Introduction
It’s been “public knowledge” for years that there are advantages to breasting-feeding over bottle-feeding. However, there are many debates on the topic breasting-feeding over bottle-feeding. Many new moms will say that bottle-feeding is far superior than breasting-feeding. Taking the facts that is presented and comparing the two side by side there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Argument for Bottle-Feeding
Children who are breast fed have a unhealthy attachment to their mother. Breast-feeding doesn’t allow the father or other people in the baby’s life to provide the new born with necessary substance for life. Breast-feeding in public is not proper etiquette to some.
You are able to monitor exactly how much milk your newborn is drinking. Formula stays in the baby digestive system longer leaving the baby full longer. Both parents can participate in the bonding experience of feeding their child. Better able to ensure that the baby is being well nourished.
Argument for Breast-Feeding
The the baby is getting too much chemicals in their system at an early age when using formula unlike with breast milk. Breast milk helps provide nutrients only available with breast milk that help build a new born’s immune system. Better able to build a bond with the mother opposed to bottle feeding.
Facts Brest-Feeding VS. Bottle Feeding
Brestfeeding
- The colostrum (first milk) from 2 to 5 days is high in protein low fat and high in immune factors and helps pass sticky tar-like substances called meconium in their intestines.
- Suckling at the breast promotes good jaw development and encourages the growth of straight, healthy teeth
- Easily digested and absorbed
- Free
- Milk is readily available
- Lower risk in childhood obesity
- Mother must be available for feeding or to provide pumped milk if she is absent
- Medications can interrupt breastfeeding
- Discomfort about feeding in public
Bottle-Feeding
- Anyone can feed the baby
- Mothers have more flexibility
- Fed less frequently, more difficult to digest.
- Knows exactly what baby’s intake of milk is
- Mother doesn’t have to worry about their diet
- Formula does not contain duplicate nutrients from the mother’s breast milk
- Formula ranges from $54 to $198 per month depending on brand
- Some babies have difficulty tolerating certain nutrients
- Preparations of formula needed
Conclusions
Whether you chose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, it has it’s pro’s and it’s cons. Health benefits to both the baby when breastfeeding and convenience and bonding with the father when bottle feeding. Which do you think is best for the baby? Which would you prefer?
References:
1. Brown, JE. (2011). Nutrition Through the Life Cycle. 4th Edition. Thomason Wadsworth.
2. Breastfeeding vs Bottle feeding. (2013). http://americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/breastfeedingandbottle.html
3. Breast Milk vs. Formula. (2013). http://public.health.oregon.gov/healthypeoplefamilies/babies/
breastfeeding/pages/benefits.aspx
4. 101 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child. (2000). http://www.notmilk.com/101.html
