Choosing to breastfeed or formula feed your newborn is a personal choice. The World Health Organization and the American Medical Association recommend breastfeeding to help defend against infections, prevent allergies and protect against a number of chronic conditions. The benefits of breastfeeding have been established, but circumstances and certain preferences may not always allow for breastfeeding.
Health Benefits
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that you breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and continue for at least 1 year or longer, if possible. Health professionals agree that breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to boost your baby's immune system in a way that formulas cannot. Breast milk helps fight infections like ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infection and meningitis; it can be protective against allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome. Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter, a pediatrician with Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, adds that breast milk also supports neurocognitive development and visual acuity in babies better than formulas can. Formulas do not confer the same health benefits since none of the antibodies found in breast milk can be manufactured; however, with the proper care and nurturing, formula feeding can serve as a healthy alternative to breastfeeding.
Physical Impact
For some women, breastfeeding can cause pain or discomfort making it difficult to continue breastfeeding. The nipples can become sore, or the mother may have an infection which can amplify the pain and potentially harm the baby. Formula feeding eliminates the risk of any physical discomfort. Breastfeeding mothers should maintain a well balanced, nutrient-rich diet since their babies are ingesting those foods as well. Mothers who formula feed their babies do not have to worry about how their diets may harm the baby.
Timing of Feeding
Breastfeeding requires a significant amount of time and commitment due to the number of feedings required throughout the day. Depending on the mother's schedule, continuous breast feeding for the first six months to a year may not be possible. Formulas tend to digest slower in babies; therefore, babies who are formula fed usually do not have to be fed as often as those who are breast fed. Mothers who formula feed their babies also have more flexibility in terms of when their baby can be fed, since bottled formula is relatively easy to prepare.
Other Comparisons
Breastfeeding is cost effective since mothers do not have to purchase formula. Furthermore, because breast milk contains antibodies and helps boost the immune system, babies who are breastfed get sick less often, which means fewer trips to the doctor and fewer medical expenses. Formula feeding can be expensive; it costs around $1,500 for the first year of life.
