Breastfeeding vs. Bottle

Is it a matter of choice? I can tell you from personal experience that I always knew I wanted to breastfeed. I read the advantages and disadvantages, got educated on how to do it but at the end my baby chose for me.

The minute that the baby comes out, the lactation specialists visit you at the hospital and they fill you with tons of information on how to do it, the benefits of breastfeeding and even provide you with special brochures dedicated to dads. After trying a couple of times, I became so frustrated that I almost gave up. And because I was not producing enough milk, I ended up supplementing with formula so my son had the "best" of both worlds. But in the end, he chose for me; formula it is.

It is very common these days to see a child getting breastfeed and formula at the same time. The majority of the moms have to return to work after a couple of months so the transition from one to another becomes easy, unless you are a cow that produces 5 gallons per minute.

Up to this day, I am still a little resentful about not able to breastfeed longer than what I was able to. But even though it was a short period of time (only 4 months), I was able to see the benefits of it. Now, I know that some mothers prefer not to go that route but I encourage for all to give it a try. It is hard at the beginning but the results are worth the trouble.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages for both:

Breastfeeding

1. Perfect balance of nutrients
2. Easily digested and absorbed
3. Content varies according to milk production stage, which meets the changing nutritional requirements. Infant determines amount
4. Free
5. Nursing pads, nursing bras, Breast pump (optional), etc.
   Bottles, nipples, etc
6. Always the perfect temperature. Anyone can feed the baby
7. Mother must be available for feeding or to provide pumped milk if she is absent
   Warming formula
8. Early breastfeeding may be uncomfortable
   Formula ready from bottles
9. Certain medications can interrupt breastfeeding

Bottle

1. Not as efficiently utilized as breast milk
2. Some babies have difficulty tolerating certain nutrients
3. Pediatrician/care giver determines amount
4. Formula ranges from $54 to $198 per month depending on brand
5. Bottles, nipples, etc
6. Some preparation time
7. Warming formula
8. Formula ready from bottles
9. No medications interruptions

So there you have it. You have options. Choose wisely.