There is a lot of debate about whether or not infants should be fed breast milk or formula. Mothers typically want their newborns to receive the best nutrition possible and they sometimes worry that formula will not provide the proper nutrition for their baby. Other women who advocate breastfeeding are very critical of women who choose to bottle-feed their babies. The best way to make a decision about whether or not breast-feeding is better for infants is to research the nutrition and feedings options and then make an informed decision.
Comparing Nutrition Benefits
Most experts will agree that breast milk is ultimately better for a baby, but formula will provide adequate nutrition for an infant. The colostrum that a baby receives through breastfeeding during the first few days of life seems to be a significant source of nutrition. The research is still somewhat inconclusive on whether or not breast fed babies grow up with less health concerns than babies fed with formula. Some studies show that the health of breast fed children is no different from those of formula fed babies; other studies show just the opposite.
Comparing Bonding Benefits
Breast feeding advocates often claim that breastfeeding allows for better bonding between mother and baby because of the skin-to-skin contact. Bottle feeding advocates claim that the same bonding can occur while giving an infant a bottle. Furthermore, babies are able to bond with fathers during feedings as a father can feed a baby a bottle. Many women choose to use a breast pump so that their infant can receive the nutritional benefits of breast milk while allowing the father or other members of the family to feed the baby.
Comparing Ease of Feeding Benefits
In many ways, breastfeeding is easier than bottle-feeding, especially in the early months of an infant’s life when feedings are frequent. Bottle-feeding requires proper washing and drying techniques and heating methods. Additionally, formula and water amounts need to be measured. For babies who have no difficulty latching on to the mother’s breast, and for mothers who are not working and with their infant most of the time, breastfeeding is somewhat easier.
Mothers need to consider nutrition as well as practical issues when deciding whether to use breast milk or formula to feed their infant. Some mothers simply are not able to breast feed. Some babies have medical issues that prevent them from being able to do so. Babies will receive adequate nutrition through both methods of feeding. Research and education is the best way to make an informed decision regarding how best to give nutrition to an infant.
Tagged with: breastfeeding • formula • infants feeding • infants nutrition
Filed under: Feeding & Nutrition For Infants
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