A lot of people "think" infant formula is as good as breast milk. There are also a growing number of people who are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with mothers breast-feeding their infants in public. Quite frankly a woman's breasts were created primarily as the main source of nutrition for human infants. However, throughout our times a woman's breasts have become more of a "sex object" than as their true purpose of nurturing human infants. This may be one reason why so many people are uncomfortable seeing a woman baring her breasts to provide her infant with daily meals. The sight of a woman's breast often creates "sexual arousal" for a lot of people. Most people just don't think of a woman's breasts as "baby bottles."

Findings continue to indicate there is a need to educate the general public that breast-feeding is the best method of feeding and nurturing infants. The next best choice is cow's milk-based infant formula. When choosing a commercial formula, use a brand recommended by your baby's doctor. Do not try to create your own baby formula.

Health experts recommend infants be breast fed for at least a year, and receive breast milk alone until they reach six months of age. There are few people who breast feed continue breast-feeding until one year of age.

The decision to breastfeed is not always possible for every woman. The decision to breastfeed or formula feed your baby should be based upon your comfort level with breastfeeding and your lifestyle. If you decide to feed your baby a commercially prepared formula rest assured that your baby's nutritional needs will be met. You will still bond with your baby.

One of the happiest times of my life was when I was feeding my only child her bottle. It was always a time of bonding for us. We made constant eye contact the entire time she nursed. I now raise Shih Tzu puppies, and I am certain this is a compensation for those unforgettable moments with my own baby daughter. What a thrill it was to watch her as she finished the entire bottle. I felt like jumping and doing a big hooray cheer when she was finished because I felt so comfortable now she was well nourished and nurtured. The bottle feeding times with my only child were some of the most emotionally complete moments of my life. She was the sweetest baby ever! The bonding is the same with bottle feeding as my own personal opinion and experience.

Some of the advantages of breast feeding are:

o Infection-fighting such as ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections and meningitis. Breast milk contributes to the infant's immune system by increasing barriers to infection and decreasing the growth of organisms like bacteria and viruses.

o Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial for premature babies.

o Breastfeeding may protect children against allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

o Breast milk is easily digested by a newborn's immature digestive system. Breast milk is often called the "perfect food" for a human baby's digestive system.

o Breast milk naturally contains all the vitamins and minerals that a newborn requires.

o Breast milk is FREE.

o Women who breastfeed are less likely to have to take time off from work to care for their sick babies.

o Convenience: There are no bottles to mix and sterilize and no last-minute runs to the store for more formula. Breast milk is always fresh, available and the right temperature.

o Some studies show breast fed babies for at least 6 months have higher IQs than children who were formula fed.

Some Disadvantages of Breast feeding are:

o For some mothers it is easy from the start, for others it is difficult. Both baby and mother need plenty of patience and persistence to get used to the routine of breastfeeding. All the effort is often worth it in the long run.

o Personal comfort: Many mothers feel uncomfortable with breastfeeding. To overcome the discomforts seek out adequate education, support and practice.

o Latch-on pain is normal for the first week to 10 days and should last less than a minute with each feeding. If breastfeeding hurts throughout feedings, or if nipples and/or breasts are sore, seek the advice of your doctor. Many times it is just a matter of using the proper technique.

o You will need to limit caffeine intake during breastfeeding.

Types of commercial formulas:

o Powder (the least expensive)

o Liquid conentrate (requires dilution)

o Premixed ready-to-feed (the most expensive, but most convenient)

o Soy-based formula (if your baby is lactose-intolerant).

Always check the expiration date on the formula before you purchase and prepare your baby's bottle.
Infant formula is made to contain many of the same nutrients and components found in breast milk. These nutrients include protein, fat, vitamins A,C, D, E, K, iron, calcium and many more.

If you use a liquid or powder formula be sure to read the directions on how much water and formula to use. Follow these directions carefully and measure each time you prepare the formula. Mix the formula with cold water. Heat the bottle to the temperature your baby prefers. If you use water from a well, be sure to boil it before it is used to mix with the formula. You may also use bottled water. Before feeding your baby shake the bottle so the formula mixes evenly with the water. Prepare only enough formula to last a 24 hour period. Discard formula left after this period of time. Never microwave formula.

Glass bottles provide the longest use. If you use glass bottles check the bottle on a regular basis for any chips or cracks that can hurt your baby. There are also plastic and disposable bottles you can use.

Bottle nipples come in several varieties as well as different shapes. Ask your baby's doctor for a recommendation and try several different types to see which your baby prefers.

You should replace the nipple as needed. Ways to monitor for nipple replacement:

o The formula comes out too quickly.

o The nipple has become discolored.

o The nipple has deteriorated in any way. A weakened or damaged nipple is a potential choking hazard.

Other routine chores involved with bottle feeding are:

o Sterilizing the bottles

o Storing formula in your refrigerator. Remembering to discard to formula you do not use within the 24 hour period.

Bottle Feeding Possible Advantages:

o Commercially prepared infant formulas are a nutritious alternative to breast milk and even contain iron.

o Formula is manufactured under sterile conditions and attempted to duplicate mother's milk. If you bottle feed it is important to use a commercially prepared formula and that you do not try to create your own formula.

o Either parent (or another caregiver) can feed the baby a bottle at any time (although this is also true for women who pump their breast milk).

o Flexibility: Once the bottles are made, mother can leave her baby with a partner or caregiver. There is no need to pump or to schedule work or other obligations and activities around the baby's feeding schedule.

o No need to find a private place to nurse in public; however you will need to always carry baby's supplies for making formula.

o Formula digests slower than breast milk, therefore, babies usually need to eat less often than do breastfed babies.

o Mom does not have to worry about the things she eats or drink affecting her baby.

The best plan is to educate yourself as much as possible about both methods and then make your decision.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

This article is not meant to replace the advice and guidance of your Medical Care Professional. It is offered as information only. Please consult your Medical Care Professional for all health care issues.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

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