breastfeeding Is Good for The Moms
It is observed that the women who choose to nurse their babies recover faster from childbirth. Breastfeeding also tends to reduce your chances of developing ovarian and breast cancer, and other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and hypertension.
Breastfeeding is Economical
You can save thousands of dollars by breastfeeding your little one. If you are an expectant mom, you may have no idea how much formula milk, bottles, and other supplies can cost. In addition, breastfeeding can prevent your infant from getting sick a lot, which will also save a lot of medical expenses.
Breastfeeding is Super-Convenient
Breastfeeding is a convenient way to provide your baby with optimal nutrition without having to worry about heating the milk or cleaning the bottles.
Breastfeeding: The Downsides
Breastfeeding Can Be Painful
Breastfeeding can lead to sore nipples, and conditions like mastitis and breast engorgement. Dealing with these issues can be very unconformable and painful for women who extensively breastfeed.
You Are the Only One Feeding the Baby
Breastfeeding makes you the only parent feeding the baby. If you are busy doing something, and your partner wants to feed the baby, they are ultimately unable to help. This issue can be resolved if you keep the pumped-up milk in a bottle for your partner to use.
Breastfeeding Can Be Difficult If You Are Modest
Most women feel uncomfortable and embarrassed while feeding their little ones in public. Infants usually require feeding every 2-3 hours. If you are modest and feel uncomfortable while feeding your baby in public, you may have difficulty fulfilling your baby’s feeding needs.
Breastfeeding Requires Lifestyle Changes
If you are choosing to breastfeed your baby, you may have to make various lifestyle and dietary changes. Certain food items that you consume can be harmful to your little one. You may need to stop consuming dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, or other food items you enjoy.
Stress can also affect your milk supply, so you will have to make sure you remain stress-free and happy.
Formula-feeding: Advantages
It’s Convenient
Anyone can feed your baby, anywhere, and anytime. You won't have to be on the call 24/7 to feed your baby. Your partner, your mom, or other family members can also take turns feeding the baby. This also allows siblings, fathers, and other family members to bond better with your baby.
It Can Easily Be Done in Public
Do you feel embarrassed while breastfeeding your infant in public? This issue can easily be resolved through formula milk. Just prepare the milk in advance before heading out and feed your baby whenever and wherever you want without looking for a private space.
It’s Easier to Track your Baby’s Intake
Through formula milk, you can easily track how much milk your baby has consumed in a day. It helps you keep your baby’s diet in check.
No lifestyle and Dietary Changes Required
Bottle milk is an excellent alternative to breastmilk and requires moms to make no lifestyle or dietary changes. You can enjoy doing and eating whatever you want without compromising your infant's health.
Formula-Feeding Is Good for Lactose Intolerant Babies
Some babies are unable to digest breastmilk or animal milk, and this condition is called lactose intolerance. If this is the case with your baby, you can opt for suitable formula milk recommended by your baby's pediatrician.
Formula-feeding: The Downsides
Formula-Milk Is Not as Nutritious
All health experts agree on this one thing: breastmilk is more nutritious than any formula milk available in the market. Formula milk can also make babies obese in early childhood and compromise their immune systems.
Preparing The Bottle Is Tiresome
Heating the bottle, heating the water, and then preparing the bottle can be time-consuming and inconvenient. It especially bothers you when you forget to take your baby's bottle outside and you have no possible way to heat the milk and feed the baby.
Bottle-Feeding Can Be Expensive
Formula milk, bottles, and other formula feeding equipment can be expensive as hell. If you are a new mom, you should investigate about the average bottle-feeding expense in your country before choosing this option.
Your Baby May Not Like the Formula Milk
Another downside of formula-feeding is that your baby may or may not like the formula you are trying. This can disrupt your baby’s dietary habits and make them cranky and irritated.
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