Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding, know the difference

Out of all of the things parents worry about, from how to keep their baby groomed and clean to how much sleep their little one is getting, how to keep their babies well-fed has to top the list. Though every mother wants her baby to be happy and healthy, there are chances when traditional methods of feeding might not happen. For those reasons, mothers must be educated on the various ways in which they can support their growing babies using other methods of feeding like formula feeding depending on the need.

Breastfeeding

Nursing provides ideal nourishment and a special bonding experience that many mothers cherish. Often called the “perfect food” for a human baby’s digestive system, breast milk contains lactose, protein (whey and casein), and fat that are easily digested by a newborn. Breast milk is a fast, free and easy way to feed the babies for the most part. It is a portable way of feeding your baby and is packed with all the nutrients to keep your baby healthy and satiated. Moreover, breast milk can make your baby immune in a sense, as it provides the antibodies necessary to ward off icky illnesses that come in the way. It also helps the mothers to lose the baby’s weight faster and develop a strong bonding with the baby. It is recommended that babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months. Breastfeeding is encouraged until at least 12 months, and longer if both the mother and baby are willing to continue. Breastfeeding can be easy from the starting for some mothers but takes a while to get used to for others. Mothers and babies need a lot of patience to get used to the routine of breastfeeding.

Formula Feeding

Formula feeding is a nutritious alternative to breast milk, and even contains some vitamins and nutrients that breastfed babies need to get from supplements. It is usually prepared for bottle-feeding or cup-feeding from powder or liquid. Though formula feeding may seem comparably better than breast milk in some ways like keeping the baby full for longer periods, the baby will be unaffected by the mother’s diet, feeding in public places is a less controversial and more convenient way to feed the babies. But with all of its benefits, formula feeding has its disadvantages like it lacks antibodies present in the breast milk, constipation, not a natural source of nutrition, and cost-effective.

Footnote:

Breast milk is the best choice for growing babies as it is packed with nutrients but there are times when formula-feeding may be a more practical and preferential option for reasons specific to the situation. At times mother simply cannot supply the breast milk her baby needs for some health reasons. In those times, formula feeding should be opted. No matter what method of feeding you choose, always be sure to consult with a paediatrician as a child’s overall health is the top most priority.