ExecutiveChronicles.com | Breast Or Bottle? 5 Factors To Consider In Determining What’s Best For You and Your Bub | From the comfiest blankets to the most engaging baby toys, your little bundle of joy deserves the best. This applies to your child’s food too. If you’re a new or expecting mother, you might be wondering how you’re going to feed your baby once it arrives. You might have heard that a mother’s breast milk is the perfect food for a child, and while that holds true, it’s not your only option. In some situations, it might be necessary to feed your child baby formula. To help you make the decision between the two, here are a few factors to consider when choosing how you’ll feed your little bub.
1. Breastfeeding Is the Best
There are no two ways about it: breastfeeding is the best way to feed your child. Even the best baby formula can’t compare to the level of nutrients provided in breast milk. A mother’s milk is perfect for a young child’s developing digestive system and contains everything a baby needs to grow into a healthy, strong child. If your situation allows you to do so, breastfeeding lets you give your child the best chance at growing and maturing successfully.
2. How Flexible Is Your Diet?
While breastfeeding is the scientifically-endorsed way to feed your child, it isn’t the only one. Depending on your situation, breastfeeding might not be feasible for you and your family. One factor to consider is your diet. Producing the best, healthiest breast milk requires a sustainable diet that avoids potentially harmful ingredients such as fish, caffeine, and alcohol. If you can’t keep track of that diet while breastfeeding, it might be a good idea for you to use formula feeding rather than breastmilk.
3. How Much Time Do You Have?
Babies are sure to let you know the moment they’re hungry. Sometimes, however, you simply don’t have time to breastfeed, or you might not be in the best place to discreetly feed your child. If you don’t think you’ll have the time or energy for breastfeeding, it might be a good idea to switch to formula. Feeding your baby from a bottle is often the more convenient option, helping time-poor mothers while providing their children with the nutrients they need.
4. Need Help From a Partner?
Breastfeeding is an intimate activity between a mother and a child. While it’s a beautiful bonding experience, it can put a lot of pressure on mothers since their partner isn’t able to do much to help. Using formula can take some of this burden away, as it allows you to share the task of feeding your child with your partner.
5. Have You Talked To Your Doctor?
Ultimately, talking to a trusted medical professional is the most important thing to do when deciding how to feed your child. Your baby’s health, growth, and development are serious subjects, so they are best addressed in consultation with a trained expert who can identify the appropriate course of action. Be sure to consult your doctor about your concerns before deciding whether or not you’ll breastfeed your child.
Whether you choose breast milk or formula, either option can be just what your child needs. What’s most important is that your baby gets the necessary nutrition they require to grow up healthy and strong. Either from the bottle or the breast, as long as your bub gets the care they need, you’re doing the right thing for them.
