Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding
Deciding whether to breastfeed or bottle feed/formula feed a baby is a very personal choice, but for most new moms and their babies there are real benefits to breastfeeding which is why many new mom’s are turning to breastfeeding exclusively until their baby is six months old, when solid foods are added, and that at least 25 percent will continue nursing until their baby’s first birthday.
So why is breast milk so much better than formula? To begin with, it’s considered more healthful than formula for infants. Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses, including ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, and bacterial meningitis. Studies also suggest that breastfed children are less likely to get asthma, diabetes, or become overweight later in childhood. Breastfeeding may even help the brain develop faster.
And moms benefit too. Breastfeeding promotes bonding, cuts down on bleeding after childbirth and helps shed those pregnancy pounds faster. Breastfeeding also lowers a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer. It may help delay ovulation and, for some, serves as a natural form of birth control. It’s also convenient and cheap.
But it’s not for everyone. HIV-infected women should not breastfeed because of the risk of passing the virus to their baby. In certain cases, women who’ve had breast surgery, reduction or enlargement, may have problems nursing. And there are situations where a mother needs to take medication that is not safe to use while nursing. Additionally, there are some babies who need a plant-based formula because of a rare metabolic disorder.
The decision to breastfeed or bottle feed is also influenced by our family and friends. Are you comfortable with nursing? What are your husband’s views, or your mother’s? And many women choose the bottle over the breast because of their work schedule. While it can be difficult, most working, nursing mothers say it’s well worth the extra effort. The key is planning ahead. Buy a manual breast pump, or rent an electric pump to keep at work. Many women give the baby pumped breast milk that’s been stored ahead of time. Others bring the baby in to nurse. Continuing to nurse after returning to work is a great way to ease that transition. And in the long run, breastfeeding is also good news for an employer; it means fewer absences related to sick children.
While breastfeeding is the best choice for many new mothers, it’s not right for everyone. Learn what you can and share the information with your family and friends. Plan ahead if you’ll be returning to work while nursing. With the right information and support, you should be successful with breastfeeding, if that’s your goal.
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