The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Dietetics Association and World Health Organization all recommend breastfeeding as the healthiest way to feed a young infant. However, if you have difficulties producing milk, suffer from nutrient deficiencies or otherwise are unable to commit to breastfeeding your baby, numerous alternatives are available. While they may not be nutritionally or functionally equivalent to breastfeeding, these alternatives can help promote the healthy development of your child.
Bottle Feeding
Whether you are using your own breast milk, a dairy-based formula or a non-dairy alternative, such as a soy formula, bottle feeding is a good alternative to breastfeeding. While commercially available formulas are able to meet your baby's nutritional needs, they lack the natural antibodies of a mother's milk. As such, babies who are bottle fed with formulas may be more likely to develop allergies or become ill. In addition, formula feeding can be costly, with a year's supply of a basic formula costing approximately $1,500.
Cup Feeding
While bottle feeding may be an appropriate alternative for older babies, those born prematurely may not have well-developed sucking reflexes. For premature babies born after 32 weeks, cup feeding may be your best option. Similar to bottle feeding, you may use breast milk or formula when cup feeding, ensuring that you give your baby small sips and plenty of time to swallow to avoid choking. As this type of feeding requires more attention than bottle feeding, it may be a better way to bond with your baby. In addition, the lack of an artificial nipple can help simplify the feeding process, potentially making it less stressful for you and your baby.
Lactation Aid
To promote your baby's sucking reflex, finger or breastfeeding with the use of a lactation aid can help. By putting one end of a small tube in a bottle of breast milk, you can attach the other end to your finger to help you baby develop her sucking reflex. To further promote bonding, simulate breastfeeding and potentially ease the transition to breastfeeding later, attaching the lactation aid to your nipple may be your best alternative to breastfeeding. This also may help you overcome problems with breastfeeding, as your baby's sucking at both your nipple and the lactation aid may train your body to produce milk more readily.
Wet Nurse
If you cannot produce your own breast milk but wish to avoid formula, the use of a wet nurse may help. While these lactating women do not breastfeed your baby, they can provide you with breast milk for use in your own nursing activities. Using this breast milk in bottles or cups can help you provide your baby with all of the nutritional and immunological benefits that formulas may lack. Further, by attaching a lactation aid to your nipple and using a wet nurse's breast milk, you can provide both yourself and your baby with the full benefits of breastfeeding.
References
- Breastfeeding Problems: Alternative Feeding Methods
- Kelly Mom: Alternative Feeding Methods
- Kids Health: Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
- Tried Tasted Served: Best Breast Milk Alternatives
- "The Globe and Mail"; Breast Friends; Tralee Pearce; May 2007
- Breastfeeding Basics: Breastfeeding Benefits & Barriers: The History of Breastfeeding
