For years there have been arguments about which is the best way to feed a baby. Many women going through their pregnancy struggling with what decision is right for them because ultimately it is a behavior that is natural to our species and those like us. There are two options to choose from when deciding how to feed an infant after birth. The first is breastfeeding either by bottle or breast and the second is formula feeding a baby. This paper will be a review of the two options and the comparison of the two, the politics involved, and finally with the arguments that are involved on both sides.
Breastfeeding is the natural process of a woman feeding a child from her breast. Other names for this process are Nursing or Suckling. The American Academy of Physicians make the following policy statement on breastfeeding: “Breastfeeding is the physiological norm for both mothers and their children. Breast milk offers medical and psychological benefits not available from human milk substitutes (Breastfeeding (Policy Statement), 2014)” Feeding a child from the breast of a mother is a natural phenomenon that many mammals like humans do to provide for their young. Before the scientific technology of formula came about, the breast was the only way to feed an infant right after birth.
The first liquid that is produced by the breast after birthing the baby is colostrum. This is a yellow substance that is made during the pregnancy and is rich in nutrients and antibodies that is said to protect the baby. This colostrum is how the baby is fed for approximately three to five days and will provide enough nutrients that the baby needs. After this time period, is when the letdown occurs and the actual milk will arrive and the breast will be ready...
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...nitive differences at the select age groups (Belfield & Kelly, 2010). The downside to breastfeeding is the time it takes, societies negative views of public breastfeeding and the effort that is sometimes takes for mothers. There are also positive sides to formula feeding that include convenience, more effortless,
In the United States specifically today, breastfeeding is becoming more common than it has been in the past because of the awareness of the health benefits, yet many women still choose formula feeding because of personal beliefs, personal situations or hardships for the mother or child. 75% of women breast feed their child for some length of time in its life (AAP Reaffirms Breastfeeding Guidelines, 2012). Regardless of the benefits of it, there will most likely always be a choice with scientific research and with the advancement of technology on formula.
The first year of a baby’s life is a time of rapid changes and figuring out who to trust in the world. That first year many things happen that are very important to the future of the infant. This point in life is a time of “rapid physical and nervous system development, accomplishments that ensure an infant’s survival and ability to cope with its world” (Dacey et al., 2009). Babies rapidly gain weight in the first year so nutrition is a very important part of the development process. They need a good diet consisting of “carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins” (Dacey et al., 2009). Proper nutrition ensures the correct development of newborns survival. “Having survived prenatal hazards, newborns come equipped with automatic responses ideally suited for survival” (Myers, 2008). The first year of a baby’s life is very important in ensuring a successful journey heading into their future.
Mommy said no but her budget said yes! Breastfeeding is healthier than formula fed and cheaper. Let us help you in the steps to decide whether breastfeeding is going to benefit your lifestyle!. Whether your lifestyle is busy or slow we can help you pick the right decision to help your little one grow. Breastfeeding and formula have a lot of factors to consider, whether it is a budget, schedule, health of your baby or you’re just not sure what to do yet take the time and make the right choice.
Constantly having a baby tug and pull at your nipple throughout the day may not be the most comfortable feeling a mother would look forward to. The soreness and difficulty makes new mothers ponder over the decision to use infant formula instead of breastfeeding. With thoughts of convenience and comfort, mothers tend to forgo the nutrients in breastmilk and take on formulas instead. Using infant formula is a personal choice a mother is willing to make; however, studies have shown the greater benefits in breast milk for the child, the mother, and the family.
Procreation is basic to life and reality. Originally, mothers never had a choice of whether to breastfeed their infants or not. Mothers breastfed their infants. This gave moms the ability to care for and sustain their infants whenever nursing was needed. Advantages of breastfeeding are for the children, mothers, and the economy. Cultures differ from place to place because we live in a very diverse world. Indeed, a few cons to breastfeeding are generally sincere beliefs. One con about nursing in broad daylight is nursing can cause other individuals in the surrounding area to feel uncomfortable. Some think a woman showing cleavage during a nursing session can conjure up the same thoughts as a woman in a seductive outfit, while several assorted
Throughout history there has been a need for alternative feeding methods for infants. Whether because of an issue with the mother’s milk supply or because of death of the mother, there have always been children that required the use of something other than their own mother’s milk. In more recent history, alternative feeding has also been used as a convenience. Prior to the development of infant formula in 1865, animal milk and wet nurses were used to accomplish the feeding of orphaned infants or others whose mothers could not, or chose not to, breast feed. Between 1950 and 1970 the breast feeding rate fell dramatically. Some studies suggest that more that 75 percent of American infants born during that time were formula fed. As the rates of diabetes, obesity and other health issues continue to increase researchers are looking at how individuals are feeding their infants and what effects the large amounts of high calorie “breast-milk substitute” may be having. Infant formula is being considered as one of the contributors to the growing health crisis in America. American mothers may be inadvertently predisposing their children to a lifetime of health issues by choosing not to breast feed.
There are so many more perks to breastfeeding as opposed to formula feeding. Mothers are not educated enough prior to giving birth and they sometimes feel it is just easier to formula feed. A lot of hospitals are quick to just give a newborn a formula bottle if a mother is unsure how she wants to feed or if she is afraid to breastfeed just because she is unsure how. I think more mothers would
Breastfeeding is when a woman feeds her child from her breast. Breastfeeding has been around since before the 15th century. In addition to strengthening the bond between a mother and her baby, breastfeeding offers a number of benefits for both a mother and her child. Babies who are breastfed have lower risk of meningitis, various cancers, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, bacterial and viral infections, childhood leukemia, allergies and obesity. Mothers have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as osteoporosis. All mothers no matter where they are weather it be the mall, park, restaurant, or just out running errands need to have their right to breastfeed protected.
There many advantages to breastfeeding! Research shows that breastfed infants have fewer and shorter episodes of illness. The nutrition provided by breastmilk benefits the baby’s IQ. The skin-to-skin contact encouraged by breastfeeding offers babies greater emotional security and enhances bonding. Breastfeeding appears to reduce the risk of obesity and hypertension for the infant later in life. Breastfeeding delays the onset of hereditary allergic disease, and lowers the risk of developing allergic disease. Breastfeeding helps the baby’s immune system mature, protecting the baby in the meantime from viral, bacteria, and parasitic infections. Breastfeeding protects against developing chronic diseases such as: celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and childhood cancers. (Shinskie and Lauwers, 2002)
By remaining exclusive to human milk, the premature infant has an increase in benefits and outcomes. This change in recommendation is due to the benefits of human milk which include “decreased rates of late-onset of sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy, sudden infant death syndrome, fewer re-hospitalizations in the first year of life, and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes.” (Underwood, M. A.). Due to an underdeveloped gastrointestinal tract, it is shown that preterm infants require smaller amounts of human milk than a full-term baby. It is crucial to teach mothers of preterm infants, that the colostrum or milk they produce is sufficient. If the mother does not produce enough milk, she should be directed to a donor human milk bank or talk to a lactation consultant. Nevertheless, it is crucial nurses emphasize the importance of reducing formula feeding and implement exclusive
You and your husband find out that you are expecting your first child. This new little person is going to change your life forever. Though your baby is not here yet, you already know that you want the best for your baby - the best opportunities, the best schools and the best education. Simply, you want your baby to have the best in life. The first and most important decision that you will make for your baby is whether to feed your baby breast milk or formula. Many women today are opting for formula, but what is the best choice? There are advantages and disadvantages to both breastfeeding and formula feeding. You need to carefully weigh the pros and cons before you make your decision. There are very distinct nutritional differences between breast milk and formula. Nutritionally, breast milk is exactly what your baby needs. Breast milk will also help protect your baby from a large number of diseases. Although scientists and researchers have made many attempts to duplicate it, breast milk is just too complex to artificially reproduce. Breast milk should be your first choice, but formula can be a healthy alternative.
Breastfeeding is a highly debated topic amongst mothers across the world. Every mother has the choice to breastfeed or bottle fed their infant. Although everyone is entitled to their own opinion and choice, it is scientifically proven that breast milk is more beneficial for the infant’s health and development and the mother. Breast milk contains extremely beneficial vitamins and nutrients and also has the ability to change according to the infant’s growth and development. Formula companies try to mock breast milk to the best they can, although it cannot be completely composed the same. “Breastfeeding offers immunological and allergy protection to the infant, is economical and convenient as it is always fresh and the right temperature, and provides a great opportunity for the mother and infant to bond” (p. 1052, Potter & Perry, 2011). Research has proven that breast milk is the most
Breastfeeding rates are continually increasing. The nutritional benefit of breast over formula is a long established fact. “According to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breastfeeding rates improved nationwide in 2000-2008, and some of the greatest improvement was among black women. However, only about 59 percent of black mothers breastfed in 2008, compared to 80 percent of Hispanic mothers and about 75 percent of white mothers. For 2008 rates of breastfeeding at a baby’s first birthday, the number was about 23 percent overall but only 12.5 percent for black mothers. That low rate still marks a near doubling of rates among black mothers compared to the year 2000” (Currie, 2013).It is the recommended method of feeding an infant for at least the first six months of life. Breastfeeding has benefits to both mothers and their babies. The baby receives immunity to protect it from disease. Financially, breastfeeding can significantly reduce the burden of having a new child. Many mothers initiate breastfeeding in the hospital; however, the number of women who breastfeed until six months is very low (Guyer, Millward, & Berger, 2012). Breastfeeding is highly favored over bottle feeding. Yet, mothers still do not choose to continually breastfeed their infants. Do mothers who breastfeed during hospitalization have limitations or no desire to continue versus mothers who breastfeed for the recommended six months or longer at home?
Well firstly you can breastfeed anywhere you are and the milk is always at the right temperature unlike formula milk. In which you have to measure the amount of milk powder and water and heat it up at a certain temperature, at that makes it hard to handle especially if you’re out in a public place away from the heating device. Now the cons of breastfeeding is that the mother can only feed the baby unlike bottle feeding in which anyone can feed the baby. If the mother is absent and has to go somewhere she must pump milk and leave it prepared so whoever is taking care of the baby is able to simply heat the milk and feed the baby. Now the cons of milk formula, if you bottle feed your child you will always have to carry around with you the bottle and the formula milk and water and be mixing it, after that you will have to heat it wherever you can. You can imagine it as your super kit! In which you carry the size of the bottle that is well suited for your child’s needs. One of the main pros in bottle feeding is that mothers are able to go to work and not worry about their child not accepting the formula. Since most women work, breastfeeding is not an option for them and that is why bottle feeding is ideal for a working
Human Breast Milk is touted as the perfected food for infants. There is extreme pressure placed on new mothers to nurse or feed expressed breast milk (EB) elusively for the first six months of life. The extreme of this can be defined by a group called La Lache League International.
With the arrival of a newborn, parents are immediately faced with myriad of decisions. Should they use cloth or store-bought diapers, co-sleeping or a crib, and what parent gets what shift during the night are just a few. However, one of the most important and more personal choices is between a formula based diet or breastfeeding for their baby to receive his or her required nourishment. It has been proven time and time again that the benefits of breast milk over formula are numerous: they include health, emotional, mental, and financial benefits with the convenience of non-preparation. Breastfeeding is not only the most natural way to provide nutrition for a baby it’s also the most complete way. These benefits do not only benefit the baby, but they benefit the mother as well.