While most scientist and doctors agree that breastmilk will supply your baby with everything it needs until 6 months of age, there are many moms who prefer to bottle feed from the start, while some just can't breastfeed or prefer formula for many different reasons.
At Organicbabyfood.shop we sure have our own opinion so let's have a look at the facts.
Before we get started, there should be no judgment at all! Whatever you choose, you as a parent are the only one that can make that decision and we are certain your choice will be the best for you and your baby. There are so many different reasons to go one way or the other!
Pros of breastfeeding:
Many well trusted health organizations such as The World Health Organization (WHO) and The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend breast milk as the best way to provide your baby with all the nutrition it needs.
This is also supported by the manufacturer of the Formulas we sell online at Organic Baby Food Shop, such as Holle, Lebenswert and HiPP. The AAP recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of age, this excludes any other liquid, even water, as breast milk already contains everything your growing baby needs.
Breastfeeding your baby also allows you to create a special emotional bond with your child.
Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the mom and the child, such as: promoting a healthy digestive system as babies are more likely to tolerate breast milk than formula.
Breast Milk also boosts the immune system of the baby and can help avoid bacterial and viral infections. Babies that are exclusively breastfed seem to be at lower risk of infant death syndrome (SIDS) and some studies also suggest that babies might have a higher IQ. Breastmilk can be a great ally when protecting the child from allergies, diabetes and asthma.
Mommies that choose to breastfeed have lots of benefits, such as:
- Burning extra calories
- Getting the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy form
- Prevention from getting the period back (which can cause an Iron deficiency, especially after the amount of iron lost when giving birth)
- Prevention from getting certain kind of cancer.
But some moms on the con sides can experience:
- Breastfeeding can not only be uncomfortable, but even painful for some mothers.
- Just like during pregnancies mommies have to strictly watch their diet and limit / avoid consuming: coffee, alcohol and medication (to name a few).
- Some moms might simply not produce enough breast milk to keep the baby full and nourished.
Pros of bottle feeding (either for a diet based purely on formula or supplementing)
Not every formula is the same, but today organic formulas (especially the ones made in Europe) have made great progress and can actually mimic breast milk.
Though any Formula cannot be exactly as breastmilk, there are organic formulas available now that will give your baby everything it needs for a healthy growth and development.
One of the positive points on feeding formula in a bottle is that the baby does not have to rely only on its mom to be fed. The other parent or family members can also feed the baby, so mommy can get some needed sleep at night or eventually return to work.
Bottle feeding can be a great bonding experience for other family members.
It is easier to know how much the baby is eating on each feeding.
Cons of bottle Formula feeding:
- Some of the even so-called “organic” ingredients found in US Formulas are still considered unhealthy and even harmful to the child's health. It is essential to research the ingredients and choose a formula that does not include any harmful chemicals, to know more please visit our blog post.
- Some babies cannot digest formulas correctly, this can be due to some of the “bad” ingredients in the formula causing allergies or intolerances.
- Formula can only mimic breastmilk, to ensure that your baby is getting everything it needs it is essential to choose an organic formula that has all the vital nutrients, so make sure to choose your organic formula wisely.
What is your personal choice?
Sources: Webmd.com, Healthline.com