Breastfeeding vs Bottlefeeding Pros & Cons

Breastfeeding: How does it work? Breastfeeding is a natural method used by mothers to feed their children. This can begin minutes after the baby is born. The first milk that the mother produces is called colostrum & it is the best milk for the baby.

When the baby first opens his or her eyes, it may look around. This is when you want to offer the breast milk to the baby. When the breast and nipple are stimulated from this contact; it will then help the uterus contract & can stop uterine bleeding that occurs with labor.

Proper technique for BreastFeeding Nestle in a cradle hold, on the same side the baby will be nursing. Make sure to have the baby positioned on his/her side. First, manually express a few drops of milk to moisten the nipple. Second, cup the breast with your hand, and use the nipple to try to get the baby to latch on.

Third, once the baby has opened their mouth, insert the nipple into the center of their mouth, pulling the baby close. Fourth, adjust to make sure that the baby’s nose is not covered. Fifth, hold the breast through out feeding so that the weight does not tire the baby. When feeding is over, do not pull nipple from baby’s mouth without breaking suction.

Why is feeding important? During the first year of the baby’s life, the baby will more than triple in its body weight. The vast majority of the weight will come from the milk they’re drinking. A decision should be made before the baby is born because it can be very difficult for a baby to start formula and then switch to breastfeeding. The ability to produce milk will begin to diminish soon after birth without stimulation.

American Academy of Pediatrics The American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends breast milk as the preferred feeding for all infants. Because of medical or personal reasons, some women will opt for formula feeding. Let’s examine the pro’s and con’s of each.

Pro’s of Breastfeeding Least likely to cause allergic reactions Inexpensive Readily available for your infant at any hour Babies accept the taste readily Immunity factors can help fight off infection

Pro’s of Breastfeeding Nursing helps mothers lose weight! 500 or more calories are used by breastfeeding each day. There is a well-accepted extra closeness that breastfeeding mothers experience that is both hormonal and emotional in nature. Nutritional advantages: provides amino acids, vitamins, cholesterol for brain development

Cons of Breastfeeding Possibility of inadequate supply if baby isn’t feeding correctly or frequently enough Lack of closeness with rest of family-feel left out. Breastfed babies eat more often; which causes more stress to the mom Must avoid some medicines

Cons of Breastfeeding Continue for at least 12 months Embarrassment of lactating Shouldn’t smoke or drink while breastfeeding Physical discomforts-sore nipples, clogged ducts

Bottle Feeding Pro’s Helps if baby has certain medical conditions Avoid embarrassment in public places for feedings Entire family can become intimately involved; allowing mothers to get more rest. Babies will eat somewhat less than breastfed babies

Bottle Feeding Con’s Expensive-around $1,750 a year! Lack of maternal infection fighting antibodies that are in breast milk. No formula can duplicate the ideal composition of breast milk

Discovery Education Streaming Video on Breastfeeding ASSIGNMENT: Write a persuasive essay taking one side of whether a mother should bottle or breastfeed. See Rubric