We need paid parental leave. We need to make lactation consultants and breast pumps available to every mother. We need to educate and inform and build communities including work communities that support breastfeeding. When we demonize formula we also run the risk of shaming women who, for any number of good reasons, choose not to breastfeed.
Then, baby should be able to switch back and forth with no issues. But what if baby starts to prefer the bottle? This is a sign to give them more time on the breast, so they become equally happy with both. All health-related content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Baby formula doesn't deserve the bad reputation it has gained. Today, we're shattering 7 myths about formula-feeding, to empower parents no matter what feeding decisions they make.
Myth 1: "Breast is best," so formula is bad for baby and should be avoided at all costs. Sometimes, moms don't produce enough breastmilk, and need formula to supplement the breastmilk.
Other moms may have a health condition that prevents them from breastfeeding, because of the medications they must take. Still others may be unable to breastfeed because it's too painful, or because surgeries or inverted nipples make it too difficult. Sometimes, a pediatrician will recommend formula for a given baby, and the parents will follow the pediatrician's trusted advice.
And for some parents, formula is a personal, sometimes necessary choice. They may choose formula because the mother works outside the home, because the birth mother is not in the homeor simply because they believe formula works better for baby and family. Your Bag. Here are other reasons women may choose to formula feed:. Either parent or another caregiver can feed the baby a bottle at any time although this is also true for women who pump their breast milk. This allows mom to share the feeding duties and helps her partner to feel more involved in the crucial feeding process and the bonding that often comes with it.
Once the bottles are made, a formula-feeding mother can leave her baby with a partner or caregiver and know that her little one's feedings are taken care of.
There's no need to pump or to schedule work or other obligations and activities around the baby's feeding schedule. And formula-feeding moms don't need to find a private place to nurse in public. Because formula is less digestible than breast milk, formula-fed babies usually need to eat less often than breastfed babies. Women who opt to formula feed don't have to worry about the things they eat or drink that could affect their babies.
As with breastfeeding, there are some challenges to consider when deciding whether to formula feed. Lack of antibodies. None of the antibodies found in breast milk are in manufactured formula. So formula can't provide a baby with the added protection against infection and illness that breast milk does. Can't match the complexity of breast milk.
Manufactured formulas have yet to duplicate the complexity of breast milk, which changes as the baby's needs change. Planning and organization.
Unlike breast milk — which is always available, unlimited, and served at the right temperature — formula feeding your baby requires planning and organization to make sure that you have what you need when you need it. Parents must buy formula and make sure it's always on hand to avoid late-night runs to the store.
And it's important to always have the necessary supplies like bottles and nipples clean, easily accessible, and ready to go — otherwise, you will have a very hungry, very fussy baby to answer to. With feedings in a hour period, parents can quickly get overwhelmed if they're not prepared and organized. Formula can be costly. Powdered formula is the least expensive, followed by concentrated, with ready-to-feed being the most expensive.
And specialty formulas such as soy and hypoallergenic cost more — sometimes far more — than the basic formulas. Possibility of producing gas and constipation. Formula-fed babies may have more gas and firmer bowel movements than breastfed babies. Deciding how you will feed your baby can be a hard decision. You'll really only know the right choice for your family when your baby comes. Many women decide on one method before the birth and then change their minds after their baby is born.
And many women decide to breastfeed and supplement with formula because they find that is the best choice for their family and their lifestyle. Sign up for the Fatherly newsletter to get original articles and expert advice about parenting, fitness, gear, and more in your inbox every day.
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