August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month
Hi Friends! Today we are going to talk about one of the MOST natural things in the world. Breastfeeding.
I have heard all kinds of sayings about breastfeeding. Some of them are good, some of them… Not so great. “Breastmilk is love turned into food” or “Breast is best” and “Bottles fill his stomach, but breastfeeding fills his soul” or even some funny ones like this one, “If we wear our nursing covers backward like capes, then everyone can see we’re breastfeeding superheroes”
The truth is simple. There are pros and cons to both breastfeeding and formula feeding. Either way, your child will still get lots of nutrients and room to grow. To show you what I mean, I divided the pros and cons for you. After hours of research and scouring the internet, on top of my experiences and advice from our pediatricians, this is what I have gathered.
Pros of Breastfeeding
- Breastfed babies are at lower risk of sickness
When a mother breastfeeds her baby, she passes antibodies on to the baby. Especially in those first few months when our little ones are just too young to receive certain vaccines. On average, breastfed babies are at lower risk of asthma, ear infections, diabetes, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and leukemia. Even tooth cavities!
2. It is good for the Mother
I feel like one of those awful commercials you see on TV saying that, but it’s true. Breastfeeding releases endorphins and chemicals boosting your physical health. Breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract, helping you go back down in size.
It can also highly reduce the risk of both breast cancer and cervical cancer. It doesn’t eliminate the risk but definitely reduces it.
3. It’s convenient
What’s easier? Pull out a bottle, fill it with distilled or baby-distilled water, measure it correctly, adding the right amount of formula to it. Then you have to heat it up, shake it (which adds bubbles causing more gas to your wee one), and give it to your baby. OR. Whipping out your boob.
You never have to worry about forgetting bottles or formula. You will always have your breast on you. It’s not a concern of yours to clean bottles nonstop or size up nipples. Plus, it is a natural soother for babies. It doesn’t have the same effect on their teeth or gums as a pacifier does, and it soothes them much faster. Babies love to feel their mom. This leads me to #4
4. It helps babies bond
I am 100% NOT saying that breastfeeding is the only way to bond with your baby. Because it isn’t. Dads can bond, mothers can bond, babies can bond with other babies. All from a variety of techniques besides breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding helps.
Skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby promotes feelings of comfort, security, and warmth, helping to build an emotional connection. Breastfeeding triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin (the love hormone) in both the mother and the baby. It promotes feelings of love, attachment, and maternal instincts in the mother. And above all, a mother’s presence, touch, and voice during breastfeeding will help the baby feel secure, safe and loved.
5. Breast milk always fits your baby’s needs
One weird, crazy, fascinating thing about breastmilk, is that it is never the same.
Your breast milk changes based on what your baby needs. When they are first born, you produce what’s called colostrum. (Liquid gold). Colostrum is the first milk that a mother’s body produces during pregnancy and after birth. It is highly concentrated and full of protein, making it ideal nourishment for a newborn. When your baby gets older and older, the milk can get less fatty since they are taking in other nutrients as well. When they are sick, your breast milk gets flooded with your body’s vitamins and antibodies. The milk also becomes thicker and more filling for your infant.
Plus, your breast milk can be beneficial even to the skin! If your baby has eczema, baby acne, scars, or open cuts, put them in a breast milk bath. You can fill their tub with warm water, and dump a few bags of breast milk in there. You don’t even have to rinse them after. It is sooooo good for them!!!
And you too! If you are breaking out, put breastmilk on your skin! If you have stretchmarks or scars, breastmilk. Trying to reduce wrinkles? BREASTMILK! It has fantastic benefits for the skin.
You can view the CDC’s position on breastfeeding here.
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish your baby. It provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and a unique bond between mother and child. However, like any parenting decision, there are pros and cons to consider. Ultimately, the choice between breastfeeding and formula feeding should prioritize the well-being and happiness of both mother and baby. With that in mind, I will give you the pros of Formula Feeding.
Pros of Formula Feeding
- Flexibility
Being able to formula feed provides so much more flexibility for moms. You never have to cover your chest or find a secluded room. Plus you don’t have to spend 20 minutes pumping 6 times a day. Formula feeding eliminates concerns about the mother’s diet affecting the baby’s nutrition, allowing the mother to have a wider range of foods and beverages. It also gives dads so much more time to bond with baby. They are able to hold and feed their child the same way you do. And since formula takes longer to digest than breast milk, formula-fed babies may not need to eat as frequently, giving parents more freedom and time for other activities, with added sleep.
Breastfeeding can be super painful too! If you are just starting out, it’s pins and needles. Then later on, you have to worry about babies gnawing on your nipples or biting when they start to teethe. You never have to worry about any of that with Formula feeding.
2. Easier Transition
Some babies may find it easier to transition to solid foods from the formula, as the texture and taste can be similar to certain baby foods. Letting your baby learn to hold their own bottle with formula feeding gives them a feeling of independence. This often gives them a leg up when they learn to hold spoons and feed themselves. Formula-fed babies are already familiar with sucking from a bottle, which can make the introduction of a spoon and new textures less challenging for them. Breastfed babies, on the other hand, may take some time to adjust to the different feeding methods and utensils. Since formula-fed babies are not solely reliant on the mother’s breast milk, they may show interest in trying new flavors and textures earlier than breastfed babies, who are primarily exposed to their mother’s milk.
3. Predictable Supply
Formula feeding ensures a predictable supply of food for the baby, making it easier to plan and manage the baby’s feeding needs. Infant formulas are designed to provide a balanced and consistent source of nutrients for babies. They contain all the essential nutrients needed for a baby’s growth and development. Sometimes with breastfeeding, you may not produce enough milk to fill your baby. More often than not, your baby will keep eating because your breast is ever filling back up with milk. However, some mothers worry their baby is going to go hungry and end up supplementing formula. You avoid that headache if you formula feed from the start.
4. Medical Condition
In some cases, babies may have medical conditions or allergies that make breastfeeding challenging or not recommended. Conditions such as cleft lip or palate, allergies, or sensitivities. Some babies have difficulty latching onto the breast properly, which can lead to ineffective milk transfer and discomfort for the mother. Latch issues can be due to factors such as tongue-tie, lip-tie, or a high palate in the baby. The Mother can also be affected by a medical condition making it difficult to nurse. Issues for moms are much wider ranging, from low milk supply to nipple pain and damage, or even mental health concerns. Mothers experiencing severe postpartum depression or anxiety may find breastfeeding challenging or emotionally overwhelming. Formula feeding can be a safe alternative in these situations.
It’s essential to note that some breastfeeding challenges can be overcome with the help of a lactation specialist.
Here are some warning signs of PPD. If you are worried that you or your loved one is suffering from Postpartum Depression, It is important to get help immediately. Sometimes talk therapy is enough, and sometimes more help is needed. Never feel ashamed for struggling with Postpartum Depression. Your OBGYN can be your first point of contact, you can also talk with your child’s pediatrician without fear.
So, Formula Or Breast Feeding?
It’s important to remember that every mother’s breastfeeding experience is unique. Some may find it effortless and rewarding, while others may encounter difficulties or may not be able to breastfeed due to medical reasons. The decision to breastfeed or use formula ultimately depends on individual circumstances and preferences. It’s crucial for mothers to have access to informed support and resources to make the best choice for themselves and their babies.
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/breast-bottle-feeding.html Is a great website that helps to outline the differences in breastfeeding and formula feeding.
It’s super important to remember that both breastfeeding and formula feeding are valid and valuable choices for feeding a baby. Each option comes with its own unique benefits and considerations. Consulting with healthcare professionals can help parents make informed decisions and receive guidance on the best feeding practices for their baby.
Ultimately, whichever way you choose to feed your child, will work. I feel the need to tell women, just because you struggle with breastfeeding, or have never tried to breastfeed, or have PPD (Post Partum Depression), and are unable to breastfeed, that doesn’t mean you are a bad mother. If you are reading this blog, searching for ways to be a good mother, I know that you already are. Keeping your children healthy and safe is all anyone could ever ask for.