What you should know about breastfeeding vs. formula

Breastfeeding is best for Your Child, and it’s good for your health, too. But it’s not always easy and formula is a good alternative.

World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. But sometimes breastfeeding Your Child is no option. If that is the case formula is an alternative.

Baby’s benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding decreases Your Child’s risk of respiratory tract infections and diarrhea. Other benefits include lower risks of asthma, food allergies, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and leukemia. Some research suggests that breastfeeding may even improve Your Child’s cognitive development and decrease the risk of obesity in adulthood. 

Your benefits of breastfeeding
Benefits for you include less blood loss following delivery, better uterus shrinkage, and a decreased chance to experience postpartum depression. Breastfeeding also delays the return of menstruation and fertility, a phenomenon known as lactational amenorrhea. Long-term benefits for the mother include decreased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

If breastfeeding is not an option
Unfortunately, breastfeeding may not be fine for every woman. The decision to breastfeed or formula-feed a baby is a question of comfort, lifestyle, and specific medical situations. Mothers who can’t breastfeed — for one reason or another — or who decide not to, can use infant formula as a healthy alternative. Babies can get all the nutrients they need to grow and thrive from infant formula. 

What about bonding?
Some moms are concerned that if they don’t breastfeed, they won’t bond with their baby. But don’t worry, loving mothers who spend quality time with their babies eventually always bond with their little ones, regardless of whether they breastfeed or use formula.

Medical conditions
Some medical conditions like HIV, chemotherapy, or treatment with certain medicines may make breastfeeding unsafe. It’s better for a woman to check with her doctor to be sure that her breast milk is safe.