Breastfeeding or formula? Why?

Question

I definitely know where I stand on the issue, I am just wondering where everyone else is at here.

Answer 1

Breastfeeding all the way. Formula is basically chemicals and leftover products - most people wouldn't ingest liquid chemicals or production leftovers, so why would we give it to our babies?

There are of course extreme circumstances, but most problems with breastfeeding can be overcome. Low supply? Drink more water, have oatmeal for breakfast, take herbal supplements. Poor latch? Pump if you have to, and seek out an experienced mom or lactation consultant. Baby won't tolerate your milk or is "allergic"? Change your diet - there's no such thing as your child being allergic to the milk that *nature made for her,* just that you're eating something in your own diet that she is allergic to or that her baby stomach cannot tolerate.

The only time you can't feed your child the milk it deserves is if you don't have breasts or nipples. My own doctor even states that women with breast cancer are encouraged to breastfeed.

Answer 2

There is no question that breastfeeding is best for a child. It's been proven. No one can question that.

I bottle-fed after stressing too much about my son not latching on. It worked well with me but I do have guilt I didn't stick it out with breastfeeding.

It's a personal decision of what the woman wants to do. It's not a question of which is better but which is more convenient or possible in most situations.

Answer 3

IMO, breastmilk is a baby's birthright. There is a reason that our bodies automatically produce milk for our babies.

It is species specific. Breastmilk is perfect for human babies....cow's milk is perfect for baby cows.

Breastmilk is a live substance that changes composition from day to day as baby grows.

Breastmilk contains antibodies that help to keep baby healthy and strong. Formula contains no antibodies.

Breastmilk contains hundreds of ingredients and can never be replicated by man.

I think all mothers should at least give breastfeeding a try. I can't understand how a mom could refuse to even try to give her child the perfect food, especially since it's free! I think that refusing to even try is a selfish choice. All moms should make a commitment to at least try for the time they are in the hospital so that baby gets the oh-so-important colostrum that acts as baby's first immunization. I'd LOVE to see all baby's breastfed for the entire first year of their life, as recommended by the AAP. Personally, I practice child-lead weaning.

Answer 4

Uh oh... can open, worms everywhere! (This is a pretty sensative subject for some people).

I pump and feed (we could never really get the latch down properly). I do it because it has antibodies, it lowers my chance (and my baby's chance) of getting breast cancer (my mom had it), and it's much cheaper than formula. It's as simple as that.

But...whatever you chose to do is fine...it's YOUR baby. People often try to make mothers feel guilty if the don't breastfeed and that's so unfair. People even try to make ME feel guilty for not breastfeeding right from the source...What's the difference whether she gets it from the bottle or the tap? Besides, those who pump and feed should be commended...it's double the work!

Answer 5

I breastfed my son until he was 3 years old. It seems like a long time but it for some reason gave him super immunity. He is an adult now and when he gets sick with a cold it only last about 2 days and then he's fine. He rarely gets the flu and is very healthy. I believe breastfeeding gives them an excellent start in life that seems to last a long time.

Answer 6

I tried breastfeeding with my first child it was very difficult for my in the end I found out I do not produce enough milk to be able to feed them. It was very traumatic, so I formula fed because I didn't have a choice, and yes I did see a lactacion specialist there was nothing they could do.

Answer 7

I say breastfeeding is better. However, my bestfriend tried to breastfeed her daughter but her daughter wouldn't attach herself and her mother wasn't producing enough milk.

So it all depends on the situation really. If breastfeeding is working than do it. But if the child or mother is having problems use formula.

Answer 8

Breastfeeding definitely! For a full list of breastfeeding advantages, visit www.newbabyjubilee.com and click on breastfeeding.

Answer 9

While I know that breastfeeding is best for the baby, I also feel that the mom has to do what works for her too. It is her choice.
Not all moms find it easy to nurse.

Answer 10

Breastfeeding! Mothers milk is the best gift you can give your baby. Not only does it benefit your child, but mom as well.