For a long time, a never-ending debate between formula and breast milk has been going on. Most people say that breastfeeding is the way to go and you can give the best nutrition for your baby when you breastfeed him. However, bottle-feeding has also its benefits and advantages. So, there is no right or wrong when you choose which best suits for you and your baby.
As a mother, breastfeeding should be the first choice. But under some conditions of mothers, they may be unable to breastfeed their babies. Some reasons for this include HIV infection, breast infection, lack of milk supply, previous surgery, previous radioactive treatment, infant's incapability to suck from mother's breast, conflict with family support, lifestyle or work circumstances.
Now, when one of these reasons occurs, the best alternative is to give infant formula. It is a baby product made especially for infants which contains all the nutrients required for the development of the baby. Most infants can be given formula, breast milk, or water in a feeding bottle on their six months of life.
Bottle-feeding has it benefits. With this process, anyone can feed the infant with the feeding bottle any time of the day or night. Your partner can also spend time with the baby by feeding using the bottle. In bottle-feeding, the gap in between feeding is much longer than in breastfeeding because baby formulas take longer to be digested compared to breast milk. The baby's mother can also do her household chores or to work without thinking of frequent feeding gaps or pumping breast milk. If the mother needs to attend to something, she can just leave the baby with her partner or with a caretaker and they can feed him with the bottle. If you want your baby's intake to be monitored, bottle-feeding is for you. Lastly, if you bottle-feed your baby, you can resume to your normal life sooner compared if you breastfeed because in the latter, the mother has to watch her diet, medications, clothes and fluid intake.
There are also disadvantages in bottle-feeding. Formulas need to be mixed with the right quantity of water every time and the bottle including the nipples need to be always clean and sterilized at times. Formulas do not contain antibodies which help in preventing the baby get sick. Formulas are store bought while breast milk is free. It has been noted that babies having formula have problems with constipation and gas and can sometimes have firmer bowel movements.
Know that there are so many kinds of formulas available in the market today. There are ready to use formulas and formulas in powder form which is always prepared by adding water. Consider to purchase an iron-fortified formula especially during the first year. That's if you plan to formula-feed your little one. And always remember to prepare the formula in the right way.
To make sure that you prepare the formula correctly for your baby, follow these simple instructions:
· Clean your hands by washing under running water with water and soap.
· Wash the feeding bottle properly with baby-safe detergent and warm water.
· When you purchase a feeding bottle, read the instructions well. Check if they need to be boiled first before you can use them.
· If you have powder formula, use cold or distilled water. Check how much quantity of water you need to put.
· Never use a microwave in warming the bottle as it may cause hot spots.
· Do not give a hot feeding bottle. Always check the temperature before feeding the baby.
· Do not keep a half finished feeding bottle as because may be present inside it. Always give your baby freshly prepared milk.
· Opened cans of liquid formula can be refrigerated for 48 hours. Prepared powdered formula can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Whether you decide to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, make sure to ask your child's pediatrician and choose the best method that suits your lifestyle and conditions.
| Price : 
