Breast Milk or Formula?

Breast milk is good for your baby in many ways:

• It provides natural antibodies that are designed to help boost the baby’s immune system, and to help your baby resist illnesses and infections, such as ear infections, etc. It also protects against allergies such as milk allergies, and eczema.

• In case the mother gets exposed to infections, the breastfed baby is less likely to catch it. The mother will begin producing antibodies against it and will pass them onto the baby through her breastmilk

• Babies usually digest breastmilk a lot better than formula, so breastfed babies are often less constipated and gassy.

• It may lower the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) during the first year of your baby's life.

• It may raise your child's intelligence. Studies show breastfed babies have higher levels of cognitive function.

• Breast milk may even help your child in its later years by reducing the risk of becoming overweight, and of developing asthma, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, Hodgkin's disease, leukaemia, and lymphoma.

• Breastfeeding is good for moms, too. Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and ovarian cancer.

• Also, let's not forget the key reason why many new moms want to breastfeed. It's a wonderful bonding experience with your baby.

• Breastfeeding is often chosen primarily to protect premature or sick babies, because preterm babies have a poorly developed immune system.

• Breastmilk is free!

These are the main reasons why doctors recommend breastmilk over milk formula. Plus, the longer you breastfeed, the longer your baby will be protected!

What can cause problems during breastfeeding:

• Moms who breastfeed may have to avoid certain foods that her baby can't tolerate.

• If the baby does not attach itself correctly, the mother get sore nipples, which can later lead to infection, etc.

• Some women struggle to produce enough milk and may have to use formula as well, because the baby is not getting enough food

• If the mother produces too much milk, then the breasts will get big, heavy and painful, so she has to try to pump some out

Storage of the breastmilk:

• In the refrigerator for up to 8 days at 4C or lower. If the temperature is higher, use it within 3 days

• For up to 2 weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge

• For up to 6 months in the freezer at a temperature of -18c or lower

• You can also carry the breastmilk from the fridge in a cooling pack with ice packs for up to 24h

Formula:

• It's convenient, as formula-fed babies can be fed by anyone, anywhere and at any time.

• It's flexible. You don't have to fit pumping into your work schedule. Instead, you can simply leave formula for your babysitter or day-care center.

• Your partner can help out with night time feedings and share that bonding experience with your baby.

• Scheduling feedings may be easier.

• Formula isn't digested as quickly as breast milk, so formula-fed babies don't need to eat as often, especially during their first few months.

• You don't have to worry about what you eat. Moms who breastfeed may have to avoid certain foods that her baby can't tolerate.

• No breast bump

• No sore breasts

But baby's on formula

• Baby’s gut matures much slower

• Babies won’t have any protection against infections or illnesses

• No antibodies

• Formula is expensive

• You can be judged by friends or family members, but at the end of the day it’s your own choice, and should be accepted

• Lots of bottles to wash and sterilize

• When you leave the house, you always will have some extra things to carry: sufficient formula, water, bottles.

• You have to follow the proper instructions

Ask your doctor about the types of the formula and make sure that you always use the one that is appropriate for your baby’s age!

Storage of pre-made formula milk:

• If it’s stored in a refrigerator, use it within 24h

• If it’s stored in a cooling bag with an ice pack, use it within 4 hours

• If it’s stored at room temperature, use it within 2 hours

Deciding to feed your baby using breastmilk or formula milk should be your own decision, but please make sure that you collect all the right information about the methods before you decide. You can always consult your doctor for advice and help. Hopefully this article will help you in your choice to decide which type of feeding technique is the best for you and for your family.