By Christina Osgood, RN Student
Breast milk is the purest, most nutritional provisions a baby can be feed. Breast milk is produced specifically for your baby, it is a combination of over 100 vitamins, and minerals your baby will need to help him grow (Breastmilk, 2010). A women’s body will dictate what nutrients are needed depending on the length of time a mother supplies her baby with breastmilk. Colostrum, is a substance that is produce just before a mother gives birth and is supplied with antibodies that are designed to help support the new baby’s immune system by fighting disease (Colostrum, 2010). This is vital to your baby’s current and latent health. Breastfeed babies have shown fewer signs of colic, asthma, ear infections, and a multitude of diseases than formula feed babies (Breastmilk, 2010). In addition to great heath, breastfeed babies benefit from the special contact with the mother and learn safeness and security that comes with breastfeeding.
Other advantages to breastfeeding are it can save the family money. On average, breastfeeding mothers save $2,000 from not having to purchase formula in the first year of their baby’s life (Breastmilk, 2010). However, breastfeeding requires the mother to pump if she is going to get help feeding her child and breast pumps can be very expensive. The mother never has to worry about mixing formula because her milk is always with her and always ready. Breastfeeding can also help maintain a healthy weight for the postpartum mom and can help her body return to its pre-baby state quicker and easier than that of a non-breastfeeding mother (Breastmilk, 2010).
However, in order to produce an adequate amount of milk to supply the baby with all of his nutritional needs, the mother will need to adhere to a healthy diet. It is vital that she take in a large amount of calories everyday to ensure she can supply not only herself, but also her baby’s caloric needs. Side effects of breastfeeding include sore or cracked nipples, engorgements, blocked duct, lack of production of milk, and leakage (Breastmilk, 2010). It is also important that the mother abstain from smoking, drinking, and using harmful drugs or medication that can be passed from mother to baby through breastmilk. Other challenges can include nipple confusion or latching difficulties by baby.
The La Leche league would not recommend bottling feeding but not all mothers are able to breastfeed. Formula is now made with a mother’s natural breastmilk in mind. Formula is fortified with nutrients like those found in the mother’s milk and it is clinically enhanced with vitamins and nutrients to support the baby’s immune system and to promote brain and eye development (Similac, 2010). In addition, it is healthy and safe for baby to ingest. Formula is enhanced with DHA and ARA along with nucleotides, prebiotics, and carotenoids (Similac, 2010).
The formula foundation is making great strides in easing mother’s fears when it comes to feeding their baby formula. However, where would a mom be without the bottle manufactures? Bottles are also being redesigned to ensure baby gets a more natural experience when using bottles over the breast. Synthetic nipples are being mimicked after a natural breast/nipple to aid in a more comfortable and natural feeding processing. Bottles are also designed to relieve gas build up in baby’s system through innovative technology. Dr. Brown’s bottles are vented through a two-piece system. These bottles created a vacuum free feeding system that allows the air to bypass the liquid in the bottle by pushing it to the back or end of the bottle (Dr. Brown’s, 2010). This allows the formula to be air bubble free and baby to eat in comfort. I personally used these bottles with both of my children and they really do work great!
Regardless of breast or bottles, baby’s health and nutrition is the main focus. Breastmilk is best for supplying natural antibodies to protect and build baby’s immune system. However, formula has been redesigned to mimic these vitamins and minerals supplying baby with great support for a healthy future.
Resources
Breastmilk. (2010). Retrieved from http://breastmilk.com/breastfeeding-challenges.php
Colostrum. (2010). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colostrum
Dr. Brown’s baby bottles. (2010). http://www.whatshebuys.com/brands-dr-brown.html
Similac. (2010). Retrieved from http://similac.com/baby-formula/digestive-health-prebiotics
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