Although doctors recommend mothers to breast feed their child, many mothers do not choose this option and there are many reasons behind this. Learn about the advantages of breastfeeding and bottle feeding and weigh them on your personal situation and preferences and decide what you would like to carry on.

Advantages of Breastfeeding

Have quick look at the benefits of breastfeeding baby.

Health Benefits for Baby – Breast milk contains all the nutrients that the body of an infant needs. It also changes according to the needs of your child.

Studies reveal that breastfed babies are:

1. More intelligent

2. Free from common infections

3. Free from skin problems

4. Allergies

5. Obesity

6. Mouth infections

7. Stomach and digestive problems

8. Anemia

9. Heart attack and stroke

10. Diabetes

Health Benefits for the Mother – Breast feeding helps in shrinking of the size of uterus and help lose some of your pregnancy weight.

Breastfeeding mothers have following advantages:

• Less stress

• Less chances of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer

• Stay away from postnatal depression and osteoporosis

Mother-Child Bond – Breastfeeding creates a special bonding between the mother and the child and the child feels more secure.

Convenience and Inexpensiveness – You do not have to wait when your baby is hungry. Breast milk is free and can be offered anywhere and anytime your child is hungry.

Advantages of Bottle Feeding with Formula Milk

Feeding your infant with formula milk that is prepared commercially also has some advantages.

• Anyone can Feed your Child – This is the biggest advantage and since the new mothers feel exhausted and have to take more rest, this helps them do that. The bottle, nipple and formula are readily available and anyone can prepare and feed your child following the instructions.

• Nutrition Needs are Met – The formula milk is prepared keeping in mind the needs of an infant and everything is calculated and added.

• Infant Feels less Hungry – You will not have to feed your child very often as babies fed with formula milk do not feel hungry frequently.

• Vitamin D – Formula milk has the right amount of Vitamin D that an infant needs while children fed with breast milk have to take Vitamin D supplements.

• Freedom to Eat What you Like – The mother is free to eat whatever she likes and there is no restriction on her. You can also go to your workplace without any hassle.

The decision of whether you want to breast feed your child or offer formula milk is strictly personal. Both have the advantages and disadvantages and the mother and the father of the child decide what is suitable for their lifestyle and living conditions.

There is also a point to be noted here that not all mothers are able to breastfeed. Some may start with breastfeeding but find it difficult to continue with it and there can be many reasons behind this. So, there is nothing like right or wrong way of feeding your child no matter what decision you take.