Based on years of experience, research, and scientific studies, it is known that mother’s milk is the best nutritional option when it comes to feeding a newborn. But it is also known that, for various reasons, it is not always possible to breastfeed. So can baby formula be a good alternative to mother’s breast milk? Let’s try to figure it out.
There are situations when a woman does not want to or cannot breastfeed. There are really few contraindications to natural breastfeeding:
- active tuberculosis in the mother;
- HIV-infected mother, although sometimes pediatricians also leave the decision to the mother;
- congenital metabolic disease — galactosemia in the baby.
Mothers often wonder if baby formula may pose any risk to their infant. While such milk does not contain immune-boosting elements and is not as easy to digest as breast milk for most newborns, it may be a sufficient alternative. When prepared strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, such food is suitable for babies.
Formula
Many parents use baby formula from Germany due to its high quality. It is a nutrient-rich alternative to breast milk. Many types of formulas are additionally enriched with vitamins and minerals. There are also products designed for babies with special nutritional needs.
However, mothers often give up breastfeeding too quickly. It is because of the widespread consent to the habit of serving modified milk, aggressive advertising of baby formulas, and progressive indifference of the medical community.
One of the most popular slogans of healthcare professionals and manufacturing companies is: “We shouldn’t make mothers feel guilty just because they don’t want to breastfeed.” Breastfeeding enthusiasts say that this is a common slogan that distracts attention from the incompetence of some specialists and a lack of understanding of the phenomenon’s harmfulness.
Worse still, there are healthcare professionals who, instead of recommending what’s best for the baby and its mother, seem to downplay the problem. They do not provide mothers with adequate support and do not teach them how to overcome difficulties. And most problems with breastfeeding can be avoided right from the start.
Supporters
Breastfeeding supporters also emphasize the emotional aspect of this process. A warm, close skin-to-skin contact creates a strong, unique bond between mother and child. Numerous studies show that babies who are breastfed — and their mothers, by the way, — are much healthier. Such babies are less likely to develop ear infections, suffer less from digestive disorders, and are less likely to develop type 1 diabetes and many other diseases. In turn, breastfeeding women are at a lower risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
Experts agree that breastfeeding contributes to proper speech development. It is an investment in the child’s bite. It affects the proper development of the speech apparatus and breathing coordination. There is only one condition: the baby must be properly attached to the breast (the entire nipple must be in the newborn’s mouth, also with the areola or a larger part of it), and the suckling must be effective.
Still, bottle feeding also has some benefits:
- greater independence — the baby can be fed by dad or grandma, giving chances to establish positive relationships with them, and the mother has more time for herself;
- the baby sleeps longer after the formula, while breast milk is digested faster;
- the mother can eat whatever she wants and take any medicines when needed without worrying about the effects on the baby’s health.
Some mothers simply don’t want to breastfeed because they feel uncomfortable. However, it must be a conscious decision, made after considering all the pros and cons. Therefore, the information cannot come from the baby formula manufacturer. When mothers receive professional help and yet are not convinced of breastfeeding, it is their own, well-thought-out choice.
If bottle feeding gives you some comfort, relieves stress, or in any other way makes you feel better — so be it. However you feed your baby, you are the best mother in the world for it. Choose the type of feeding that gives you happiness. Remember that your baby needs a happy and smiling mother.
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Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle with AirFree Vent, 4oz, 4pk, Clear, SCY701/04 (Baby Product)Features:
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