Is there that much difference between breast milk and formula?

Question

Everything you read says breastmilk is so much better, but I can't breastfeed. I feel helpless.

Answer 1

You bet there is. Breast mile is sweet and very light, it is full of vitamins, very healthy, and has immunities to add to the little body. Formula does not have a very good taste and comes in a bottle that causes a gas build up.
Stay with the breast milk and your little one will love you for it. He or she will also be much more healthy and closer to his mom.
Keep em full ! !

Answer 2

I am sorry you can't breastfeed. The main difference is that the baby gets colostrum first which carries the mother's immunity to diseases in it. Other than that, breast milk is custom made for infants. Nature knows better than any human what to feed a baby. Personally, I found it really convenient to breastfeed. I never had to warm or clean a bottle.

I was a bottle fed baby myself. I was not sick much as a child and I did fine at school, no behavior problems or anything.

In the Third World, it would make sense to get the moms to drink the formula and then breastfeed, since the water is not always safe.
Babies are at the greatest risk for water borne diseases in that part of the world.

If you are having or have had a baby, please don't feel helpless because you can't breastfeed. In a year, who will even know? The important thing is that you're a mother and you have someone relying on you. You have plenty to do! Everyone has something that they want to do which they can't. Don't dwell on it

Answer 3

With breastfeeding they usually just drink as much as they want and stop about every 2-4 hours - depending on the baby. With formula feeding you feed about 2-8 oz every 2-4 hours - depending on age and on the baby. For newborns most people just feed whenever they want because a schedule does not need to be started later. There is few reasons breastfeeding shouldn't work. I suggest you consult a lactation consultant because you don't sound very educated on this subject which you'll need to be. Pumping at first is not really suggested. Plus latching is easier at first. Lots of difference between breast milk and formula. There are over 200 nutrients in breast milk lots are not found in formula. Also all your antibodies will be transferred to your baby through breast milk. Breast milk is all natural and preservative free. There are lots of other things that don't come to mind right now. Just eat healthy and drink lots and your milk will most likely come in stronge with frequent feedings. Formula wise I'd use the best of the best with prebiotics and omega 3 & 6 if I absoulutely could not breastfeed.

Answer 4

Breastmilk is more natural. There are benefits, of course. Kind of like drinking milk or powdered milk? Better to drink the true milk.

However, millions of babies thrive on formula every year. The benefits of breastmilk don't make it a life-or death choice (builds immunities, close bond between mother and child) However, formula manufacturers have done all that they could to make sure that their product meets all the nutitional needs of infants, as well as provide important nutrients like DHA (for brain development.)

Just as mothers who breastfeed should not be made to feel bad, mothers who are unable or choose not to breastfeed should not be guilted into thinking that they are lesser. Love your baby, feed them when hungry, and provide the best care, and this small period of time won't matter much in the grand scheme of their lives.

Answer 5

I couldn't breastfeed either (breast reduction surgery severed my ducts). Formula today is better than it has ever been. Even the generic now has DHA and ARA (an option that only the really pricey stuff had 3 years ago when I had my first child). All formula has to pass federal guidelines, so all you're really paying for with the name brand stuff is all their advertising and "freebies" they give away. Previous studies that had linked formula feeding to lower performance in schools have been refuted, school performance has more to do with the environment the children are raised in.

Answer 6

Don't feel helpless. I couldn't breastfeed either. I wanted to so badly because the breast milk is better for the baby. I cried for a week. My milk ducts were too small and weren't producing enough milk. I had no choice but to switch to formula and you know what, my son loves me just the same. Please, don't feel that way. You aren't any less of a mother just because you can't produce milk. My son is 2 1/2 now and trust me, he isn't missing out.

Answer 7

DO NOT FEEL HELPLESS! There is nothing wrong with formula feeding your child. I breast feed my child because it wasn't hard for me, but if i had difficulty that many people have i would have not continued and infact i am starting to suppliment some feedings during the day with formula. My child is 5 1/2 months old. Many woman formula feed their children. It isn't a big deal what so ever. As long as you are giving your child lots of love i don't think there is anything to feel bad about. Don't stress yourself out over this, just enjoy your child.

Answer 8

Congratulations! Yes, there is a significant difference between breast milk and formula. Formula will always be "second best' but it's great for those who are not able to breastfeed.

Don't be discouraged. You have tried your best and I commend you for that. You are giving your child the best that you can and that's all that matters.

Answer 9

huge difference

breastmilk is more easily digested, therefore baby needs to eat more frequently (every couple hours or so).
also, baby is less likely to be allergic because breastmilk is natural.
its there wen your need it, and its less work (wen baby needs to eat in the middle of the night, you dont have to get up and go the kitchen).
YOU LOSE WEIGHT! a lot quicker.... breastfeeding regularly takes off bout 400-700 calories a day
the bad part is, you REALLY need to watch what you eat... there will be a lot of foods that you'll pass on to your baby that he/she wont like and you wont be able to eat them. also, you cant smoke or drink (maybe an occasional drink)

formula is nice because it fills the baby up for 4 hours or so, so you have time in between feedings
also, its easy to do in public, and anyone can feed the baby
also, your breasts will go back to normal quicker and they wont be in so much pain
you can eat whatever you want, smoke, drink...
bad part- baby can be allergic

you can find more info anywhere on the net

Answer 10

A good quality infant formula will still be very nutritious for your baby. There are organic options and those fortified with DHA. There are clear advantages to breastmilk, yes. But if you cannot do it, you should be confident that you can still provide your baby with more than adequate nourishment in today's infant formulas. You just need to be careful of allergies and know that baby won't have the antibodies from your milk which can help protect him/her from illness.