breast feeding?

Question

my sister is 29 and pregnant and is wondering if breast feeding is safer than formula in a bottle is it?

Answer 1

Breastfeeding is best is the latest campaign. There are many benefits for baby and mom. In my child development classes I have learned of the benefits and unless the mom is unable it is recommended. Not to say that formula is bad. My daughter was formula feed and is very smart (yes it is because i am biased she is smart though) but she is a very healthy 5 year old. There are lots of good websites. here is one that I have been too. http://www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding/index.cfm?page=home

Answer 2

Congratulations on your aunt-hood and to your sister. YES, breast is best!! That said it is a deeply personal choice to breastfeed but in the interest of baby a really really good one.
Humans make milk specifically designed for humans. Studies of breast milk samples show that breast milk changes from feeding to feeding to accommodate the specific needs of that feeding baby.
Breast milk is the most absorbable substance a human can ingest (well actually colostrum is [premilk]). It enhances immunity for baby (mom has cold, baby gets antibodies),reduces the mothers breast cancer risk and infants stomach cancer risk, improves bonding, decreases asthma rates and allergy rates. Breast milk is sterile whereby formula preparation provides several opportunities for bacteria growth and transmission (bottle, formula, water, nipples etc).
Formula is made from cows milk, which is for a calf. A calf needs enough protein to be well over 100lbs by 12 months. A human baby should triple their birth weight by one (so an 8lb baby should be 24lbs...less than a newborn calf). Formula is hard to digest for babies and costly for families. It is great when necessary, like when a baby is in danger of malnourishment, mom has AIDS, or is gone and a baby must eat. Then YEA formula but as far as the infants health goes breast really is best.

Answer 3

Breastfeeding is safer, healthier, more convienient, easily transportable, 'on tap', nutritionally better, carries antibodies and many more things.
However, formula these days is quite good for babies but a baby will miss out on vital nutrition and antibodies to protect their immune system if they are only formula fed.
Breastmilk pumped and fed through a bottle is a fantastic option for working/busy/multiples mum.

I breastfed till my kids were 7 & 8mths (stopping due to work and then illness), but each to their own. Formula is fine, breast is better. Don't let her feel down if she doesn't choose to Breastfeed and if she tries and is finding it difficult, try to encourage her to see a lactation consultant or Le Leche League? as it is always difficult at first but within 2-3wks its running like clockwork. I think all babies deserve the chance to try Breastfeeding and the take it from there.

Answer 4

There are over 200 reason why breast feeding is better then formula. Here are just a few reasons why breast is best.
- babies that are breast feed for at least one year have been statisaclly shown to have higher iq's.
- breast fed babies receive antibodies from thier mothers milk that stop them from getting as sick as formula fed babies
-when breast milk and formula are compaired on slides under a microscope the brest milk is active with enzymes. formula looks like a blob.
- babies that are breast fed grow up to have more eclectic taste buds.
These are just a few reasons.... But breast feeding is also best for mom. Breast feeding relases hormones that help the uterus get back to prepregnancy shape faster. And breast feeding also been proven to reduce the rist of breast cancer.

Answer 5

Neither is safer. Formula is great for a baby and of course breastfeeding is too. You have to be careful with both. If she breastfeeds she may want to be careful about what she eats and medications she takes as they can be passed on to the baby. With bottles you have to watch the amount of air getting into your baby's tummy, and also make sure they are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed. My brother washed my daughter's bottle when she was 7 mo old ( now 9 years old) and he didn't get the soap rinsed out good enough and she got very ill with vomitting. I breastfeed my 22 month old son, and at the beginning couldn't eat anything even remotely spicy or he'd get sick. This isn't the case for everyone, but baby's do have very sensitive tummies. But as far as health wise, formula can be just as healthy as breast milk.

Answer 6

I wouldn't use the word "safer" but breastmilk is more beneficial. It has all the nutrients the baby needs, and as the baby gets older, the milk changes too so they will always be getting exactly what they need.

I breastfed 90% of the time, but also fed formula if I was out and about.

Answer 7

by all means yes! breast feeding not only promotes bonding with mother and child but it passes all her antibodies onto the baby to help protect it against illness. its the only baby food that is perfectly balanced with vitamins and minerals and the perfect temperature 24 hours a day

Answer 8

Breastfeeding is probably the best choice a mother can make for her child. But forumla feeding is ok too, it doesn't make her a bad mother. But breastfeeding is essential in the first few days or weeks. It's all about personal choice and lifestyle.

Answer 9

Breastfeeding is better overall. It helps mother and baby bond. It helps the baby's immune system, along with other benefits. Studies show that children who were breastfed are less likely to become overweight.

Answer 10

its way better for the baby if she can do it. the first few days the baby recieves antibiotics and then the milk comes in and its much more healthier you loose weight faster and its cheaper and the baby doesnt suck in any air which means less burping and way less gas