Many people believe that breastfeeding is the best option, others believe that formula feeding is better. Well, guess what? Both are right! It is true that there are health benefits that can be offered by one and not the other, but in all actuality as long as your baby is eating, growing, and thrives then you are making the right choice!
I personally chose to breastfeed my LO, but I do not disagree with formula feeding if that’s what is right for your family. I love the closeness I feel to him when I feed him; it provides a way for us to bond that I don’t think bottle feeding offers.
Before you decide I want to share some information and resources that can help you make the best decision for you. Here are some facts about both that you may or may not know.
Breastfeeding Facts:
- Breastfed babies typically get sick less. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ear infections, diarrhea, and stomach problems.
- Children who are breastfed have a lower rate of certain illnesses as they grow up.
- Your baby can smell you.
- Your baby can see you up close and personal.
- Breastfeeding allows your body to recover from pregnancy and childbirth more quickly.
- Breastfeeding exposes your baby to many different tastes.
- Breastfeeding may help you to lose weight.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in moms.
- Breastfeeding can save a family more than $1,200 to $1,500 in formula-related expenses in a baby’s first year alone.
- Your body starts getting ready to breastfeed during pregnancy.
- Before your milk comes in, in the first few days after birth, your breasts make a thick, sticky, yellowish fluid sometimes referred to as “liquid gold.”
- Your breast milk changes during a feeding session.
- Breast milk heals.
Formula feeding Facts:
- Formula-fed babies need to eat less often.
- Warming formula before feedings isn’t necessary.
- Leftovers should always be tossed.
- All formula contains the same essential ingredients.
- Formula makes a baby’s poop darker and smellier.
- Formula feeding offers Mom more independence.
- Formula feeding allows for more family participation.
With all of the information out there, there is no reason to not be a fully informed mom! No matter what it is that you choose to do, do it with love and do it knowing that you are comfortable with your decision.
NO REGRETS!
For more information on breastfeeding & formula feeding you can visit these links:
Women’sHealth.gov
What to Expect
Bottle-Feeding Myths and Facts
Breastfeeding Myths
HealthyChildren.org
5 Things you didn’t know about breastfeeding
American Academy of Pediatrics
Please feel free to comment below and let me know what you think, whether you BF or FF and what made you chose to do so. I look forward to your feedback on this subject!
This is a safe place and any rude or negative comments will be removed! I do not mind constructive criticism, but bullying someones choices can’t and wont happen here.
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