Formula Or Breast Milk - Which is Healthier For Your Baby?

One very important decision that every expectant mother will need to make is whether or not to breastfeed. Throughout the last several decades, the practice of breastfeeding has gone in and out of style. Beginning in the forties, women were discouraged to do it by their doctors. This negative view waned a bit after the fifties. But many baby boomers were never breastfed. However, breastfeeding has recently had a resurgence in popularity due to the many studies that show the amazing health benefits of it for both mother and child.

There are many reasons to consider feeding your baby breast milk. It has been proven that Breastfed babies are healthier than those who received their feedings through baby formula only. Their immune systems are stronger, their cognition and learning ability is stronger, and their weight is healthier. Also, there is a certain intimacy involved during the process of breastfeeding that reinforces important psychological bonds, including closeness and love that are difficult to achieve through nursing with a bottle.

When deciding upon what to feed your newborn baby, there is not a more perfect food than breast milk. It naturally contains the perfect amount of protein, fat, sugar, vitamins and minerals. With formula, you risk the possibility of an allergic reaction in your baby from the synthetic and chemical ingredients. Although formula companies try to mimic natural breast milk as much as possible, it's never as nutritional for your baby as the real thing.

There are also some incredible benefits for mothers as well. Women who breastfeed their babies lose extra weight from their pregnancy much faster. Also, they have a considerably lower chance of developing ovarian and breast cancer later in life.

In light of these important facts, why don't more mothers consider breastfeeding over baby formula? Some of them feel pressured into using formula due to modern views and attitudes. Some mothers are afraid of the idea of breastfeeding because it will need to be done in public on occasion. Others are physically unable to produce enough milk to adequately nourish the baby, so they have to resort to using formula.

Will you be able to stay at home after the birth of your baby? Keep in mind that if you will be going back to work full-time during the first several months of your child's life, it will be difficult to maintain an adequate supply of milk. If you must go back to work, using a breast pump while working is a viable option for many mothers.

Whatever you decide, it's important to keep your baby's health and development in mind.