Breastfeeding or Formula Milk: Which One is The Best?

Studies show that children born with low weight and breastfed for over eight months have higher IQ scores at ages seven to eight than those breastfed for shorter periods.

Choosing between breastfeeding and formula feeding is a big decision for new moms. While people often criticize moms for their choice, both breastfeeding and formula feeding have their benefits and drawbacks, according to research.

Only one thing matters: which choice is right for you and your baby?

Breastfeeding

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for up to two years and exclusively for the first six months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises at least one year of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

Here are some of the benefits of breastfeeding:

Middle ear infections: Exclusive breastfeeding protects the baby against middle ear, throat, and sinus infections.
Cold and other infections: Breastfeeding exclusively for six months may lower the risk of severe colds and ear infections.
Gut infections: Exclusive breastfeeding is related to a reduction in gut infections.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS.
Diabetes: Breastfeeding is related to a lower risk of type 1 and non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

To learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding, read the blog, “Breastfeeding: A Lifeline for Both Mother and Baby.”

However, there are other advantages to breastfeeding, particularly beneficial for premature babies.

Nutrition and ease of digestion

Breast milk is often referred to as the ‘perfect food’ for the human digestive system. It contains essentials such as lactose, proteins, and fats that are required for babies.
Breast milk is easily digested, reducing the risk of diarrhea or constipation in babies.
It also contains several minerals and vitamins that infants require.

Free of cost

Breastmilk doesn’t cost a penny while formula adds up the expense.
Unless the mother is ready to pump the breast milk and give it directly to the baby, bottles and various types of plastic nipples are also not necessary.
Since breast milk is beneficial for infants, there are likely fewer chances for the baby to get sick, which reduces the need for medical expenses.

Variety of well-balanced tastes

Usually, nursing mothers should consume at least 300 to 500 extra calories per day, which changes the taste of breast milk.
This difference of tastes doesn’t bore infants in consuming breast milk, which is happening naturally.
By being exposed to different flavors through breastfeeding, infants are more likely to be receptive to solid foods.

The ritual of ‘Skin to Skin’ contact

It is an emotional moment for many nursing mothers during the first feeding. They enjoy and live the moment of experiencing the bond with their babies.
Skin to skin contact has more chances of enhancing the connection between the mother and the child.

Advantage to the ‘Mom’ too

Breast milk burns more calories, and in three months of lactation, lactating mothers experience fat burning compared to non-lactating mothers.
It encourages uterine contractions and reduces bleeding, helping it return to its size.
It provides long term protection against many diseases like breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Formula Milk

Formula milk is yet another nutritious alternative to breast milk with a few vitamins and nutrients necessary for infants. Besides medical concerns for preventing breastfeeding, choosing formula milk can be a choice for new mothers.

Formula milk is manufactured under sterile conditions, containing a combination of proteins, sugars, fats and vitamins that are impossible to create at home.
So, parents must know that if the baby is not ready for solid food or cannot breastfeed for any reason, they can choose formula milk as an alternative.

However, there are certain advantages formula milk carries;

The convenience

If the parent is unavailable, any guardian responsible for the child can feed them, at any time.
This allows the mother to share the feeding duties with the partner and other family members, helping them to bond with the child.

The flexibility

A formula feeding mother is flexible in doing her work, once the milk is made for their infants.
There is no obligation to feed them in public, anywhere and anytime.

The Diet

Mothers who feed formula milk don’t have to worry about their eating habits which could affect their babies.

The Cost

Breastfeeding is free of cost but formula milk isn’t. In fact, formula milk is more expensive than regular milk.
And specially formulated milk like soy or hypoallergenic costs more than the basic formulas.

Disadvantages of Formula Feeding

Absence of Antibodies

It’s proven that formula milk lacks antibodies that can protect against infection and other illnesses that breast milk is capable of.

No formula can match the complexity of breast milk

Manufactured formulas cannot be compared to natural milk and are yet to duplicate the complexity of breast milk, which changes its complexity and taste according to the baby’s needs.

Despite having its own advantages and disadvantages, deciding how a baby can be fed is always a choice.

While considering both methods, it is crucial to consult a lactation consultant before deciding. The health professionals at Lotus Hospital are ready to provide information, guidance, and assistance with decisions.

This World Breastfeeding Week, let’s eliminate the stigma, educate ourselves about breastfeeding, and make informed choices for future generations.

Book your appointment now!