Breast Vs. Bottle

Breast vs. Bottle

The benefits of breastfeeding overshadow those of bottle feeding when baby, mother, and society are taken into consideration. When it comes to breastfeeding there is so much potential for your baby. It is such a convenience, but also can be a conflict when a mother is in the middle of doing something that just can't wait. The only inconvenience that might change a mothers mind on deciding not to breast feed would be, the fact that she couldn't be away from her baby for a long period of time.

Breastfeeding requires a mother to take some quiet relaxed time for herself and her baby. Imagine getting to relax about ten times or more a day for about ten to fifteen minutes at a time. Also having the ability to eat an additional treat or two everyday because while breastfeeding you burn an additional 200 to 500 calories a day on average. A mother who bottle feeds would have to swim at least 30 laps in a pool or ride a bicycle uphill for an hour to burn this many calories.

Why should babies be breastfed? The number one reason to breastfeed a baby is because babies were born to be breastfed. A baby has a much more established life from the start than a bottle fed baby. The reason is because they receive so many more nutrients from breast milk than they do from formula. One benefit is increased bonding with mom and baby right after birth. Breast milk contains the right amount of fat, water, sugar, and protein that babies need for growth and development. A number of babies find it easier to digest breast milk than they do formula because it's easier for them to break down the enzymes. Coming straight from the breast there is no worry or need of sterilizing, where with formula has a chance of being contaminated. On the other hand, there is a lessened chance of germs to be spread especially without cleaning the bottles and nipples properly. Also breast milk contains antibodies that help protect babies from bacteria and viruses, which help them, fight off diseases and infections. Later in life they have a lessened chance of being over weight, and score a tad bit higher on IQ tests. (Soukup, Sr., Gregory J.). The social benefits to the baby include, developing a strong bond with the baby and mom. Physical contact is very important to newborns and can also help them feel more secure, warm, and comforted.

How do mom and the family benefit from breastfeeding? An immense factor would be the strong bonding with her and her baby. "One of the best-kept secrets about breastfeeding is that it's as healthy for mothers as for babies". (Dermer, A, 2001). Also there is a lessened risk of developing ovarian and breast cancers, and possibly osteoporosis. Mom is not under excessive amounts of stress considering when the baby is hungry; she can give her baby immediate satisfaction by providing her breast milk. Also it gives the mother time to wind down while breastfeeding. Another benefit to the whole family is the fact that mom can educate them on how newborns are nourished. For example, where the milk comes from and how, and