Choosing between breastfeeding and bottle feeding/formula feeding is a
personal choice for a mother. It is a choice that is respected by your physician and
pediatrician, and they will give you some guidance on how to do so. However,
pediatricians do encourage that you breastfeed for the first 6 months because it has
a lot of benefits for your growing infant.
BREASTFEEDING
Breastfeeding has a lot of benefits for both you and your growing infant,
making it the first choice that pediatricians advocate for infant feeding.
ADVANTAGES
- Free: produced by your own body, you do not need to worry about your
budget in order to give your baby the nutrients that he needs. - Gets you back in shape: breast feeding causes you to consume a
certain amount of calories for production and secretion. Think of
breastfeeding like you’re jogging in the morning, only you’re sitting or
lying down and bonding with your infant. Aside from that, it helps your
uterus go back to its pre-pregnancy state faster. - Promotes resistance to common disease and infections: colostrum,
the initial breast milk produced by a mother is rich in Immunoglobulin
IgA. This form of passive-natural immunization helps is important for the
infant for his immune system is still immature. Breastfed infants have
lesser incidence of getting sick compared to formula-fed babies. - Aids in better digestion: the protein of breast milk is easier to digest
and absorb compared to those found in infant formula. Because of this,
there is lesser incidence of constipation and diarrhea. - Promotes mother-infant bonding: While you’re breastfeeding, you
always hold your infant close. Skin-to-skin contact makes your baby
more attuned to your body temperature, heartbeat, and scent.DISADVANTAGES
- Discomfort: some mothers report slight pain whenever the infant suck,
especially during the first time. The problem primarily lies on the
improper latching of the infant. You and your infant needs to be
comfortable with each other, and it takes the both of you to teach each
other how to feed your infant. - Only you can feed your baby: if your baby has gotten so used to your
scent, it may be difficult for your partner or other caregiver to feed your
baby.