What’s Better? Breastfeeding or Formula?

As an expecting parent, you will want to offer your newborn child the most nutritious and healthy meals. You might be going back and forth about using breastfeeding or formula to feed your baby. These are some of the pluses and negatives of both types of feeding:

The Pros and Cons of Bottle Feeding

Bottle feeding may be much more convenient than breastfeeding. It allows parents to easily put the premixed formula into bottles and feed their baby. Therefore, it may be an excellent solution for mothers who have to go back and forth to work and don’t have time to sit and breastfeed. 

The formula is premade with all the essential nutrients every baby needs. However, it’s harder for a newborn to digest than breast milk. Some babies have digestive issues when on the bottle, and they need a special formula that’s gentler on their system. 

The Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the number one choice for health and wellness. A mother’s breast milk contains special nutrients to strengthen the baby’s immune system. Many mothers choose to breastfeed their children for that reason alone. Breastfeeding also strengthens the bond between a mother and her child. Babies feel safe and protected when resting in their mother’s arms, eating the food that will help them grow. 

That said, breastfeeding has a few drawbacks to it. For one, it’s time-consuming. You won’t be able to ask someone else to feed the baby for you unless you squeeze your breast milk into bottles early in the day. You also may not be able to breastfeed your baby in all public locations. You’ll have restrictions on what you can consume. Thus, you may not be able to take the medication you want to take because of the probability of it passing to the baby because of your milk. 

Though feeding your baby breast milk has a few down points, it’s still the best choice when solely focusing on the health aspect. 

Is It Better To Feed a Baby Breast Milk or Formula?

The style you choose depends on your health, scheduling, and goals for your baby. Natural breastfeeding is always the best choice for the baby’s health because of its benefits to the immune system. However, formula may be a better option if you’re suffering from any condition requiring taking medicine that may pass to your child. The formula may also be the best option if you have a vitamin D deficiency because it’s premade with the most vital nutrients. 

Your lifestyle will determine whether you choose breast milk or formula as well. For example, buying premade formula may be the more favorable option if you work long hours and need a babysitter to care for your child. You could bottle your breast milk beforehand, but buying premade formula may be more convenient. 

Now you can make a highly informed choice about which method to feed your baby. Take your time and choose the most beneficial method for both of you.