Nutrition for Me: Breast Versus Bottle Feeding: What Does Mommy Need?

Among the various decisions that every expecting mother is to make is on how the little one will be fed just after giving birth. This is one of the most important factors to decide on and to most mothers; it seems that every individual in your life has an opinion on this; the neighbors, your co-worker, your grandmother, your husband and even friends. However, in most cases, opinions and advice on whether to breast feed or adopt the bottle feeding mechanism are well intentioned but at times the opinions and advice tend to be devastating for the mother who is expecting a baby.

Pediatricians and doctors recommend that if a mother is capable of breast feeding their young ones then they should do so, this advice is also found in most pregnancy books, and we even get such information on radio and television. However, there are advantages and disadvantages for bottle feeding and breast feeding alike.

Benefits of Breast feeding

Although breast feeding is not necessarily free since the mother who is breast feeding has to invest in breast pads and bras to take care of their breast, it is recognized to be less expensive in the long run when compared to buying formula.

It is advantageous since it may help in losing weight; during breast feeding period more than six hundred calories are burnt in a day. Technically, it is advisable to talk to a nutrition specialist about the nature of your diet so that weight loss may be maximized while breast feeding.

Promote bonding between the mother and the baby.

Breast milk is significant for enhancing the immune system of a baby in that there is no product in the market that is capable of matching the natural antibodies found in a mothers breast milk.

Through breast milk, the babys risk of contracting upper respiratory challenges such as allergies and asthma, chronic diseases that include hypertension, diabetes and obesity are reduced.

It is easier for a child to digest breast milk as compared to the formula fed milk in that some breastfed babies spit less often as compared to their peers who are depending on the formula fed milk.

Ideally, the content that is existing in the breast milk changes so as to suit the changing needs of a baby ( the sticky, thick substance normally orange to yellow in color)produced during the early stages of breast feeding and during pregnancy plays the role of a laxative, and helps the baby in passing their early stools. Additionally, in early stages, it acts as a vaccine in protecting the baby from environmental viruses. After three to four weeks, mothers milk supply change to mature breast milk which is whitish is substance; this is essential for the babys development.

Risk factors of Breast feeding

The first week of breast feeding can be very painful to the mother.

The mother's diet has an impact on the baby.

Increase risk for mastitis and breast infection.

Certain medication can interrupt the process of breast feeding.

Benefits of Bottle feeding

While breast feeding, it is also proven that use of bottle feeding can be one of the significant factors is maintaining the health of the growing baby, the mother who cannot breast feed as a result of medical complications or diseases can also take care of their babies through bottle feeding.

Provide the chance for other family members and the father to bond with the baby. During such a time the mother gets time to rest or spend her free time.

Bottle feeding is more convenient since once the bottle is made, the mother can feed her baby even in public without fear.

Anybody is capable of bottle feeding the baby even if the mother is not present.

The mother has no worries of transferring illness or toxins to the baby.

Since most formulas are quite nutritious more than the breast milk, the rate of feeding may be reduced.

Easy to control and even monitor the amount of food eaten by the baby.

Risk of bottle feeding

The babys stomach may experience stomach upset and complications with the formula since it is difficult to digest.

It is quite inconvenient for the baby when the mother is out since one has to warm the before feeding the baby, this can also put the babys life to danger when the formula is administered when it's hotter than the required temperature.

Although the formula is considered to be nutritious on their own, the formulas are not capable of matching the breast milk nutrients and the antibodies.

The baby may be allergic to the formula.

There are various decisions a mother has to make in regards her and the babys well-being. Every baby is different, and every mother set circumstances is not the same. A good mother chooses which option is best for her and the baby through providing love and affection.