Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: Latest Guidance and Common Myths
When you are preparing to welcome a new baby into the world, you’ll have to make decisions regarding their care. It can be overwhelming to consider how you will raise your family, and you can be sure that everyone you know will have an opinion on what you should do every step of the way.
When you are making decisions about the way you feed your baby, it is important that these are informed decisions based on factual evidence rather than choices based on anecdotes or the views of others. Here, we’ll take a look at the most up-to-date evidence surrounding breastfeeding and formula feeding, so that you have the information you need to make the right choice for you and your child.
Breastfeeding: The Evidence
Breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first six months is recommended by health professionals all over the world, and brings many health benefits. Finding out more about the way breastmilk works can be helpful:
• Breastmilk is nutritionally balanced. Research into breast milk for several decades has demonstrated that breast milk is uniquely created by the mother’s body to provide the precise nutrient combination the baby needs for optimal growth. It is responsive to the changing needs of the baby, and the amounts of fat, protein and antibodies contained in the milk alter as the baby grows.
• Breastmilk contains antibodies. Breastmilk is very important in the development of the immune system, and breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from issues such as stomach and ear infections. If the baby becomes ill, the milk produced by the mother will change to provide the antibodies that are required at this time, boosting the immune system with the precise balance needed.
• Breastfeeding is protective. Did you know that breastfed babies have a lower risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), as well as a lower risk of becoming obese or developing diabetes than their formula-fed peers? The long-term health benefits are significant, and this can be a deciding factor for many expectant parents as they consider how to feed their baby.
• Breastmilk promotes healthy sleep. Breastmilk contains melatonin to promote natural sleep, and the quality of night feeds is very different to the milk produced during the daytime. This helps to nourish babies and encourage them to sleep at night, and night feeds may be more frequent during periods of rapid growth. It is important to remember that waking in the night is a protective response and is perfectly normal for infants.
• Breastfeeding also protects mothers. Many people are unaware that breastfeeding a baby can bring health benefits for the mother as well as the child, including a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Breastfeeding is not always easy, and it may take some time for both mother and baby to learn how to do it comfortably. Ensuring that you have a good support network available if you need it can make all the difference, and you can find out about lactation consultants and peer support systems in your area so that you can access help quickly if you need it.
Formula Feeding: The Facts
If you cannot or do not want to breastfeed your baby, it can help to know that modern formula milk is designed to provide a balanced nutritional blend. Formula milk is usually based on cow’s milk, but it is possible to find goat’s milk or soya protein alternatives if this does not work for you, for instance, if your child cannot tolerate dairy products.
Formula feeding enables your baby to be fed by any carer, and some people who are returning to work find this helpful in their decision-making process. It is, however, worth remembering that it is always possible to introduce some formula feeds. Still, it will not usually be possible to reintroduce breastfeeding if you begin with formula feeding.
Baby formula milk must be handled and stored safely, and preparation guidelines must be followed. You can choose to feed your baby in response to their cues, even if you are formula-feeding, rather than adhering to a schedule, and this is a healthier choice.
Common Breastfeeding/Formula Feeding Myths
Having a young family is something many people feel qualified to offer advice or guidance on, and you will find that family members, friends and even strangers will have opinions about the parenting decisions you make! Here are some of the most common myths you are likely to hear, and the facts that may reassure you:
• MYTH: Breastfeeding hurts. It is very common to experience soreness or pain in the beginning, as breastfeeding is established, but pain that persists is not normal. If you are breastfeeding your baby and you are in extreme pain, or if pain has lasted for more than a few weeks, you should seek some breastfeeding support from a professional. Pain is commonly caused when babies are not latching onto the breast correctly, and this can be resolved quickly and easily with some expert input.
• MYTH: Formula milk will make babies ill. This is a myth that you can dismiss if you have a clean water supply and you follow correct preparation guidelines. Formula milk is designed to provide the nutrients babies need, and although it is not able to provide the immune-boosting properties of breastmilk, it is widely considered to be a safe way to feed your baby.
• MYTH: You cannot mix breastfeeding and formula feeding. In some cases, babies may become confused by the different processes required for breastfeeding and for formula feeding. However, you can avoid this by establishing good breastfeeding habits before you introduce occasional formula feeds, and by ensuring that you are breastfeeding enough to maintain your milk supply. This is another area in which expert support can help.
When you are feeding your baby, whether with breastmilk or formula milk, you will find that this is a good opportunity to bond with them. Make sure you are sitting comfortably, with support for your arms to avoid straining your back. Holding your baby close as you feed, and establishing eye contact with your baby, can help you to connect with them, however you have chosen to feed.
Find the Support Your Family Needs at WonderCare
When you are caring for a family, it helps to have a team of experts on your side, and our experienced Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians are here for you. We offer a range of specialist services and can provide advice on many different aspects of your lifestyle, and we have a great range of health and wellbeing products to support your family throughout the year.
Here at WonderCare, we have a wide range of healthcare products for babies, children and adults, as well as skincare, hair and beauty products and gift sets. We offer delivery across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK, and we offer free shipping on orders over €40. You can shop on our website for delivery to your door, or you can collect your order in store so that you can meet our friendly team.
