Friday, November 19, 2010

Is Breast Feeding Better Than Bottle Feeding?

In the past, baby formula was produced as a milk substitute for infants and was considered superior to breast milk. Nowadays, most experts agree that breast milk is best when it comes to feeding newborns. There are many reasons why a mother might choose to bottle feed versus breastfeeding, and newer formulas are modeled to be as close to breast milk as possible. Therefore, it is possible to keep your baby happy and healthy no matter which method of feeding you choose. Whether you choose breastfeeding or bottle feeding, there are many options to consider.

Choosing breastfeeding or bottle feeding can be a matter of preference, but it can also be due to health issues or other concerns. For instance, some mothers bottle feed because they have health problems that require medication that could leech into breast milk and harm their little ones. Other mothers supplement breastfeeding with bottle feeding because they are not able to adequately produce enough milk to sustain their infants. And still other mothers choose to bottle feed because of the need to return to work before a proper breastfeeding routine can be established.

Many mothers choose breastfeeding for health reasons - they want to provide the healthiest, natural choice when it comes to feeding their babies. Other mothers choose breastfeeding for cultural reasons, and still others do it for the convenience and cost savings. Breast milk also imparts the mother's antibodies within the first few days of nursing, so some mothers nurse exclusively in that time in order to help boost the immune systems of their infants.

Regardless of whether you decide to bottle feed or breastfeed your baby, you need to take steps to ensure a consistent and regular feeding schedule. Getting comfortable with feeding your little one while you are still in the hospital will help you to successfully transition to home feedings. Make sure you have a support group within your home that can help you establish a routine that works for both you and your baby.

Most importantly, you should feel good about the choice you make, whether it's breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or a combination of both. As long as you provide the kind of care and love that your baby needs, he or she will thrive no matter which option you choose. Don't feel that you "have to" breastfeed or bottle feed. This should be an individual choice based on what's best for your family and what is best for you and your baby. If you take the time to be prepared, you'll find that feeding your infant is one of the most precious times that you will enjoy.

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