Arts & Life : :

Lessons of motherhood, No. 5: First feedings

By Errin Stevenson

February 6, 2008 | Choosing to breastfeed or formula feed is going to be a big decision you are going to have to make over the first few days of you baby’s life. The choice is yours and what works best for you and your baby. Some babies will not let you have the choice for they will either make it hard to breastfeed or to bottle-feed. If you are wanting to breastfeed and your child will only take a bottle, you can pump and then your baby will have both.

Breastfeeding benefits are:

· It is free. With formula prices high at $12 per can, it saves you a lot of money.

· Women feel it gives them bonding time with their baby.

· It is a quick calmer when babies are fussy or over-stimulated.

· It gives your baby immunity enzymes that no formula can give them.

· It is the easiest for the baby to digest.

· Last, but not least, it helps you as a mother loose all your extra baby weight, what is better then that! Breastfeeding after labor causes your uterus to decreases in size also.
“The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joins other organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) in recommending breastfeeding as the best for babies. Specifically, the AAP says babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months and that breastfeeding should continue until 12 months (and beyond) if both the mother and baby are willing.” said kidshealth.org.

Formula benefits are:

· It is very convenient. If you are always on the run and don’t like be tied down, formula feeding will be a great convenience to you.

· It is pain-free.

· You do not have to be aware of what you intake.

· You do not have to feel uncomfortable feeding in public.

“When choosing a formula, it's important to select one that delivers DHA, ARA and choline, at levels similar to those in breast milk. Not all formulas have these nutrients. If you're uncertain, simply ask your pediatrician,” said Enfamil.com.

If you are in the middle and you would like to do both, do both. You can always give you baby a little formula here and there. Just make sure you keep your milk in. Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand cycle. So, if your body is not getting the demand, then it won’t give the supply. I would advise to try to breastfeed for the first two months and then you can alternate in a bottle a few times a week.

I chose breastfeeding and enjoyed it. I did alternate bottles into my baby’s feeding and it worked great. Good luck to you!

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