Josephine_Beth
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 2, 2007
- Messages
- 1,218
- Reaction score
- 0
As I have too much time on my hands, I thought I'd be helpful and type up the information about breastfeeding Vs formula feeding that I am reading in my pregnancy book. I am hoping this doesn't cause a debate but I thought it be helpful for others.
Facts favouring breast feeding;
Its custom made
Tailored to the needs of human infants, breast milk contains at leasr 100 ingrediants that are not found in cows milk abd that cant be synthesized in the lad. Moreover, unlike formula, the composition of breast milk changes constantly to meet your babys ever-changing needs. Its different in the mornings than it is the late afternoon; different at the start of a feeding than the end of a feeding; different the first month than the seventh month; different for a premature baby than a full term baby.
Basically, the nutrients in breast milk change to meet your babys needs and his/her ability to handle them. Also, breast milk contains less sodium than cows milk formula, making it easier for a babys kidneys to handle.
It goes down easily
Breast milk is designed for a human babys sensitive and still developing digestive system, rather than for a young calfs. Its protein (mostly lactalbumin) and its fat are more easily handled by the baby than are the protein (mostly caseingen) and fat in cows milk. The practical result? Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from gas and excessive spitting up.
Its safe
You can be assured that the milk from your breast is at the right temp, the right mixture and isnt improperly prepared, spoiled or contaminated (assuming you do not have an illness).
It keeps allergies at hold
Babies are almost never allergic to breast milk. Although an infant my be sensitive to something the mother has eaten. Breast milk is always, usually, tolerated well. On the other hand, more than 1 out of 10 infants, after an initial exposure turn out to be allergic to cows milk. Some studies have shown that breastfed babies maybe less likely to suffer from childhood asthma and eczema than those babies fed formula.
Its a tummy soother
Because of breast milks naturally laxative effect and because of the easier digestibility of breast milk, infants who nurse are almost never constipated, also their movements are very loose, and diarrhea is rarely a problem.
It keeps diaper rash away
The breastfed babys movements are less likely to cause diaper rash. However, this may disappear once solids are introduced.
A few more pros are;
* Its an infection preventer
* Its a brain booster
* More suckling satisfaction
* It builds stronger mouths
* Convenience
* Lower cost
* Quicker post partum recovery
* Some protection against pregnancy
* Health benefits
* Enforced rest periods
* Less complicated night time feedings
* Eventually, easier multitasking
* Stronger mother-baby bonding
Facts favouring formula;
Longer satisfaction for baby;
Infant formula made from cows milk is more difficult to digest than breast milk and the large rubbery curds it forms, stay in a babys stomach for longer, giving a feeling of satiety that can last several hours, extending the periods between feedings.
Easy monitoring of intake;
You know just how much milk a bottle fed baby is taking in. Because breasts arent calibrated to measure a babys intake, a nursing mother may worry that her baby isnt getting the right intake.
More freedom;
Formula feeding doesnt tie the mother to the baby day and night. This means you can get back on your social feet quicker and even let a grandparent take your baby for the day.
Fewer demands;
The mother, exhausted by a difficult labour may be grateful to have the option of sleeping through middle-of-the-day/night or crack of dawn feedings. Dad, grandma or a nanny can take over this for you; there is also less of a physical drained on a new mother.
A few more are;
More participation for the father
More participation for older siblings
No interference with fashion
Less restriction on birth control methods
Fewer dietary demands and restrictions
Lees embarrassment for the modest
Potentially more love making time
Facts favouring breast feeding;
Its custom made
Tailored to the needs of human infants, breast milk contains at leasr 100 ingrediants that are not found in cows milk abd that cant be synthesized in the lad. Moreover, unlike formula, the composition of breast milk changes constantly to meet your babys ever-changing needs. Its different in the mornings than it is the late afternoon; different at the start of a feeding than the end of a feeding; different the first month than the seventh month; different for a premature baby than a full term baby.
Basically, the nutrients in breast milk change to meet your babys needs and his/her ability to handle them. Also, breast milk contains less sodium than cows milk formula, making it easier for a babys kidneys to handle.
It goes down easily
Breast milk is designed for a human babys sensitive and still developing digestive system, rather than for a young calfs. Its protein (mostly lactalbumin) and its fat are more easily handled by the baby than are the protein (mostly caseingen) and fat in cows milk. The practical result? Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from gas and excessive spitting up.
Its safe
You can be assured that the milk from your breast is at the right temp, the right mixture and isnt improperly prepared, spoiled or contaminated (assuming you do not have an illness).
It keeps allergies at hold
Babies are almost never allergic to breast milk. Although an infant my be sensitive to something the mother has eaten. Breast milk is always, usually, tolerated well. On the other hand, more than 1 out of 10 infants, after an initial exposure turn out to be allergic to cows milk. Some studies have shown that breastfed babies maybe less likely to suffer from childhood asthma and eczema than those babies fed formula.
Its a tummy soother
Because of breast milks naturally laxative effect and because of the easier digestibility of breast milk, infants who nurse are almost never constipated, also their movements are very loose, and diarrhea is rarely a problem.
It keeps diaper rash away
The breastfed babys movements are less likely to cause diaper rash. However, this may disappear once solids are introduced.
A few more pros are;
* Its an infection preventer
* Its a brain booster
* More suckling satisfaction
* It builds stronger mouths
* Convenience
* Lower cost
* Quicker post partum recovery
* Some protection against pregnancy
* Health benefits
* Enforced rest periods
* Less complicated night time feedings
* Eventually, easier multitasking
* Stronger mother-baby bonding
Facts favouring formula;
Longer satisfaction for baby;
Infant formula made from cows milk is more difficult to digest than breast milk and the large rubbery curds it forms, stay in a babys stomach for longer, giving a feeling of satiety that can last several hours, extending the periods between feedings.
Easy monitoring of intake;
You know just how much milk a bottle fed baby is taking in. Because breasts arent calibrated to measure a babys intake, a nursing mother may worry that her baby isnt getting the right intake.
More freedom;
Formula feeding doesnt tie the mother to the baby day and night. This means you can get back on your social feet quicker and even let a grandparent take your baby for the day.
Fewer demands;
The mother, exhausted by a difficult labour may be grateful to have the option of sleeping through middle-of-the-day/night or crack of dawn feedings. Dad, grandma or a nanny can take over this for you; there is also less of a physical drained on a new mother.
A few more are;
More participation for the father
More participation for older siblings
No interference with fashion
Less restriction on birth control methods
Fewer dietary demands and restrictions
Lees embarrassment for the modest
Potentially more love making time
