In the past, baby formula was produced as a substitute for infant milk and was considered superior to breast milk. Today, most experts agree that breast milk is best when it comes to feeding newborns. There are many reasons a mother may choose to bottle feed over breastfeed, and newer formulas are modeled to be as close to breast milk as possible. Therefore, it is possible to keep your baby happy and healthy no matter what feeding method she chooses. Whether she chooses to breastfeed or bottle feed, there are many options to consider.
Choosing to breastfeed or bottle feed can be a matter of preference, but it can also be due to health problems or other concerns. For example, some mothers bottle feed because they have health problems that require medication that could leak into breast milk and harm their little ones. Other mothers supplement breastfeeding with a bottle because they cannot adequately produce enough milk to support their babies. And still other mothers choose to bottle feed due to the need to return to work before a proper breastfeeding routine can be established.
Many mothers choose to breastfeed for health reasons: they want to provide the healthiest and most natural option when it comes to feeding their babies. Other mothers choose to breastfeed for cultural reasons, and still others for convenience and cost savings. Breast milk also imparts the mother’s antibodies during the first few days of lactation, so some mothers exclusively breastfeed at this time to help boost their babies’ immune systems.
Regardless of whether you decide to bottle feed or breastfeed your baby, you should take steps to ensure a consistent and regular feeding schedule. Getting comfortable with feeding your little one while still in the hospital will help you make a successful transition to feeding at home. Make sure you have a support group in your home that can help you establish a routine that works for both you and your baby.
Most importantly, you should feel good about the choice you make, whether it’s breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a combination of both. As long as you provide the kind of care and love your baby needs, he or she will thrive no matter which option she chooses. Don’t feel like you “have to” breastfeed or bottle feed. This should be an individual choice based on what is best for your family and what is best for you and your baby. If you take the time to be prepared, you’ll find that feeding your baby is one of the most precious moments you’ll ever enjoy.
