Nursing provides an intimate moment between mother and child more like an ideal bonding time for them. It also happens to be one of the major decisions that new moms have to make, that is weather to breastfeed or go for formula. A good number settles easy on breastfeeding but the societal stereotype and discomfort that come with breastfeeding in public often make new moms think otherwise.
On the other hand, bottle feeding in public also comes with a lot of critics of why would you not breastfeed your baby. Let me just say welcome to the perfect mommy guilt zone, here everyone knows what’s best for your own child except you. Do not accept societal pressure and learn through what’s best for your child before making the firm decision on which path to follow.
We at Elimuzazi are here to walk you through what’s ideal between breast or bottle before the big decision that’s exclusively left for you.
Breastfeeding
Health practitioners unanimously agree that breastfeeding is the safest and healthiest option for the baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) specifically advices on an exclusive 6 months breastfeeding program before incorporating anything else. Well, there could be a few health challenges that may hinder breastfeeding, but that does not take away the fact that it is the best and healthiest option.
- Breastmilk contains the required portions of the much-needed nutrients which include Carbohydrates, calcium, proteins and fat.
- Provides the baby with the right antibodies meant to fight illness such as diarrhea, meningitis, ear infection and respiratory infections.
- Breastmilk is much easier to digest than formula and that saves the baby from constipation and gas, it also contains the most vital vitamin D.
- Breast milk boosts the child’s intelligence as it has high levels of cognitive function. Study shows that exclusively breastfed kids develop a higher IQ.
- Women who breastfeed are said to have lower risk of battling chronic diseases like Heart disease, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
- Breastfeeding offers great bonding between mother and child hence reducing chances of going through postpartum depression as it strengthens the emotional connection between mother and child. Mothers who breastfeed are also known to shed off baby fat easily since it not only burns calories but also shrinks the uterus.
- Breast milk is cost-effective, unless you want to pump milk which means you have to invest in bottles and nipples; administering breast milk comes at no cost and is always readily available.
- It has different but appealing tastes of varying flavors depending on the mothers’ intake. This also makes the solid food transition easy due an improved palate.
Formula Feeding
Formula feeding is arguably the best considerable alternative to breast milk. It may not really be the best because breast milk has no equal, but it’s a possible option. Even at that health practitioners advise against making your own formula or worse feeding the baby with an infant cow’s milk. All in all, formula has this to offer:
- It’s convenient and can be administered by anyone. Meaning anyone can conveniently feed the baby at any time even if the mother is away.
- It’s easy to delegate baby care and actually take a breather or a more deserving nap, nonetheless the baby will still be well-fed.
- Feeding time must be scheduled as formula is not easily digested like breastmilk. The baby can easily go without frequent feeding unlike with breastmilk more so within the first few months before the tummy expands.
- You are free to eat whatever you want as it won’t directly affect the baby. For instance, a glass of cocktail or wine once in a while is okay since the alcohol content will not be passed to the baby.
- Formula feeding has its challenges some of which make it an expensive option at that. Choosing formula feeding means denying your child a chance of getting the antibodies only found in breastmilk hence exposing them to diseases.
- Formula milk can never match the complexity of breastmilk, remember this milk goes through a manufacturing process it’s not natural and comes with a distinct taste.
- Formula is expensive and never readily available. It all depends on your financial capability so at some point the baby may go through food rationing to save on costs.
The breast or bottle decision is a mothers’ personal choice. There are moments when your OB/GYN may make that decision for you depending on your health condition that may innocently deprive you of breastfeeding your child. But on a normal situation without any health hindrance please read through your decision before making it.
Some women settle for exclusive breastfeeding, others go for breastfeeding and supplements while others go for the bottle which in this case is formula. No matter your choice, consider your baby’s needs and be comfortable with your decision. If totally confused, feel free to consult your doctor or a lactation consultant for more information concerning your options.