The debate of breastfeeding versus formula for your baby has gone on for centuries, and it seems as though it will never end.
The choice between breastfeeding and formula for your newborn baby is a deeply personal decision. After hours of research into both sides of the argument, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Online discourse may demonise one option over the other. Picking one can feel like you are doing a disservice to your child.
Regardless of your stance on breastfeeding versus infant formula, the ultimate goal is to make sure that your baby is fed.
How Babies Benefit From Breastfeeding
Breast milk is considered the gold standard for feeding your baby.
Besides being 1) always available no matter where you are, and 2) free, here are some of the pros and cons of breastfeeding your baby.
Pros of Breastfeeding
For the first six months of your baby’s life, breast milk will contain all of the nutrients that your baby needs. As it is tailor-made for your baby, it contains important antibodies and nutrients that can help to fight infections and build immunity in the first few days. Bonus: as breast milk is easily digested, breastfed babies are also less constipated and gassy.
The custom combination of nutrients also has a wealth of benefits, such as helping to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome in the first year of your baby’s life. In the long run, it can even help your child by reducing the chances of being overweight, developing asthma, allergies, and even type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The benefits of breastfeeding even extend to mothers, too. Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and even ovarian cancer. It can even help to lower your likelihood of developing postpartum depression.
Cons of Breastfeeding
Of course, breastfeeding your baby is not without its issues.
The first problem is usually the concerns of not producing enough milk for your baby. It can take a while for your milk supply to come in, and can stress mothers out. Over the course of breastfeeding, you can even develop an oversupply of milk. This can lead to breast engorgement, causing chest pain that can even develop into blocked milk ducts. Without treatment, this can result in mastitis, or inflammation of the breast.
As you develop a steady breastfeeding routine, sore or cracked nipples may crop up. This may happen because your baby is not attached at the breast due to positioning issues. Cracked or damaged nipples can even lead to yeast infections if left untreated.
Finally, while breastfeeding is idolised by most mothers, it can be difficult to carry out in practice. Working mothers may find it annoying to continue to express milk as they return to work. Mothers who breastfeed in public may feel self conscious, and have issues finding private rooms to breastfeed in. Those who express milk for later feedings may also have problems with having enough storage space or even finding a pump that works for them.
For these reasons, some mothers may prefer to give their babies infant formula instead of breastfeeding.
The Benefits of Infant Formula for Babies
It is important to remember that infant formula is not a last resort. It is the best possible alternative to breast milk out there, and is easily accessible for those who need it.
Pros of Formula Feeding
Infant formula is formulated to resemble the nutritional composition of breast milk. It can include other ingredients important to your child’s development, like long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, also known as AA and DHA.
One of the main plus points of infant formula feeding is convenience. You can feed your baby at any time, anywhere. This lets mothers schedule their feedings around times that are more convenient for them. Fathers can also step in to help out, which can further ease the strain on their partners.
Furthermore, formula feeding is sometimes the only option available for some mothers. If they have a chronic illness or under certain medications, formula is often the best choice to ensure your baby is getting all of the nutrients they need. Your baby may also need to be fed by formula if they have additional health concerns, like low blood sugar or dehydration.
Cons of Formula Feeding
Much like breastfeeding, infant formula comes with its own set of challenges.
Due to the manufactured nature of formula, it does not contain the antibodies that would be present in breast milk. This means that formula will not be able to provide support against illnesses and infection. It is also up against the ever-changing nature of breast milk, which will customise itself to fit the baby’s needs as required.
Infant formula also usually comes with a hefty price tag. Between the expensive cost of formula and the accessories required, it can get very costly, very quickly. Parents will also need to keep track of the amount of formula they have on hand, making last minute trips to the store cumbersome and frustrating. Not to mention the Herculean task of keeping the baby bottles clean and sterilised.
Much of the discourse around formula feeding can be boiled down to the feeling of shame. With overwhelming pressure to breastfeed your baby, mothers who may not have a choice in the matter can be bogged down by feelings of shame and frustration. Announcing your decision to formula feed may be met with snarky comments and unwanted advice, which only amplifies this spiral of discontentment.
So, Which One is Better?
Many physicians will recommend that you breastfeed your baby, although it may not be possible for all mothers. Barring that, formula feeding is also encouraged to ensure your baby gets all the nutrients they need. Some mothers can even combine these two feeding styles if needed.
Both breastfeeding and formula feeding have their different advantages and disadvantages. Depending on what a mother and her baby needs, each one provides the much needed support in sustaining new life.
At the end of the day, it is not a discussion about “breast is best” or “formula is fantastic”. Ultimately, what really matters is that your style of feeding works for you and your baby.
