Having a newborn requires making decisions. One of the most important decisions that a mother will have to make once a baby is brought home is the method of nursing. Many women wonder what the best choice is when considering the feeding method for a baby.
While breastfeeding is praised as the ideal method, there are a number of women that choose to use formulas to provide their babies with the necessary nourishment. Making the decision between breastfeeding and formulas requires that mothers consider a number of factors in order to choose the method that is best for both the baby and mother.
There are a number of reasons why mothers struggle with the choice of breastfeeding or using a formula. One factor that many women are concerned about is providing their newborns with the correct amount of nutrients. Many health studies have been performed in order to address the health benefits of breastfeeding.
In many cases, it has been proven that a mother’s breast milk has numerous minerals and nutrients that assist in fighting a variety of diseases and aid in boosting a baby’s immune system. Store brought formulas are more convenient and accessible for those that are not able to breastfeed at once. However, they are made from synthetic properties that do not provide the benefits of breast milk.
An additional reason that breast milk and formula are highly debated by nursing mothers is because of the effect milk has on a baby’s digestive system. In general, breast milk is much gentler and agreeable to the sensitive digestive system of a baby. Because the ingredients of breast milk are all-natural, a baby’s digestive system is less likely to become disturbed when ingesting this type of milk. Formulas of all kinds are made from synthetic properties and this makes for a more complicated digestion process.
Some babies that are fed formula may develop problems properly digesting the milk, which can result in such complications as gas and stomach issues. If it is necessary for a mother to utilize formula, she should speak with a doctor to determine which formulas are the gentlest for a baby’s digestive system.
There are also numerous health factors that a mother has to consider before deciding to breastfeed or use formula. While many people promote breast milk as the ultimate choice, there are circumstances where formula may be preferred to ensure a baby’s health. Mothers that have specific diseases that can be transmitted through breast milk, such as HIV, should not breastfeed but use a formula to nourish their newborns. Likewise, women that have silicone breast implants should discuss breastfeeding with a doctor. If an implant should leak, the silicone can cause health concerns for the newborn.
Mothers have a number of factors to consider when deciding upon a formula or breast milk as the way to provide nourishment to an infant. The decision for some is not an easy one and much care should be taken to select the feeding method that will provide the baby with all the needed nutrients.