Breastfeeding vs Formula Milk: Benefits of Each Feeding Type
Nobody doubts the value of breastmilk for a newborn. It is always fresh, natural, free, and nutritious. Still, not all parents can breastfeed due to different reasons. New parents who can choose between breastfeeding and bottle feeding need to weigh each feeding type's pros and cons. One can choose the best option from the available variety of Baby Milk Bar organic baby formulas except for breastmilk. So, what is the privilege of each feeding option?
Benefits of Breastfeeding
According to Medline Plus, breastfeeding provides the following benefits.
- Mother’s milk “adjusts” to babies' nutritious needs.
- Breastfed babies have fewer chances to become obese or suffer from diabetes.
- Breastmilk “inherits” some mother’s antibodies that help babies withstand some viruses and bacteria.
- Breastfeeding is beneficial for mothers as it helps them lose weight faster and reduces the risk of ovarian cysts and breast cancer.
- Breastfed babies have a high chance of overcoming some diseases like atopic dermatitis, eczema, allergies, and infections.
- Breastfed babies suffer fewer cases of constipation and indigestion if fed correctly.
- Such feeding is simple and doesn’t require a sterile surface and special tools or storage conditions.
Most mothers choose this feeding type as it’s free and lets mothers preserve parental connection with a baby. Wrong baby formula choice can lead to severe allergic reactions, indigestion, vomiting, and constipation. So, parents need to choose it with health advisors and monitor a baby’s response. Besides, it’s not cheap, especially natural and organic formulas.
Benefits of Bottle Feeding over Breastfeeding
Even though breastfeeding is more natural for mothers, many parents choose bottle feeding. There are many advantages to consider.
Quality baby formulas
Today, one can find organic baby formulas that almost duplicate breast milk. Baby formula brands invest a lot in research to mimic breast milk in their baby formulas. As a result, one can find the following baby formulas on the market:
- HiPP formula for sensitive tummies (Comfort, Anti Reflux, and Hypoallergenic)
- Goat milk formulas from Holle, HiPP, Nanny Care, and Jovie for babies intolerant to cow milk
- Cow milk formulas from HiPP, Holle, Kendamil, Lebenswert, and Löwenzahn rich in vitamins and minerals
- Vegan formula from BebeM for milk-intolerant babies and those who suffer from GERD
All these formulas are organic. It means their manufacturers don’t use chemicals and sugar to create them. They use milk from healthy cows and goats who grow in eco-friendly environments. Besides, they are so different and help caregivers select the best options for their babies.
More chances to rest
One can entrust a child’s care to someone else. Mothers usually feel exhausted during the first year of a baby’s life. That’s why it’s essential to find someone who can take care of a child and let mommies take a rest. Sometimes, it saves marriages connected with babies who demand too much time and effort. Couples can hire a babysitter who bottle feeds a child while parents go to have a romantic dinner in the restaurant or watch a movie in the cinema.
Career refusal is not obligatory
Not all employers welcome breastfeeding mothers who need to feed their babies every 2-3 hours. If mothers cannot interrupt their career development by taking maternity leave, they will realize their plans by letting someone feed their babies. It can be daddies, grannies, babysitters, and grandfathers.
Nights are calmer and sleep lasts longer
Breastfeeding experts recommend feeding babies on demand. It exhausts breastfeeding mothers who need either to wake up often at night or use milk pumpers and store milk in the fridge. The interval between meals in bottle feeding is 3-4 hours. Properly prepared formula lets babies stay full longer.
No need to wean
Weaning is always emotionally hard for babies and mothers. Nevertheless, mommies have to move on and return to work. This process may take more time than expected. Bottle feeding doesn’t cause that much stress, especially for babies. Gradually, adult food replaces a bottle with a favorite formula, and that’s it.
Happy parenthood
Mothers often have to keep to a diet or suffer pain when breastfeeding. When a baby sleeps too long or a mother needs to go somewhere, her breast becomes full of milk. It can cause lactostasis and even mastitis. Bottle Feeding doesn’t demand such sacrifices.