I want the best for my baby; breastfeeding is my choice.
Breast, Bottle Or Both?
Making a choice between breast and bottle is one of your most important decisions as a parent. There is no right or wrong choice but due to health reasons, both yours and baby’s, every health authority of significance recommends that you breastfeed your child at least for the first six months. Breast milk is hailed as ideal nutrition for a newborn, supplying him with nutrients essential for both mental and physical growth. However, breastfeeding isn’t always possible or preferable.
When mother and/or child reject breastfeeding, infant formula works fine and your baby’s nutritional needs will still be met. There is also no conclusive proof that breastfed kids bond better with their mothers than their bottle-fed counterparts. Some mothers may find that switching between breast and bottle is most ideal for their lifestyle and comfort level. Your choice is personal and should be respected by all fronts. However, if you are still undecided, an understanding of advantages and challenges to breast and bottle-feeding may help you make an informed decision.
Advantages of breastfeeding
Breast milk fights infections During breastfeeding, a mother passes on infection-fighting antibodies to her child. Research shows that infants who have been breastfed exclusively for four months or more have 40% less risk of ear infections. Experts believe that breastfeeding also protects baby from meningitis, the flu, allergies, asthma and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), while reducing the growth of micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses. Studies show that breastfeeding helps strengthen premature babies. On the whole, breastfed infants seem to require fewer hospitalisations than bottle-fed infants.
Adaptive Breast milk has the ability to change according to the needs of a baby.
Low cost Breast milk is free and because of its accompanying health benefits, you may also save on medical costs. Although you need nursing bras or breast pads, your expenditure is still lower compared to the amount you will spend on the various items needed to sterilise and accessorise feeding bottles.
Prevents adult obesity According to the US National Women's Health Information Center, breastfed babies have less risk of putting on weight unnecessarily. This helps them avoid weight problems later in life. Brain foodStudies have found that breastfed babies make smarter students and adults, possibly due to fatty acids present in breast milk. It was also found that the longer these students were breastfed as infants, the higher their score in intellectual evaluations. Experts believe that children breastfed exclusively for at least six months have IQs about five to 10 points higher than formula-fed children.
Perfect food Human milk is called the perfect food because it is easily digested by baby’s immature digestive system. Researchers have found that breastfed babies have fewer incidences of diarrhoea or constipation. Breast milk is also rich in a large variety of nutrients that formula milk companies desperately try to duplicate. Although infant formula is now enriched with some of these nutrients, breast milk contains other nutrients that currently still cannot be replicated.
Flavourful Breast milk has a slightly different flavour each time a mother breastfeeds because its taste depends on what the mother has eaten. So when a nursing mother eats a wide variety of well-balanced foods, her baby is not only reaping nutrients from these foods, but also tasting them!
Convenient Breast milk is fresh and always available; you don’t need to make any last-minute late-night drives to a store or rush to get feeding bottles ready. It is produced in the right temperature and consistency for baby and requires little or no clean-up. Breastfeeding also makes travelling much easier - no formula tins or bottles to pack!
Skin contact Breastfeeding allows a skin-to-skin bonding experience that mothers greatly enjoy. This contact also establishes close emotional bonding between mother and child.
Maternal benefits Moms, especially new moms, who breastfeed may feel more emotionally confident of caring for a fragile baby. Breastfeeding may also help burn calories and shrink the uterus, allowing mothers to return to their pre-pregnancy shape quicker. Research suggests that breastfeeding may also reduce risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer.
Challenges of breastfeeding
Discomfort Breastfeeding isn’t always easy from the word go. Sometimes, mother and child may need plenty of “practise” and patience to get used to a breastfeeding routine. Most of the time, it is just a problem of acquiring the proper technique. Latching-on may also cause pain for some mothers, but this will usually dissipate within a week. If breastfeeding causes you constant pain or if your nipples are sore, get the advice of a doctor as soon as you can. You can also buy baby-safe nipple creams from pharmacies.
Feeding frequency Breastfeeding, like every other aspect of parenting, requires a heavy time commitment. Nursing a constantly hungry young infant or constantly pumping breast milk can leave you with little time for other pursuits like work, housework, leisure and yes, even sleep. Breast milk also digests quickly and it can be tiring to have to feed baby every hour or two hours. If you need a break, you may need to obtain the help of family members to feed baby pumped milk while you sleep or work. Console yourself that this will get easier when baby begins to sleep through the night.
Dietary and lifestyle considerations Breastfeeding women may have to exercise greater dietary caution as everything they eat is also “shared” by baby. For example, if you love coffee, take no more than three cups a day or you may find baby getting easily irritated by the stimulant. Baby may also get more gas if you eat too much of cabbage, garlic or onions. Smoking and alcoholic drinks are ill-advised during breastfeeding. If you are unwell and need to take medicines, you may need to discontinue breastfeeding for a few days unless your doctor can confirm that the medication is safe for nursing moms.
Advantages of bottle-feeding
Flexibility Bottle-feeding allows either parent to feed the baby, giving mom a break and helping dad to feel more included in the parenting and bonding process (point to note: this can also be achieved by pumping breast milk). Also, as some moms are shy to nurse in public, bottle-feeding provides a convenient solution when you’re out and about.
Time for you As formula digests more slowly than breast milk, baby may not need to be fed so frequently. This prevents a need to schedule your life around baby’s feeding routine.
Eat as you please Women who bottle-feed needn’t be over-cautious about what they eat or drink as their diet will not affect baby.
Challenges of bottle feeding
Preparation You will have to ensure that there is sufficient formula at hand at all times. You will also have to prepare sterile (boiled) water for milk preparation and keep all bottles and accessories sterilized at least until baby turns six months old (to be safe, some parents continue to sterilize bottles till baby is 18 months old). Going out with baby also means bringing enough supplies and bottles for each feed. Pre-mixed milk that is stored in the fridge needs to be warmed before baby is fed. Please note that milk that has been left out of the fridge for over an hour or milk that has been stored in the fridge for over 48 hours should be thrown out. Do check the label on the formula tin for details.
Nutrient content Most formula companies now pay close attention to what goes into their tins. However, no amount of attention can duplicate the exact quantity and quality of nutrients or mom’s precious antibodies in breast milk. Formula also needs to be checked carefully before purchase to determine expiry date and shelf life so that nutrient quality and baby’s health are not jeopardized. Cost: Formula is pricey with specialty formulas such as soy-based or balanced nutrition powders costing more than basic infant formula.
Dental problems Bottle-fed babies may develop a condition called “bottle mouth” where teeth begin to show signs of decay. It is important to start wiping baby’s gums, and later teeth, twice a day or if possible after every feed to avoid this. Some experts think that bottle-feeding may also affect the way baby’s jaw develops, requiring expensive orthodontic care.
Digestive problems Bottle-fed babies may have more gas and harder stools than breastfed babies. That said bottle-fed babies may also suffer from diarrhea if they cannot agree with rich or creamier versions of formula.
Breast and bottle?
Some parents find that they are able to introduce both breast milk and formula with great success. If you are a working mother who is unable to pump breast milk regularly, this may be an ideal solution for you.
However, there are two possible drawbacks—baby may develop suck confusion between breast and bottle (different tongue movements are required) and you may not be able to establish a proper milk supply if you are only on a night/ morning nursing schedule.
Obviously every baby (and mother) is different. Although breast milk is the best food for baby, it is important that you choose a feeding method you are comfortable with.
Do remember that it is always easier to start with breastfeeding before switching to bottle-feeding instead of the other way. If you are still confused, talk to your doctor or a lactation specialist.
