Breastfeeding:

Any doctor will tell you that breastfeeding your baby is better than using prepared or ready to feed infant formula. Since the baby gets anti bodies from mom along with the nutrients, it is believed that breastfed babies have stronger immune systems. Breastfeeding also builds closer physical and emotional bonds between mom and baby due to the more constant contact. Statistics show that premature babies also do much better when being breastfed.

There are some disadvantages and concerns as well. As with any new skill, it may take some time and effort to become comfortable with breastfeeding, especially in the first few weeks. It is normal for the first week or so to have some pain when baby first attaches to your breast. This shouldn’t last more than a minute. If this does continues throughout feeding you should seek some advice from your doctor.

Deciding to breastfeed your baby takes a significant commitment from mom. Breastfeeding will make it more difficult to work, travel or take care of normal everyday errands due to your baby’s breastfeeding schedule. Breastmilk is digested faster by baby so more frequent feedings would be required. Breastfeeding moms need to be very careful what they eat and drink. As when you were pregnant, anything you take into your body will be passed on to your baby through your milk. If you are healthy, have the time and are committed, breastfeeding your baby will have many benefits for both of you.

Formula Feeding:

Many moms today are choosing not to breastfeed their baby. There may be any number of medical, social, psychological or economical reasons not to breastfeed your baby. Moms should not feel guilty if you any reason they can not or choose not to breastfeed their newborn.

Infant formulas today come very close to natural breastmilk in many ways. They contain the nutrients, minerals and vitamins that babies need and are a very good option when the decision is made not to breastfeed. Formula can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 48 hours (check manufacturers recommendations). Mom does not need to be available to feed baby as any caregiver can feed formula. If you are in public it is not necessary to find a private place to feed your baby.

First time parents may have some difficulty deciding what baby formula is best for their baby. There are a wide variety of manufacturers each with several different infant formula choices. You will readily find milk based formula, soy based formula, organic formula, lactose free formula, ready to serve formula, powders and concentrates. How are you to know which formula is best for you? A good place to start is with your pediatrician. . Be ready to supply information about your family. Here are some questions you can answer that will help narrow down the choices.

1. Is anyone in your family lactose intolerant?
2. Does anyone in your extended family have any type of food allergy?
3. Are there or were any other feeding issues with other children in your extended family?
4. Talk to your parents. Did you have any special problems with feeding as an infant.

There are some disadvantages to formula feeding. The formula will not contain the antibodies found in breastmilk that help bolster your baby’s immune system. Concentrated and powdered formula will need to be mixed with sterile water for infants so water will need to be purchased or boiled. Bottles left un-refrigerated for more than one hour need to be discarded.

Another concern with feeding infant formula is the cost. This is especially true if your baby has allergies and needs a special formula. While you can save money buying a store brand, you can usually get the brand name formula online at a significant savings.

Read more about infant formulas and savings at Discount Infant Formula