What's the difference between breast feeding and bottle feeding an infant.?

Question

I just looked over this question http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...
And it was just mind boggling to me. WHY CANT PEOPLE JUST BOTTLE FEED THEIR CHILDREN? It is the exact same thing. I just don't get it and I won't be at piece until someone changes my mind about this. I left my own opinion on their and everyone else seems to think differently. I don't know if I'm carrying this s**t on because I want to get to know other people's opinions or because I'm so frustrated at the dumb people who thinks women should breast feed in public that I feel like argueing with someone. What is the f***ing difference between a bottle with breast milk in it and a nipple? I just don't get it. It feels like everyone feels bottles are evil and I feel like I'm missing something. My email address is [e-mail]. Someone please try to change my mind about this cuz this s**t is killin me.

Answer 1

So, let me gets this straight, you are wondering what is the difference between giving breastmilk from the bottle and feeding from the breast?

While the baby gets most health benefits either way there are some problems with bottle feeding:

1) Bottles deliver milk more quickly than do human nipples. This is one reason that bottle feeding is linked to obesity in late childhood and adolescence (people don't learn that "full" feeling as infants). Also, babies who bottle and breastfeed may lose interest in the breast, because they have to work harder to get milk from the breast than they do the bottle. The problem with that is that a women needs some amount of breastfeeding (not just pumping) to maintain a milk supply: if baby doesn't want to breast feed, the milk can dry up and then there's no more left for the bottle.

2) The process of expressing (or pumping), storing (freezing), and thawing breast milk is time consuming, expensive, and can be painful. If a woman wants to pump regularly (e.g. once per day) she needs a good pump that won't hurt to use and that won't breakdown (most that you see in the stores and not designed for frequent or extended usage) so you are talking about $250 minimum to buy or $30/month to rent a hospital-quality pump. (FYI: buying used pumps risks major infection, this has to do with the design of the motor consumer pumps. Doctors are very clear on this.) Have you ever checked the instructions for storing, freezing, and thawing milk? I encourage you to google "storing breast milk" to get a feel for how time consuming this process is.

As for your objection to breast feeding in public, that kind of sounds like a personal issue. In many municipalities it's a legally protected right, this is as a result of activism by the medical community. But, I would agree that it can be done in different ways. I've seen women breastfeeding discretely in public (e.g. in quiet corners and under special wraps or tops) and the average person wouldn't notice!

Despite how they are treated in the media, the primary (and really exclusive) purpose of the female breast is for the production of milk and the feeding of offspring. A new mom is just trying to do the best she can with what she's got - trying to do the best by herself and her child in accordance with what they doctors and her own instincts tell her. Having an infant is hard work! But, if there is one thing that's easy, its feeding the kid from the breast (no silly pumps to fool with, no bottles to clean, no freezer space to clear, no milk to thaw, etc.). I'd say, give a mom a break, man. Believe me, she's probably WAY MORE self-conscious about the process than you are. Also, anyone whose turned on by the sight of a women breastfeeding public is totally unaware of all of the bodily nastiness that comes after pregnancy, including leaking, cracked and dry and bleeding nipples, loss of libido, etc.

FYI: The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics currently (2005) recommends: "Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child." And UNICEF suggests breastfeeding for a minimum of 2 years.

Answer 2

I faced the same issue exactly. And researched like a maniac... this is the summary of the best info I have. You must introduce the bottle to your baby sometime between 4 weeks and 8 weeks.... it depends based on how good they are at latching and feeding. If breastfeeding is WELL established there shouldn't be nipple confusion. If you wait longer - there is a very good chance your baby will NOT take the bottle at all. Like mine (and I did actually try from 6 weeks - although not religiously enough) the baby just sees it as a toy, something to chew on perhaps but not a meal. DON't wait too long to introduce the bottle. NEXT, what will you put in the bottle? I pumped using a Medela electric pump. Breast milk is best and using formula does run the risk of your supply not keeping up with your baby's need. (When baby grows and needs more, they feed more often and your body increases supply) The pump is also useful for increasing supply when you need to. THEN once you start introducing it, you need to do so once a day everyday until he/she accepts it. And keep up the practice (which I didn't) so that when you do go out, you know your baby will take the bottle and not cry from hungry and feel abandoned. My guy is 11 months now and he drinks a bit from a sippy cup daily but not a whole feed. He never did end up taking the bottle, with breastmilk or formula. Other babies have no problem and will gladly enjoy either. Definately breastfeed. If your little one doesn't take the bottle like mine, just have a sitter who will come with you to a movie/shopping trip or whatever. Have them sit in a coffee shop with your little one while you enjoy and then just come back for 20 minutes when the baby needs a feed. Good Luck

Answer 3

Breastfeeding fluids/milk contain enzymes which protect a child from many diseases and infections. The bottle is an artificial means to feed a baby when the mother cannot do what comes naturally - whatever the reason.

I have ocd too...try not to blow a gasket thinking too hard. lol.