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Feeding Your Baby

The decision on how to feed your baby is a person one. Many factors must be considered.

The following slides will discuss the pros and cons to breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

Breast or Bottle?

Pros and Cons

• It’s always available

• It contains antibodies that help your baby fight infections—less ear infections, colds, viruses, etc.

• It’s free

• It can help prevent SIDS

• It’s easily digestible, so decreases chances GI issues

• It may protect against allergies and asthma later in life

• It contains high levels of nutrients

• It creates a special bond between mother and baby

• Protects against some ovarian and breast cancers

• It can help new mothers lost weight more easily

• It’s specifically designed by the mother’s body for her baby and changes to meet baby’s needs

• It delays menstrual cycle

Pros of Breastfeeding

• The feedings can be done by someone other the mother

• Can calculate exactly how much baby is eating

• It can be easier to feed in public than breastfeeding

• It takes longer to digest, so there is more time in between feedings

• If baby has food allergies or sensitivities, formula also comes in hypoallergenic and soy varieties

• There can be more flexibility and freedom for moms

• Moms can eat and drink what they want without worrying about their diets affecting the breast milk

Pros of Bottle Feeding

• It is time consuming—breastfed babies feed every 2-3 hours

• Either only mom can feed baby or mom has to pump. Pumping is also time consuming.

• Moms must be wary about medications

• Engorgement can also occur, causing mother pain

• Working mothers can find it challenging to schedule pumping and nursing

• Mother can develop breast infections, such as mastitis (a plugged milk duct resulting in flu-like symptoms and breast pain)

• Breastfeeding requires a lot of energy, so mother can suffer from fatigue

• Mothers must be cautious of what they eat and drink

• Breastfeeding can be painful, especially in the beginning

Cons of Breastfeeding

• Babies can have a harder time digesting formula

• It can be expensive, costing between $100-$200 a month

• Must also purchases bottles, which can be expensive

• A lot of work involved in properly washing and sterilizing bottles and nipples

• Baby may be more likely to develop infections like ear infections and colds

• Less convenient than breastfeeding—must always have bottles, formula, water, etc.

• Sometimes it can be difficult to find a bottle that baby will take—some babies are picky about the shape of the nipple

Cons of Bottle Feeding

When you breastfeed, you have to be dedicated. No matter how much pain you’re in, how tired you are, how sick you are, or if you want a break—you have to feed your baby. You can pump and save it up in the freezer, but that is also a lot of work.

However, breastfeeding can be very rewarding. It is healthier for mom and baby. It is also helps further the bond between mom and baby. A mom can feel good about being able to provide for her baby. That being said, breastfeeding is not right for everyone. The decision to not breastfeed is perfectly okay.

Women have been bottle feeding for decades, and babies have survived and grown up to be healthy, successful adults.

Women sometimes have issues with latching or babies have milk allergies. Sometimes women just want a break after carrying a baby for nine months. Sometimes breastfeeding is just too overwhelming. Whatever the reason, it’s important to do what is best for you, your family and your baby.

The important thing to remember is the decision on how to feed your baby is a personal one. Find supportive friends, family, and professionals who can help you no matter what your decision is. Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, you can still provide your baby with adequate nutrition. You are doing the best you can as parents, and that’s the important thing to remember.