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Breast vs. Bottle - The Pros and Cons

bottle or breast feeding

Our children are our most precious possessions, and we want to do everything within our power to give them a safe, happy and healthy life. We can start giving them the best start from the second they are born into this world by giving them love, security and feeding them a healthy diet - starting with milk. But which is best - breast milk or formula? Here are some of the pros and cons of each to help you to decide.

Bottle Feeding

Modern baby formulas such as Alula have been scientifically formulated to provide babies with the optimal amount of nutrients they require to grow and develop properly. There are different mixes to suit babies with specific needs, such as ones made for lactose-intolerant infants. 

Bottle feeding can be good for dads, too, as they can feed their babies and bond with them. In fact, anyone can look after the baby as the milk is easily transported, and mothers do not have to express milk constantly so that they have a supply of milk to give to babysitters to use. Mothers do not have to be wary of their own diet and state of health when bottle feeding.

Some babies do not like bottle feeding as they do not like the taste of the formula, or they and their mother may miss the skin-to-skin contact of breastfeeding that may help strengthen the emotional bond. Bottle feeding can be time-consuming and fiddly as bottles need to be sterilized, and the formula needs to be mixed correctly and served at an optimal temperature. Bottle feeding can also be expensive as the equipment required is costly, and the formula is obviously more expensive than breast milk, which is free.

Breastfeeding and bottle feeding both have their pros and cons. A mother should do what is best for her and her lifestyle. She should not be pressured into a specific feeding technique or made to feel guilty about her choice.

Breast Feeding

The most significant advantage of breast milk is that it is ready to use, immediately on-hand, and is always at the optimum temperature for your baby to ingest. Breastfeeding is convenient and means that you don't have to carry many bottles, cleaners, sterilizers, and bottle warmers around wherever you go. It is perfectly balanced with all the essential vitamins and minerals for your baby's growth and development. It has been suggested that breastfed babies have a better immune system and are less susceptible to health conditions such as diarrhea, ear infections, and urinary tract infections.

Breastfeeding isn't always a viable option for mothers. Some babies find it difficult to latch on to the breast, and it can be quite painful for the mother - especially when the baby starts to grow teeth. Producing milk can be pretty demanding, and some mothers can find it challenging to produce enough milk for their babies. They may become exhausted and overcome with emotion because they cannot supply their child with sufficient sustenance. Other mothers find that breastfeeding in public places can make them feel uncomfortable and embarrassed.