As a new mother, the question of whether or not to breastfeed your baby is very popular. There are people who will say that it is crucial for babies to be breast fed and others who may say otherwise. According to health experts, breastfeeding is recommended to be the best nutritional source for babies. There are also other important components that babies receive from breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding
This can be a good bonding experience for mother and baby. By nursing, It releases oxytocin which in turn enhances connection and positive approach. Many health organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding for at least the first six months. By doing so, the baby would be getting the many different antibodies and nutrients. Breast milk helps prevent against:
- Ear infections
- Respiratory infections
- Diarrhea
- Allergies
- Diabetes
- SIDS
- Meningitis
Breastfeeding is also easy on the baby’s digestive tract. It is more natural and causes less bouts of diarrhea or even constipation. Not only is the nutrients from breastmilk beneficial, it also allows more skin to skin contact. The practice of skin to skin promotes the emotional connection between mom and baby. This contributes significantly to the benefits the mother receives from breastfeeding as well. Breastfeeding burns many calories, which in turn helps to shrink the uterus and helps with postpartum weight loss. Lastly, studies have shown that breastfeeding lowers the mothers chances of breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Formula Feeding
For mothers who choose not to breastfeed or physically cannot breastfeed, Formula is a perfectly fine alternative. It is a common misconception that all babies need to get breastmilk to be healthy and grow normally. While breast milk has many nutritional components, Formula is also made to have similar nutrients as well as some vitamins and nutrients breastfed babies don’t receive from the milk. Breastfeeding can be very challenging for some mothers. Latching and milk production can be difficult and stressful. Formula feeding gives the mother alternative ways to nourish her baby. By using formula it also allows the father to be able to provide and feed the baby, which can be a great bonding experience with the baby and mother. There are some complications that can arise with formula feeding such as; cost, prepping the bottle, lack of antibodies etc.
Overall, both options will provide the baby with nutrients to help grow strong and healthy. It is ultimately up to the parents what they prefer. Choosing breastfeeding does not mean that is the only way that the baby is fed, they can also get supplemental formula as needed. Same thing with formula feeding. If the mother chooses to mainly formula feed, it does not mean she wont breast feed occasionally or for a short time in the beginning. It is helpful when making these decisions to speak with the doctor and other consultants that can contribute to pro’s and con’s. In the end, only you know what is right for yourself and baby.
Resources
Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for the Mother-Infant Dieterich, C. M., Felice, J. P., O’Sullivan, E., & Rasmussen, K. M. (2013). Breastfeeding and health outcomes for the mother-infant dyad. Pediatric clinics of North America, 60(1), 31–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2012.09.010
Krol, K. M., & Grossmann, T. (2018). Psychological effects of breastfeeding on children and mothers. Psychologische Effekte des Stillens auf Kinder und Mütter. Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz, 61(8), 977–985. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-018-2769-0
Piyaporn Prasitwattanaseree, Nittayas Sinsucksai, Tassanee Prasopkittikun, & Chukiat Viwatwongkasem. (2019). Effectiveness of Breastfeeding Skills Training and Support Program among First Time Mothers: A Randomized Control Trial. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research, 23(3), 258–270.
Dear Abigayle,
I appreciated that you did not take a side as to which one was better, breastfeeding or bottle feeding. That you gave both views in a positive light, for the options given, was a nice refreshing read. Your graphic was on point, and your language was concise and easy to understand. You gave the health benefits of breastfeeding, you acknowledged that some women struggle to breastfeed, and you still came away from the reading with feeling informed and not judged. I was looking for the videos to accompany it but I may have missed them. Thank you for your blog contribution I really enjoyed it!
Hi Abigayle!
I enjoyed reading your post. It was very informative as well as concise and to the point. I appreciated how you remained neutral with this topic throughout the post. This is definitely a hot topic with a lot of stigma around it. I like how you used facts for both sides of the topic showing that they are both beneficial for a newborn. The picture you used was appropriate and matched your topic. I wish you incorporated your video media in the post! It would have been nice for the videos to accompany the information given in this post. Other than that, great post.
Hello!
I agree with a lot of information throughout this post. Currently, there is a large need for this type of information! It is so true- the mother should not feel the constant pressure to breast feed in order for their child to have the ‘healthiest’ life. 20-30 years ago, breast feeding was not even as half as popular/promoted by doctors as it is today. Many of my family members and friends really tried to breast feed with their first child, even if it was extremely painful just because of all the stigma around breastfeeding. This caused them to become sad and unable to be their happy/true selves. I feel that each mother should do what is best for their health as well as the childs and not be influenced by the pressure of society to breast feed.