Choosing to breast feed or bottle feed (or to use a combination of both) is a personal decision which every mom and soon-to-be mom must face. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to both. The method of feeding chosen should be one that incorporates personal views, health, emotional and physical well-being, and promotes a happy and healthy home for parents, infants, and siblings.
Breastfeeding: The Advantages
Breast milk is the most ideal food for your baby and is cost-effective, readily available, and easy to digest. The composition of human breast milk is unique to each individual and provides your growing baby with all the nutritional components needed during growth and development. Unlike formula, breast milk provides your baby with immunoglobulins which help protect your baby against illnesses and potential allergies. Research suggests that breastfed infants are at lower risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and cancer1 than their formula fed counterparts.
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial to your baby, but to you as well. Breastfeeding releases hormones which help the uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy state, provide protection against pregnancy, and enhance the mother-infant bonding experience. Most breastfeeding moms find that they loose weight easier and faster than non-breastfeeding moms. Research also indicates that breastfeeding can help decrease the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes, and postpartum depression1.
Breastfeeding: The Disadvantages
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Diba Tillery RN, BSN, CPST
Babies 411 is an on-line information and resource center for parents. It has been developed by Diba, a neonatal intensive care nurse, with the sole purpose of promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all babies.