FP1448WW+revised

Breastfed Vs. Formula Perry 1

The debate between breastfeeding versus formula feeding has long been a raging one on parenting forums, in mommy playgroups, and anywhere else that moms or soon-to-be moms gather (Etolen, 2012). The companies that make the formula have made it almost like real Breast milk (Corrice, 2007). I say why give them formula when you can give them breast milk. A baby deserves their mother’s nutrients to boost their little immune systems. Breast feeding is definitely the less expensive option (Carpenter, 2009). Some babies are allergic to certain formulas causing the parent to spend even more on finding the proper formula that best fits their baby. Formula is expensive and does not have antibodies or the added protection against certain viruses and infections (Carpenter, 2009). Breast fed babies have significantly less illness and are proven to take less trips to the doctor (Warren, 2007). Although physicians recommend feeding preterm babies a combination of breast milk and supplemental formula that contains proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals their brittle bodies need (Bee, 2009). This is to contribute extra fats for a more rapid weight and size gain. While formula is okay, and sometimes the only choice, breast feeding is more economical; doctors and health care professionals agree that breast milk is best and helps their developing immune system.

Up until four to six months old, babies need only breast milk or formula. Doctors may recommend supplemental formula feeding for infants who are growing poorly (Bee, 2009). Or if a nursing mother is a vegetarian vitamin B12 supplements will need to be added to the baby through a special formula. If a mother chooses to takes consume large amounts of alcohol, caffeine or mercury from fish it can be dangerous to the babies’ health and they should choose formula (Etolen, 2012). The innovated formulas come fully packed with all kinds of nutrients such as, vitamins and minerals. Some baby formulas add DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) which are found in breast milk (DePietro, 2007). Women who are substance abusers or on medications should never breastfeed (Etolen, 2012)! Some first time moms will smother their baby while attempting to feed them and the baby starts to suffocate and resist feeding, so the mom will then need to formula feed. In addition some moms are not open to feeding in public, they feel scared or shy (DePietro, 2007). Although there is nothing wrong with breastfeeding in public, with formula it is never a hassle or issue (DePietro, 2007). Feeding with formula allows the mother more freedom to not constantly pump which causes leaking in between feedings. This can become embarrassing to many breast feeding mothers. Babies that are bottle fed with formula have less of a problem being left with babysitters and don’t usually mind who feeds them (DePietro, 2007).

Breast milk is natural and the healthiest choice to the best of anyone’s knowledge today (Warren, 2007). Most babies find it easier to digest breast milk, also tend to have a consistent stool with less oder. Babies that are breast fed tend to spit up less often and have little to no diarrhea (Carpenter, 2009). Breast fed infants grow exactly the way they should and tend to gain less unnecessary weight and be leaner. Breast milk contains all the nutrients the mother eats and antibodies her system produces. These antibodies help to protect the baby from diseases and infections. The chemical structure of DHA/ARA found in formula is not the same as human DHA/ARA because breast milk contains hundreds of components that cannot be replicated (Baby formula: What are DHA and ARA?, 2009). Breast feeding helps physical contact which is important to newborns. They can sense stimulation and can help them feel more secure, warm and comforted. Breast milk also appears to stimulate better immune system function. Breast feeding lowers the chance of developing asthma, allergies and diabetes. Breast fed infants are less likely to suffer from problems like diarrhea, gastroenteritis, bronchitis, colic, ear and respiratory infection, and are less likely to die in infancy (Carpenter, 2009). Some benefits to the mother for breast feeding include lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as the risk of osteoporosis after menopause. Other benefits are using up calories and losing pregnancy weight sooner, also helps moms uterus return to pre-baby size.

The only downside I have found to breast feeding is that sometimes infants get too attached to the mother and will throw fits when left alone with another person. This can be an even bigger problem when the baby will only be soothed by the mother and will not accept a pacifier or bottle (Corrice, 2007). The bond a mother has with her baby will be the same no matter if bottle or breast fed, as long as she is a major role in their babies’ life. Studies have shown the baby will know the mother, no matter how their fed. (Bee, 2009). Breastfeeding is best only when what the baby gets from the breast milk is what he should be getting. Some mothers tend to feel that after watching what they eat and drink after nine months of carrying their baby they may choose to feed them formula and continue with their everyday normal routine. The debate on which to give a baby can get really heated and nasty at times, with one side coming down harshly on the other. It really shouldn’t be this way, as both sides have valid arguments, and both options have pros and cons (Etolen, 2012). New moms need to look at these pros and cons of breastfeeding versus formula feeding and decide which option is best for them. All others should respect that decision, even if it’s not the choice they would have made.

Healthier and higher quality of milk for a baby is reason enough to state that breastfeeding is best (Warren, 2007). Promoting prolonged breast feeding may help decrease the prevalence of obesity. Although bottle fed babies may be leaner as well. Many mothers tend to over feed their babies every time they cry. Honestly, neither side “wins”, because there is no absolute right nor wrong (Etolen, 2012). Both make excellent points about the pros and cons of each option. What it comes down to it breast feeding versus formula feeding, the only right decision is the one that works best for you and your child.

Breastfed Vs. Formula Perry 5

Work Cited

//Baby formula: What are DHA and ARA? .// (2009, Sep 15). Retrieved from consumerreports.org: http://news.consumerreports.org/baby/2009/09/baby-formula-what-are-dha-and-ara.html

(2009). Lifespan Development. In B. a. Bee. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing.

Carpenter, R. (2009, Jul 17). //Reasons to Brestfeed: Why You Should Give Brestfeeding a Chance.// Retrieved from yahoo.com: http://voices.yahoo.com/reasons-breastfeed-why-give-breastfeeding-3796304.html?cat=25

Corrice, A. (2007, April 22). //Choosing Between Breast and Formula Feeding.// Retrieved from yahoo.com: http://voices.yahoo.com/choosing-between-breast-formula-feeding-290295.html?cat=25

DePietro, M. A. (2007, May 24). //5 Reasons it is Ok to Formula Feed instead of Brestfeed.// Retrieved from yahoo.com: http://voices.yahoo.com/5-reasons-ok-formula-feed-instead-breastfeed-356618.html?cat=25

Etolen, N. (2012, Feb 12). //Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding: The Pros and Cons of Each.// Retrieved from Our Family World: http://www.ourfamilyworld.com/2012/02/12/breastfeeding-versus-formula-feeding-the-pros-and-cons-of-each/

Warren, L. (2007, Aug 17). //An Honest Look at the Breastfeeding Argument.// Retrieved from yahoo.com: http://voices.yahoo.com/an-honest-look-breastfeeding-argument-487536.html?cat=25