Breastfeeding Versus Bottle Feeding: How to Decide What is Right for You and Your Baby

The evidence is clear that breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for a baby, but the evidence is also clear that formula feeding a newborn can produce a very healthy, happy child. The decision of whether to breastfeed or bottle feed is not an easy one, and should not be taken lightly by moms-to-be. Consider these points when deciding if breastfeeding or bottle feeding is right for you and your newborn.

Have you done your homework? The very first step to deciding if you want to bottle feed or breastfeed is to do your homework. Talk to your doctor about the options. Research non-biased articles about breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. While you will no doubt uncover the fact that breastfeeding offers the best nutrition for newborns, you will also discover some issues you may encounter with breastfeeding. Bottle feeding research will show you the facts as well. If every mom in your family has bottle fed, or breastfed, you may naturally feel compelled to follow suit. Don't make the decision flippantly, or based on others opinions, do your homework first.

Will you be returning to work? If you are going to return to work after your baby is born, you will need to take this into consideration when choosing to breastfeed or bottle feed. If you are breastfeeding you will need to pump during the hours you are working. This takes time, scheduling, and some expense to purchase the proper equipment. When my son was born I returned to work when he was 9 weeks old and pumped successfully for many months. I did, however, have my own office and a flexible schedule so pumping worked out for me. I now work as a school librarian and knowing my current schedule and working environment I'm not sure I would be able to pump if I had another baby. Most bosses are going to be very supportive of pumping, but make sure you take your return to work into consideration when deciding whether to bottle feed or breastfeed.

Can you be tied to your newborn 24/7? Breastfeeding requires you, yourself to be there to feed your baby around the clock. If you are wanting your spouse to do some of the feeding, then take this into consideration when choosing breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. Pumping will allow another person to bottle feed your baby breastmilk, but sometimes babies that are breastfeeding refuse a bottle for a time. Think about this before deciding bottle feeding versus breastfeeding.

What is your budget like? While breastfeeding is not totally free (you will need nursing bras, nursing pads, pump and pumping materials if you are pumping, storage containers, etc) it is certainly less expensive than buying formula. I know that my family saved hundreds of dollars when I choose to breastfeed for the first several months of my son's life. If having a new baby is going to place a strain on your budget, certainly take this into account when choosing breastfeeding versus bottle feeding.

How is your health? If you and/or your husband are prone to getting sick, or have a weaker immune system, take this into account when choosing whether to bottle feed or breastfeed. Frequent sickness may make it hard for you to breastfeed at times, however breastmilk will provide your baby with the best defenses against infection, therefore helping your newborn have a stronger immune system. Your milk supply may reduce dramatically when you are sick, so consider your own health when deciding if you are going to breastfeed or bottle feed.

You don't have to choose one or the other. Do also keep in mind that you don' t have to choose one or the other in breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. You can do both! Many mothers breastfeed but also supplement with formula when they are away, or when pumping is not convenient. Don't get in your mind that these two ways of feeding your newborn have to be exclusive of each other. When my son was 4 1/2 months old I started supplementing with a little formula. He had already been bottle feeding with breastmilk for a few months and everything went very smoothly.

There is so much to consider when deciding whether to bottle feed or breastfeed. This sensitive subject can get mothers excited and down right angry faster than just about any other baby-related subject. Don't make the decision about whether to bottle feed or breastfeed lightly. Do your homework, considering how your own family works, and then make this important decision for yourself and your newborn. Do keep in mind, however, that mothers of newborns are prone to make new decisions after that little baby is born. You may have been dead set on breastfeeding or bottle feeding prior to your little one's birth, then feel compelled for the other once he or she is born. Do your homework, but don't be surprised if you change your mind.