Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding: (Advantages and Disadvantages Explained)
One of the biggest decisions expectant and nursing mothers have to make is whether to breastfeed or formula feed their baby. And while every parent wants the best for their child, there is a very big difference between that and seeing the best to fruition.
It is no wonder many parents get easily wrecked with guilt over their choices.
Doctors strongly recommend breastfeeding, unless there is a medical reason not to. Medical reasons not to breastfeed include illnesses and medications. Mothers who aren’t able to produce enough breast milk should consider supplementing with formula. But putting all of the above factors aside, what factors should be considered when making a decision between breastfeeding and formula feeding?
This post explores breastfeeding vs formula feeding advantages and disadvantages…
Breastfeeding: Everything You Need to Know
Breastfeeding can be a great bonding experience for both baby and mother that provides ideal nourishment. Most health organizations including World Health Organization (WHO), American Medical Association (AMA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend breastfeeding for good reasons.
Breast milk has been known to reduce the risk of infections, protect against chronic conditions and even prevent allergies. According to the AAP, babies should be breastfed exclusively during the first 6 months. Breastfeeding can be supplemented with formula and food until the baby is at least 12 months.
What is found in breast milk?
There are thousands of components found in breast milk including:
- Beneficial bacteria for protecting the digestive tract
- Hormones for regulating appetite and encouraging emotional bonding
- White blood cells for fighting infections
- Antibodies for protecting against diseases
- Long-chain fatty acids to promote the development of the brain, eyes and nervous system
- Nucleotides and hormones for developing healthy sleep-wake patterns
- Prebiotics for a healthy gut
- Stem cells for supporting organ development and repair
Benefits of breastfeeding:
Downsides of breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding comes easy to most mothers, but some face a few challenges including:
Formula Feeding: Everything You Need to Know
When exploring breastfeeding vs. formula feeding advantages and disadvantages, it’s important that you look at all the angles. Infant formulas are commercially prepared and offer a nutritious alternative to breast milk. Manufactured in sterile environments, they attempt to duplicate the contents found in breast milk by using a complex combination of nutrients.
What is found in baby formula?
- Fatty acid, often sourced from fish oil
- Probiotics
- Vitamins and minerals derived from plant and animal sources
- Lactose and/or sugars like fructose, corn syrup, and maltodextrin
- Enzymes and amino acids
- Plant-based oils like sunflower, rapeseed, soybean and palm oil
Benefits of baby formula:
Formula feeding offers a variety of health and practical advantages including;
Downsides of formula feeding:
The Bottom Line
Making a decision is difficult, especially since you can only know the right answer after the arrival of your baby. This post compares breastfeeding vs formula feeding advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision. And while there are compelling arguments for both, talking to a doctor or lactation specialist can help clear things up.