Breast milk or formula?

Question

I'm wondering what the big differences are between the two. I've heard that your milk is best for the baby but then there are formulas now that are close to matching that. Is any way better than the other? This will be my first baby so I really don't have experience in this field. Just wondering what other people have chosen to do.

Thanks for the input. I think I will breastfeed. It really did seem like a no brainer, I just wanted to get more information on it. So thanks again. :)

Answer 1

Its NOT CLOSE at all !!!!!!! (wondering where you heard that)

Breast milk provides nutrition that formula CANNOT give. Immunities to cancer, diseases, allergies, etc ... Bonding, perfect temperature, helps finish the jaw development, helps YOU get back to normal (uterus), you lose 500+ calories a day if you nurse too!

plus ...

Breast milk is more digestible than formula

Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of breast cancer

Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing ovarian cancer

Formula feeding increases baby's risk of otitis media (ear infections)

here's the rest: http://www.promom.org/101/

Answer 2

I read somewhere once (I can't remember, nor can I find it again arg!) that formula ranked FOURTH on what you should give your baby. The list went as followed;

1. Your breast milk
2. Fresh donated breast milk
3. Breast milk from a milk bank
3. Formula

While yes, it has changed over the years, it still doesn't compare to breast feeding. There are legitimate reasons why a mother may not be able to breastfeed and they should never be looked down upon if they can not do it. And while it is a nice bonding experience there are other ways, but that in no way means diminishes the benefits of breastfeeding.

What Dr. Sears has to say on formula vs. breast milk

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/0/T000100.asp#T031002

Answer 3

Great decision to breastfeed. You will never regret choosing to breastfeed, while there are many, many women who regret choosing formula!! It's really too bad there is this myth that formula is 'close to matching' breastmilk... because it's not. It can't come close due to the 'ingredients' in breastmilk that aren't able to be made in a lab.... it's just an allowable substitute. Shame that so many people ignorantly believe that formula is 'almost or just as good'. There are even those who believe it's better! The formula company ad agencies have done their jobs well to spin formula as comparable, when really it isn't. You've ended up making the right choice though, and that is all that matters for you and your baby!

Answer 4

Nothing can ever replace a mothers milk! The breast is best :) They try to put in the DHA and ARA that a mothers milk has, but they will never get it right on!

I breastfed of course if you couldnt already tell! haha! There are SO many benefits for breastfeeding! As well as down sides... let me share some pros with you:
breast milk has EVERYTHING that you baby needs!!! Custom made personally for your child! Its always warm! Beneficial to bonding with your baby and vice versa, breastfed babies on average are sick less than if they were bottle fed. Its just truely the most benifical for baby... BUT just like everything, there are down sides to it too! It CAN be painful if the baby doesnt have the latch right, you leak, dad cant help feed the baby (if you are breast feeding exclusively), you kinda feel awkward about feeding your child in public places...

There is nothing wrong with bottle feeding at all. Your baby wont be malnutritioned or anything if you decide to bottle feed. But in all reality the very best thing for a baby is breast milk. And also a little is better than none... breast feed and supplement with formula... the hard thing is that though, the bottle is so much easier for them that alot of times they wont want to work as hard when they are breast fed... what ever your decision, it will be the right one for you and your baby! Good luck!

Answer 5

Nobody should ever advocate formula. Ever.

It should be used ONLY if needed.
Most of the time, mothers create their own problems and reasons to "need" it.

So of course you should breastfeed!
There is a reason why mothers gush over the experience-
It is wonderful and such a confidence boost (especially when you're a new mother)!

Don't be hesitant to give your baby the best that was intended for them.
And be sure to get educated. It won't take long before you see how funny this question is.

Breastmilk is the superior form of nourishment for a baby.

Here are some informative websites:
http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/index.html
http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/myths.html

Answer 6

Breast milk is by far better. Formula is ADEQUATE and that's all. They really cant match breast milk. Breast milk is easy for baby to digest, its made specifically for baby's needs cause it changes as your baby changes. Breast milk contains antigens for babies that formula will never have. Basically formula is cows milk broken down with added oils, sugars and all sorts of stuff. Its not natural for a baby to drink. Babies who have formula are more likely to develop allergies, child hood cancers, eczema, digestive problems and much more. People will always tell you "My kids were bottle fed and they are healthy" but my dad was bottle fed and ended up with lymphoma. His sisters were also bottle fed and have allergies like crazy. And one sister and one brother have digestive disorders. Maybe a contribute, maybe not. Anyways give breast feeding a shot. I suggest committing yourself to trying no matter what for the first 6 weeks. (Cause the first 6 weeks are the toughest) after that allow yourself to choose. Its best to breastfeed for a full year and even better for 2. I had lots of trouble with breastfeeding but keep it up if you can. Its so good and natural for your baby. Ive been breastfeeding for 4 1/2 months now and hope to continue for 2 years!

Answer 7

Breast milk (human milk vs cows milk)) is THE BEST for your baby. Its got EVERYTHING your baby needs to grow up healthy and strong. its convenient and his immune, digestive, mental system will be much stronger. I had 2 kids, one on partial formula cuz he couldn't latch on properly, so I pumped for 6 mths and and the other younger one on total breast milk for 2 and half years. the younger fella is always less sickly than his older bro. Really don't let baby companies tell ya that formula is the same or better, they just want your money. Plus you have to buy bottles, wash bottles, carry milk powder, hot water, steralise, worry about food allergies, skin allergies, asthma etc. even later in life and always trying to supplement to try and make his nutrition and complete as possible. Just give him the best right from the start, no regrets. All the best!

Answer 8

Breast milk is better, it even says so on the can of formula.

Formula can't ever match milk because only your baby's mother makes the milk that meets the baby's need.

From the FDA:
"it is increasingly apparent that infant formula can NEVER duplicate human milk. Human milk contains living cells, hormones, active enzymes, immunoglobulins and compounds with unique structures that CANNOT be replicated in infant formula."

Answer 9

Breastfeeding is better. Look on the back of any formula container, and it says the same thing. First of all, it's cheaper. I couldn't believe how much my friends spent on substandard baby food when I "made" an endless supply of the best possible baby food for free. Secondly, it promotes bonding. This is just one of the reasons the average breastfed baby has a higher IQ than his formula fed counterparts. Yes, physical closeness stimulates brain development in infants. Third, breastfed babies have stronger immune systems. As proof, my son (age three) has only had a cold so far - no flu, ear infections, etc. Breastfed babies are also less likely to struggle with weight problems at any stage in life.
These are just a few reasons the breast is best. The final decision, however, is yours.

Answer 10

Breasts milk is best. I can't breastfeed because i have a true medical condition. So I am formula feeding and it's a nightmare, she is allergic to regular so she is on soy but now she is constipated and cranky!! If it were breastmilk she would not have these problems so if you can breastfeed I would, but also don't feel bad if you truly can't. After reading these questions some make it sound like you are the worst person if you don't give your baby breastmilk but sometimes you truly can't when you really want to.I wish some people would give a little more respect to those who truly can't breastfeed.

Edit... and about this bonding thing, you can STILL bond with your baby if you can't breastfeed. I am tired of reading this.