Why Breast is Best!! - Choosing Breastfeeding Over Formula Feeding

There are so many pros to breastfeeding and so many cons to formula feeding your new baby. Many moms that formula fed their baby say that they did so because of lack of education on the benefits of breastfeeding. One other reason commonly heard is lack of support around them. Those are two important factors for a new mom in deciding what to do.

There is never an argument that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. Many formula feeding moms will admit that they just didn't want to be bothered, despite the reports that explain why it is so beneficial, not only to baby but also to mom. The list of benefits is a mile long.

Some of the benefits are as follows:

losing the pregnancy weight a little faster and easier

cessation of menstrual cycle

in the beginning of exclusive nursing, suppression of ovulation - birth control

decreased instance of breast cancer and endometrial cancer

available anywhere, anytime

no sterilization of bottles or water for formula needed

free of charge

wonderful bonding moments for mom and baby

the baby receives the mother's antibodies

less instances of illness and if the baby does get sick, shorter duration and lesser symptoms

breastmilk is easily digested

There are many more benefits and researchers seem to come up with a new benefit every year. You cannot say the same things for formula. Formula is filled with processed ingredients. There are no antibodies present in formula. The cost of formula goes up each year. Sterilizing bottles and water is time consuming. The baby may not be able to tolerate certain formulas meaning you need to try a few and deal with a few bad nights before it gets better.

Recently, scientists in England have come up with a new idea to put appetite suppressants in baby formula. They say that it is still in the research process but they are hoping that within the next ten years to be adding this new ingredient into all formulas, with the exception of organic formulas. The damage that this may cause could be astronomical. It is sad to think of the possible side effects that may arise many years after childhood. Scientists say that adding the appetite suppressant will genetically alter the baby's metabolic system making it impossible for that child to ever become obese. Messing with Mother Nature is just a bad idea all around. Just one more reason to stay away from formula.

Some moms just cannot breastfeed for medical reasons or possibly that they are going back to work and they are unable to pump. These moms should never feel bad. No mom should ever feel bad about their choice, as long as it was an educated choice. If a mom really needs to use formula or wants to use formula, I would suggest organic formulas. They will not be adding the appetite suppressant. No one will argue the benefits of breastfeeding but each mom has to be in charge of their own choice. Having a good support system around is a major plus. Studies have shown that a mom that has support will breastfeed longer than one that has no one to turn to in need.

Education is the key to most things. This is no different. There are many websites that give people the information that they need to succeed in breastfeeding. There are also many books on the shelves of book stores that give wonderful information. Any amount of breastfeeding is better than none. Many women make it to six months and decide to keep on going to one year. Some even nurse their baby well beyond one year of age.

I am a mother to four children. I did not breastfeed my first child. I was young and lacked the breastfeeding knowledge that could have helped me make an informed choice. I did nurse my second and third babies for a few months each. I am still nursing my fourth baby who is just about to turn 17 months old next week. I am proud to say that I have made it this far. We will be starting the weaning process in the coming weeks. I encourage anyone that is pregnant or wishes to become a parent to educate themselves on both breastfeeding and formula feeding to be able to make the best decision for your situation before your baby is born. With all the information out there now, that should be the easiest task you take on as a new parent.