Premium Essay

Breastfeeding vs Formula

In:

Submitted By apple1996
Words 1143
Pages 5
Breastfeeding vs. Formula
Deciding whether to breastfeed or provide formula milk is a major decision amongst new mothers. As simple as it may seem, the decision to breastfeed versus formula feed babies can be difficult and one of the most important decisions a mother can make. While there is nothing wrong with giving babies formula milk, breastfeeding should be the number one choice for mothers. As breast milk provides more nutrients, is naturally produced by mothers and is less expensive, breastfeeding is more beneficial than formula milk.
When examining the benefits of breastfeeding as opposed to formula milk, breast milk tops the list with the nutrients and antibodies it provides. As breast milk contains antibodies that formula milk does not, this provides extra protection for babies against diseases and viruses. The first milk a baby receives while breastfeeding is colostrum. Colostrum is rich in nutrients and the mother’s own disease-preventing antibodies which may protect the baby from certain viruses (Kutner, 2012). Thus, breastfeeding babies contribute to building babies’ immune systems. As the breast milk matures, “the cells, hormones, and antibodies [in breast milk]…protect babies from illness” (Womenshealth.gov, 2011). This combination is unique to breast milk and is not contained in formula milk. On the other hand, some formula milk does contain more vitamin D than breast milk, which is essential in building strong bones. In addition, formula milk also contains fluoride which is important for healthy teeth. However, both nutrients can be provided to babies as a supplement if they are needed. Formula milk does not contain the antibodies that breast milk has which contributes to a healthier, less sick baby.
Breast milk is produced naturally by mothers and is designed especially for babies whereas formula milk is manufactured. Since

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Breastfeeding vs Formula

...Summary In the article “Breastfeeding, brain activation to own infant cry, and maternal sensitivity,” the psychologists are addressing the chemical response from the mother's brain when she hears her infant crying compared to her hearing another infant crying. They investigated the associations between breastfeeding, how the mother automatically responds to their own infant crying, and how bonded they are to their infant after giving birth. For this study they had seventeen biological mothers with full-term, healthy infants from postpartum hospital rooms at the Yale-New Haven Hospital. The mothers had brain scans data done between two and four weeks after giving birth. Then, data done on the relationship between mother and child was done between three and four months after birth during a home visit. Psychologists videotaped a mother and infant for five minutes and asked the mother to interact with her infant in a natural way. The results of this study showed that at two to four weeks after birth, neither group of mothers rated the two types of cries differently. However, the brain responses to own baby cry at two to four weeks postpartum revealed that breastfeeding mothers showed a greater hormonal response in several brain regions compared to formula- feeding mothers. In contrast, no brain areas were found to show greater hormonal activation among the formula-feeding mothers in response to own baby cry. At three to four months after birth, breastfeeding mothers have a stronger...

Words: 793 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Breastfeeding Vs Formula Feeding

...I would recommend the 23-year-old woman to breastfeed her newborn because there are many benefits for both the mother and the baby. It is said that breast milk is the best nourishing milk for newborns. Breast milk contains many vitamins and minerals that newborns need. Breastfeeding can help the baby against many chronic conditions. For example, it helps lower the risk of the infant from getting ear infections, diarrhea, meningitis, diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (“Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding,” n.d.). It also protects the baby from having asthma and allergies. Many families have trouble finding a formula for the baby that doesn’t cause constipation, but the breast milk makes it easier for the baby to digest it. On the other...

Words: 306 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Breastfeeding Vs Baby Formula Interview Essay

...INTERVIEWS Interview 1: not conducted by myself, but by “The fruit doctor” with Dr Luke Thompson (American Gut Project) The following question was discussed in the interview: how do CS vs natural childbirth and breastfeeding vs baby formula contribute to the establishment of a healthy infant microbiome: In his introduction, Dr Thomson stated that birth is a baby’s first exposure to microbes. Interestingly he disclosed that the normal development of the gut community (of a baby born naturally) at first resembles the mother’s vaginal bacterial community then gradually changes over the following two years to resemble the adult faecal bacterial community. But, if the baby was born by CS, the bacterial community initially resembles the skin...

Words: 1638 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Breastfeeding Vs Formula Milk Essay

...should breastfeed your baby over giving him or her formula. A team of researchers at Brown University used an MRI that's baby-friendly to look at the brain scans of 133 babies under 4 years of age who have the same gestation period and come from the same socioeconomic status. This study divided them into three groups: those who were exclusively breastfed, those who were exclusively fed formula milk, and those who were breastfed as well as fed with formula milk. This is the first study that compares the brains of babies who are very healthy and study the effect and differences of breastfeeding on brain development. The brains of the babies as imaged quietly as they sleep. The images showed astounding differences between breastfed babies and formula-fed babies. The brain images of breastfed babies, or those who were breastfed for at least 3 months showed enhanced development in areas related to language, cognition, and emotional function compared to the babies who took formula milk. The older babies were also compared with the younger ones to compare the growth trajectories in white matter. The MRI imaging looked at the microstructure of the brain's white matter, or the tissue that...

Words: 556 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding

...Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding Seanna Cox Rasmussen College Author Note This research is being submitted on March 17, 2013 for Dr. Rose’s English Composition. Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding There are many benefits for breastfeeding and bottle feeding, but each can determine how your infant develops. When becoming a mother, one of the first things you do is decide whether to breastfeed or bottle feed. Unlike bottle feeding, breastfeeding has many more nutrients for the baby and advantages for the mother. Bottle feeding can be very nutritional for the baby but does not benefit the mother in anyway. Some mothers find that breastfeeding is more beneficial for their babies, while other mothers find that bottle feeding is more convenient. Breastfeeding by far has all the nutrients the baby needs for growing and developing properly. In the first two weeks of breastfeeding your baby, he/she will get all of the immunities and antibodies it needs to fight off infection. Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from indigestion, constipation and ear infections. There are enough fatty acids in breast milk for optimal brain development for your baby. Breastfeeding also lowers the risk of your baby getting SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). “Breast milk is free, and saves money by eliminating the need to buy artificial milk (formula), bottles, and nipples” (Jacobson, 2006, p. 1514). There are also maternal benefits for breastfeeding. Some maternal benefits are lowering...

Words: 944 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Is Breastfeeding the Right Choice

...Is Breastfeeding The Right Choice? There have been many trends that moms have followed throughout the decades. One-minute breastfeeding is the best choice for the baby and there is no doubt about it, the next breastfeeding is no longer the trend and formula is in. My purpose for this paper is to figure out if breastfeeding is truly the best choice for a baby. Being young and hopeful, I one day want to have a child of my own, so hopefully this research will allow me to decide if I will breastfeed my baby. There are a lot of advantages to breastfeeding an infant. The advantages appeal not only to the infant but also to the mother. To start out breast milk is always warm and ready compared to having to prepare a bottle of formula. Not only is breast milk always ready but it also is zero dollars. Formula can be extremely expensive to continuously buy. Breastfeeding is much more accessible and is the least expensive option. Along with being convenient breast milk also enhances brain development and the infants I.Q. in ways that formula cannot. A longitudinal study over a period of eighteen years involving one thousand children was preformed to show breastfed infants grew up to have both higher intelligence and academic achievement than those who were formula fed (Burby). Research has determined that a child’s first three years are the most critical in brain development. The infant’s nutrition during these essential periods in early growth and development permanently...

Words: 1621 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Hot Topic

...Breastfeeding versus Bottle feeding has been a long time controversy. Studies has been done on young, first time mothers, shown that the decision-making on whether to breast or bottle feed was based on social influences and was not the best choice for the mother and her child (Wambach & Koehn). These young mothers need the facts. Is breastfeeding healthier for one’s child? Does the child receive enough from the mother? Is bottle feeding the cause in overweight children? Does bottle feeding really cause children’s teeth to decay? How do mothers know if her child is getting enough from breastfeeding? Is bottle feeding really measured out? These are all questions that mothers and doctors wonder about. History History of breastfeeding more than likely began when the first man and woman gave birth to his and her first child. According to researched, mothers who died during childbirth or anytime while nursing a baby, the baby was left to die or the baby was raised and fed by another lactating mother. Whenever the lactating mother was not available, mothers from the community would attempt to feed the baby other food, thus the beginning of formula. Babies were fed milk from animals such as goats or cows, and often liquids that consisted of broth, sugar or honey with water, and sometimes wine. Researched shows that many years ago babies were unnaturally nourished from a variation of utensils, feeding cups, and bottles that frequently ended disastrously. Studies show that...

Words: 2321 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Breast Feeding vs. Formula Feeding

...Breast feeding Vs. Formula feeding University of Phoenix COM/170 December 22, 2014 Winifred Donnelly Breast feeding Vs. Formula feeding When becoming a parent, there are many decisions that have to be made before the baby is even born. The most important decision is whether a mother will breastfeed or formula feed her baby. Breastfeeding should be the only option in feeding a baby unless there is a medical reason for why a mother cannot. When deciding on how she will feed her baby, a mother should know why formula is used rather than breast milk. She should know why breast milk is so much healthier, and she should be aware that there are several solutions that can solve any issues that may come up with breastfeeding. Women should know why formula is used rather than Formula Comfort and Lifestyle A woman should know why so many women never even consider breast milk as being an option for feeding their child. Many mothers choose formula over breast milk for reasons that have nothing to do with their baby. According to Kids Health from Nemours (1995-2014), their article Breast or Bottle, states “for many women their decision to breastfeed or formula feed is based on their comfort level, lifestyle and specific medical considerations that they might have. Many women do not breastfeed due to their comfort level and what people may think of them.”(para. Three sentence 2). Most women decide that they do not want to breastfeed because out in public people may find it inappropriate...

Words: 1790 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Breast vs. Bottle

...Breast feeding Vs. Formula feeding Lyndie McPherson University of Phoenix COM/170 December 22, 2014 Winifred Donnelly Breast feeding Vs. Formula feeding When becoming a parent, there are many decisions that have to be made before the baby is even born. The most important decision is whether a mother will breastfeed or formula feed her baby. Breastfeeding should be the only option in feeding a baby unless there is a medical reason for why a mother cannot. When deciding on how she will feed her baby, a mother should know why formula is used rather than breast milk. She should know why breast milk is so much healthier, and she should be aware that there are several solutions that can solve any issues that may come up with breastfeeding. Women should know why formula is used rather than Formula Comfort and Lifestyle A woman should know why so many women never even consider breast milk as being an option for feeding their child. Many mothers choose formula over breast milk for reasons that have nothing to do with their baby. According to Kids Health from Nemours (1995-2014), their article Breast or Bottle, states “for many women their decision to breastfeed or formula feed is based on their comfort level, lifestyle and specific medical considerations that they might have. Many women do not breastfeed due to their comfort level and what people may think of them.”(para. Three sentence 2). Most women decide that they do not want to breastfeed because out in public people...

Words: 1791 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Class

...Meghan Walker ENG 130 Kathryn Geranios July 9,2015 Breast-Milk VS Formula Some mothers breastfeed their babies, and others use powder or liquid based formula. Is one option better or more importantly healthier than the other? I feel that breast milk is more beneficial for babies and new mothers. It promotes brain developments, strengthens the babies immune system, and reduces the risk of SIDS. What is the difference between breastmilk and formula? Breast milk is recommended by pediatricians and the WHO "world health organization". All infants are suggested to be bottle feed until they are 12 months before introducing them to whole milk. Milk is an infant’s primary source of nutrients until they are 12 months of age. In that 12 months, the benefits of breastmilk can last a lifetime. The benefits of Brest feeding can sometimes sound endless. Breastfeeding is convenient, moms don't have to make bottles they are the bottles! Breastfeeding is free, and it contains all the nutrients that the baby needs. Breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protects baby from stomach viruses, lower repertory illnesses, ear infections and asthma! Children who are breastfed have a 20% lower risk of dying between the ages of 28 days and one year. Breast milk is specifically tailored for the baby. With all of the benefits, I have listed to add to the list is children who are breastfed are less likely to develop certain childhood cancers, develop diabetes...

Words: 831 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Breast Feeding

...consciously choose to feed their young artificial nourishment such as formula rather than milk from the mother’s breast. According to the company Nestle’, (Nestle.com) infant formula was invented in the late 1860s by a pharmacist named Henri Nestle’. Although mothers had previously used other foods when unable to breastfeed, this infant formula caught on and variations of it have been used through-out the world ever since. Except perhaps between Vegetarians and Carnivores, nowhere is the act of eating more controversial than the area of feeding a baby. Often strong feelings arise around both bottle-feeding and breast-feeding.; with proponents of each method standing firmly and often, passionately and vociferously on their respective sides. People from all walks of life, male and female, young and old, varying socioeconomic backgrounds, single or partnered generally feel free to weigh-in on the topic of Bottle feeding vs. Breastfeeding. In researching this topic I spoke with a varied cross section of society in Maine and in Nova Scotia and drew on my over eleven years combined experience spanning two decades being a breastfeeding mother. The information I have compiled reflects the attitudes which I have often witnessed first-hand. The prevailing attitudes in Maine and Nova Scotia towards breastfeeding appear to have changed little over the past 20 years. According to the World Health Organization “Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth...

Words: 1413 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

The Effects of Childhood Eating Patterns

...about 1.5-2oz; about the size of a ping-pong ball. -Frequent feedings- 8-12+ times/24 hrs -Assures baby takes in all the milk needed -Assures mother’s milk production meets baby’s demands | Colustrum | -Measurable in teaspoons- low volume but high in nutrients -Produced from the beginning of pregnancy through first several days of breastfeeding -Orange/yellowish, thick, sticky -Easily digestible by baby | Colustrum | * Provides large amounts of living cells -Defend against disease(safe vaccine) * Anitbody called IgA (immunoglobulin A) * Protects baby from infections that attack mucous membrans * throat, lungs,intestines | Colustrum | * Seals holes in baby’s gastrointestinal tract -Very permeable intestines * Contains high concentrations of leukocytes, protective white cells which can destroy disease-causing bacteria and viruses. | Colusrum | “Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding” Advantages of Breastfeeding * Costs nothing to breasted -Formula & medications & childcare * Different tastes * Convenience * Obesity prevention * Smarter babies * Skin to skin contact Advantages of Breastfeeding * Benefits to mom -Confidence that mom can care for baby -Calories burned -Lowers risk of breast cancer,...

Words: 293 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Breastfeeding Benefits

...forming a protective layer on the mucous membranes in your baby’s intestines, nose and throat (Baby, 1997). Second, it is usually more easily digested than formula. Babies that are breast fed are usually less constipated and gassy. I work with infants, and the bowel movements of the breast...

Words: 837 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ethical Issues In Breastfeeding

...Controversy around Newborn Breastfeeding In 2000 BC breastfeeding was a norm and was used as "wet nursing" (Stevens, Patrick & Pickler, 2009). According to Stevens, Patrick & Pickler (2009) Breastfeeding was used as a method of safe infant feeding since bottles or formula use did not exist. Wet nursing was defined as, "a woman who breastfeeds another's child" (Davis, 199 3, p. 2111). Wet nursing was used when "mothers were dying from childbirth or lactation failure" (Stevens, Patrick & Pickler, 2009). Ever since bottle feeding and formula use has been discovered, there has been a lot of controversy around which method is the safest for infants. Years ago, in an article written by Hila Spear, Penny, a young mother who gave birth...

Words: 1726 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Breastfeeding Vs Bottle Feeding Analysis

...In the New York Times article by Jane Brody, July 23, 2012, “The Ideal and the Real of Breast-Feeding”, the benefits of breast-feeding vs formula bottle-feeding was discussed. Understanding the nutritional value of human mother’s milk and the added benefits for the infants immune system from the antibodies passed from the mother to infant, it is understandable the push to encourage breastfeeding. Public health official’s efforts to encourage exclusive breast-feeding in the first 6 months of an infant’s life struggles to meet the goal due in part to the difficulties many mothers encounter. In developed countries working mothers struggle with the time and commitment of continuing to breastfeed after returning to work. In underdeveloped countries mothers often are not able to safely prepare formula, therefore should be encouraged to breastfeed over formula feeding....

Words: 439 - Pages: 2