Breast Feeding VS Formula

Breastfeeding and formula feeding is always the choice of the mother (unless unable). A few things to consider before deciding on one or the other is price, convenient, and nutrition value. It also depends on your lifestyle, if you are able to breast-feed and have the time and strength, or formula just seems the choice for you (even though it's more expensive). For some breastfeeding is easier than formula, and some mothers even do both. Perhaps you want to do some research before making a decision, talk with your doctor, or get some free information at your local health unit. Either way, your baby will develop just fine, there is no wrong choice.

Breast milk has iron, to get iron in formula, you would have to buy a certain type to get the right amount of iron your baby needs.

Breast milk is free, formula can cost over $160 a month. (31 - 12oz. cans of Enfamil, using one a day, covers a month. Price varies upon store, but this is average) Also you have to purchase all the accessories that go with it. This includes bottles, nipples, replacement nipples, bottle water, bottle warmer, sterilizer, bottle brush cleaner, and anything needed.

Breast milk is with you where ever you go. With formula you have to always remember to prepare bottles and pack them into the diaper bag (and don't risk forgetting them).

Breast milk is there in case an errand turns unexpected, leaving you away from home, longer than expected. Formula has to be prepared, packed, and measured. You have to always be sure you have packed plenty of formula and bottle water to mix it with, and have extra of each, just in case.

Even if you are traveling, and don't have the time to pull over and take a moment to cuddle and feed, you can still pump beforehand. Breast milk is able to be pumped, stored, frozen, and then thawed and warmed for later use, and does not have to be used right away. So when you can't feed personally, pump often.

You can't breast-feed at work (most the time), but the breast milk can be pumped, stored, and frozen for later use. So no matter who is babysitting your baby is still getting what he/she needs from you.

When you should NOT breast-feed.

Some mothers don't have the option to breast-feed, due to their health problems, or risks it could cause the baby. If any of these statements describe you, then perhaps you should not breast-feed, or at least speak with your baby's doctor first.

Serious illness, such as heart or kidney disease, or you are severely anemic.

Serious infection, such as AIDS or HIV, or anything that could be transmitted to your baby, or weaken you.

Underweight, your body needs stored fat in order for your body to produce plenty of milk.

Breast cancer, or had surgery on your breasts. Seek advice from you doctor and baby's doctor.

If you take medications that can be passed onto your baby. Certain types could be harmful. Some of these include sedatives, tranquilizers, anticancer, as well as a large list of other medications. Please check with your baby's doctor, and let him know what medications you have, and determine if they are safe or not.

Had any exposure to harmful chemicals (perhaps where you work). You should contact Poison Control for more information.

Drug abuse. Breast feeding while also feeding your addiction can be very harmful to your infant. This could lead to brain damage, development issues, or even death. These drugs include alcohol abuse, illegal substances, tranquilizers, marijuana, and ask you baby's doctor for a longer list. Especially if you think you're at risk to hurting your baby.

Remember, your baby is priority, and his/her health is very important. And I know you want to do everything you can to ensure your baby stays healthy. So eliminate all risks of hurting him/her. If you wanted to breast-feed and you find out that you can't, for one reason or another, there is still an alternative, formula. And perhaps you find yourself in a better position with the next baby, and are able to try breastfeeding again.