Breastfeeding or Formula Milk, one of the many million decisions that you will need to take as a new mom. Many people can get very uncomfortable while you are breastfeeding while the others can totally judge if you’re formula feeding your kid.
Welcome to the land of Mom’s guilt. Well whatever you do people will always talk about it, what really matters is what’s the best for you and most importantly your baby.
What is Breastfeeding: Benefits, Challenges and Tips
According to most health practitioners breastfeeding is the healthiest way for your baby to take its nutrition and for mothers to nurse themselves back to health. Pediatrics recommend that a baby must be breastfed exclusively for the first six months and once other foods are introduced, a healthy mother must be encouraged to continue breastfeeding till a whole year.
Breastfeeding a Healthy Choice for Babies!
- Mother’s Breast Milk has good proportions of all nutrients that one’s baby needs
- It helps reduce infections and illness in infants and is easily digestable for toddlers with lesser complaints of constipation and gassiness
- Studies show that it increases your child’s IQ and decreases the risks of being overweight and that of getting leukemia.
- And finally it’s always available and free
Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Mothers
- When mothers breastfeed they reduce their risks of Breast Cancer, Diabetes, heart diseases, ovarian cancer and more.
- It also helps lose one’s baby weight more easily and makes it less likely for women to suffer from postpartum depression.
- Not to undermine the fact that it’s a wonderful bonding experience with your baby.
- The pumped breast milk helps with feeding in public,with allowing other family members to participate.
Challenges of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is natural, but it does not mean that it is always easy. As much as our society paints a smooth and dreamy picture about it, many new moms face challenges that make them question if they are doing it right.
But no matter how difficult things get, Mama, please remember, you are enough.
Take a look at these common challenges of breastfeeding [1] that many mothers face.
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Latching problems
A proper latch is very important for effective breastfeeding. If your baby struggles to latch correctly, it can cause nipple pain and ineffective feeding. If you seem to be struggling with this, you can always seek guidance from a lactation consultant to help get things back on track.
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Low supply
Many mothers are often concerned about whether they are producing enough milk or not. Factors like stress, not nursing frequently, or even physical issues can affect milk production. Frequent nursing and pumping are one of the best ways to stimulate milk supply.
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Diet
What you eat definitely matters. But as a new mom, please don't stress about every morsel that you eat. Focus on a balanced diet and strive to stay healthy. Keep your hydration levels in check and opt for nutrient-rich foods that will support both you and your baby.
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Medical conditions
Health challenges such as PCOS or thyroid imbalances can affect your ability to breastfeed. In case of health concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor for advice on how to navigate this situation and offer your baby the best nutrition.
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Social stigma in public
From breastfeeding in public to dealing with oodles of advice, many mothers face judgment in some form or the other. At the end of the day, breastfeeding is your choice, and your baby deserves the best you can offer, wherever you want it.
Tips For Breastfeeding Your Baby Effectively
Breastfeeding is not just about feeding, but bonding, comfort, and nourishment. Take a look at these breastfeeding tips that will help you get through this journey with confidence:
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Skin-to-skin
The first few hours after birth are very crucial to experience the benefits of breastfeeding. It is very important that you hold your baby close. This doesn't just help with the feeding cycle but also establishes the ground for emotional bonding.
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Feed On Demand
A breastfeeding mother gets a lot of advice from books, channels, elders, and peers on when and how much to feed your kid. But your baby's cues are the best way to know when to feed and how much to feed. If you see a baby crying or smacking their lips, it might be a sign that they need you. A good latch and consistent feeding can help your milk supply as well.
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Feed comfortably
While breastfeeding, make sure that you are relaxed and amply supported. A cozy environment for the child, such as a soft sleep pod, can help your baby settle down while focusing on feeding. Organic baby clothes from Cocoon Care can also promote comfort for babies.
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Invest in nursing aids
Pillows, baby swaddles, and a burp cloth should be kept nearby to help with any post-feed clean-up while keeping your baby snug.
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Take care of yourself
Your body needs rest and nourishment. Taking care of yourself is one of the best breastfeeding tips. Drink plenty of fluids and eat foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. You can even add some healthy snacks to your day for an extra boost.
You can also read our blog about breastfeeding diet: what to eat and what not.
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Breastfeed with confidence
Trust your instincts. Every baby is different, and with time you will start understanding your baby's needs. If something feels off, it's always in your best interest to reach out to a lactation consultant. Try pumping. If you are planning to return to work or need some time off for yourself, pumping breast milk is a wonderful option. Pumped milk can give you the freedom to get some shut-eye or pamper yourself while still nourishing your baby.
What Is Formula Feeding: Benefits, Disadvantages and Myths
Formula feeding is also a great choice for your baby, one that’s a best alternative for breastfeeding. The question now arises why should one opt for formula feeding?
Benefits of Formula Feeding
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It’s a very convenient and flexible choice, formula can be fed to the baby by anyone and not to forget anywhere.
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Your partner can help with the feeds and get the opportunity to bond with the baby as well.
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It takes more time to digest formula and thus a baby will need less number of feeds during the day, especially in the early stages.
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Mothers can enjoy the food they like and the cocktails they prefer because then the risk of passing it to the baby is zero.
Disadvantages of Formula Feeding
While diving into the debate of breastfeeding vs. formula, it's very important that you weigh both sides. While formula milk can be a valuable and at times necessary option for mothers, it does come with certain challenges and disadvantages of formula feeding that deserve attention.
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Expensive
Well, formula feeding is not cheap. Powdered formula can cost an average 1,20,000 to 1,30,000 in a year. If you go for soy or hypoallergenic options, it can cost even more. In contrast, the benefits of breastfeeding are not just great, but they are free and reliable as well.
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Hygiene
Maintaining bottle hygiene while formula feeding is super important. All you have to do is just miss a step and your baby can suffer from an infection.
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Adjusting to different formula brands
Finding the right formula is also not that easy. It's often a trial and error. Because what works for one baby might not work for another. This constant switching can often lead to tummy troubles in your little one.
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Preparation
Feeding is always ready for your child. It's the perfect temperature and requires no clean-up or prep with formula. However, there's a constant need to sterilize the bottle, measure water, replenish the feedback stock, and repair feeds. For parents who are already navigating sleepless nights, preparing 8 to 10 feeds a day can become overwhelming.
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Lack of antibodies
One of the most noteworthy drawbacks of formula vs. breastmilk is the absence of natural antibodies in formula. Breast milk contains living cells, enzymes, and antibodies that strengthen a baby's immune system. Formula, on the other hand, is manufactured and it cannot match the complexity of breast milk. This is probably one of the most important reasons for which breastfeeding is important, especially in the first six months of a child's birth.
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Gas and constipation
One of the most significant side effects of formula milk is digestive issues. Many babies experience increased gas, constipation, or formal stools with formula feeding. Although every baby is different, the lack of natural enzymes in formula can make digestion slower and harder than breast milk.
Myth About Formula Feeding
No matter if you are exclusively formula feeding, transitioning to it, or using it as a supplement to breastfeed, here are some of the most common myths around formula feeding that should be debunked.
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Formula-fed babies don't get to bond with their mothers
Bonding is not exclusive to feeding. It's about skin-to-skin cuddles, hugs, eye contact, and everything else that defines connection. No matter how you plan to feed your child, this bond will always be yours.
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Formula is harmful
While breastfeeding offers unmatched immunity benefits, formula milk is categorically designed to nourish your child and support his or her development. Pediatricians approve it as a safe and healthy alternative when breastfeeding is not possible.
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Mothers who formula feed are less caring
This stigma needs to go, really. Feeding your baby breastmilk or formula requires commitment, love, and sleepless nights. No matter if you are prepping bottles or nursing your child, it will require you to endure sleepless nights.
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You cannot combine breastfeeding and formula
That is absolutely false. Many moms practice a combination of breastfeeding and formula during low supply days or when they want to wean their child off breastfeeding. It's called supplemental feeding and it's completely safe when done at the behest of your doctor's advice.
Breastfeeding Vs Formula: A Comparison Table
|
Aspect |
Breastfeeding |
Formula Feeding |
|
Nutritional Value |
It is packed with perfect nutrients and tailored for our baby's growth. |
And, for all of you who are wondering what is formula milk, well, it is standardised nutrition that lacks enzymes and antibodies. |
|
Immunity Support |
One of the most important benefits of breastfeeding for a baby is that it boosts your child's immunity with antibodies. |
It does not offer good natural immune support. |
|
Cost |
Besides all the talk about why is breastfeeding important, one also needs to know that it is free and always available. |
It is expensive as it includes the cost of formula, bottles, and sterilisers. |
|
Convenience |
It's ready anytime and anywhere. |
It requires preparation, sterilisation, and storage. |
|
Flexibility |
It is tied to the mother's and child's schedule. |
Top feed offers flexibility because other caregivers can also feed the child. |
|
Bonding |
One of the sweetest benefits of breastfeeding for mothers is that it enhances skin-to-skin contact, thereby promoting emotional bonding. |
Bonding is possible here as well, but it might not feel that intimate. |
|
Digestion |
Easier to digest |
May cause constipation or gas. |
|
Social Perception |
It is widely encouraged, but mothers face stigma when they breastfeed in open spaces. |
It is seen as modern and convenient. |
Supplement Feeding: The Best Of Both Worlds
There are times when the pediatrician can suggest both breastfeeding and baby formula, this could be for multiple reasons, like your baby needs extra calories and nutrients, or is not able to latch properly. It could also be because your body is not making enough milk, or your doctor predicts low blood sugar for the baby.
Hear what Mom’s have to Say
Here are a few different feeding journeys that are full of real emotions and honesty;
I remember the first time wasn't perfect, but it was magical. It felt like a secret love language between me and my little girl. Through sleepless nights and a growth spurt, we were lucky enough to fall in love with her. Yes, it was hard, but with time, I started feeling more confident. The cuddles and those moments will forever stay etched in my heart.
-Neha, mom to 2 year old Sanya.
I had a tough delivery and postpartum anxiety got the better of me. Breastfeeding became very overwhelming. I cried through feeds and started worrying constantly. Switching to formula did feel like giving up at first. But slowly I realized that it gave me back my peace. Ziva was fed, happy, and thriving. For me, top feed didn't make me disconnect, but allowed me to truly connect with my little one.
-Tanya, mom to 7-month-old Ziva.
With twins, I always knew that I'd need a balance of breastfeeding and top feeding. I breastfed as much as I could, but also introduced formula earlier. It gave me a breather on tough days. And guess what? My babies are absolutely healthy. This way, I didn't just get to snuggle up with my babies, but my husband could pitch in and be a part of the magic as well. For us, supplement feeding was like a superpower.
-Ananya; mom to twins Rida and Ryaan.
Conclusion
Every way is a perfect way to feed your baby as long as your toddler is well cared for, fed and loved. So just leave the mom guilt land and enjoy the world of your happy baby.
If you're looking for thoughtful feeding solutions, explore our handpicked collection of nursing and feeding essentials at Cocoon Care to make mealtimes smoother for both you and your baby.
FAQS on Choosing Between Breastfeeding And Formula
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Are breastfed babies healthier than formula-fed?
Yes, pediatric experts have claimed that breastfed babies enjoy stronger immunity. Because one of the key benefits of breastfeeding for babies is that it contains antibodies and enzymes that can help your little one fight infections and build a steadfast health defence system.
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Is formula feeding easier than breastfeeding?
While breastfeeding is always ready and cost-free, formula feeding offers flexibility. However, it does come with extra prep and costs like bottles, formulas, sterilisation, etc. If you are curious about ‘what is formula milk’, allow us to tell you that it is a manufactured and widely accepted nutritional substitute for breast milk. It is safe, regulated and at times necessary.
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Why do doctors not recommend bottle feeding?
Doctors emphasise that breastfeeding is important, especially in the first 6 months, as it strengthens a child's immune system. For bottle feeding, doctors don't discourage it, but sanitisation and sterilisation are an absolute non-negotiable in this regard.
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Can you breastfeed and formula feed together?
Yes, this is called supplement feeding and a great way to balance nutrition and convenience.
References
[1] https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/5-common-breastfeeding-problems
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With Love, from Cocoon Care
Dear Parent,
No matter where you are, your baby deserves gentle beginnings and comforting care. At Cocooncare, we pour love into every stitch. From soft muslin swaddles to cozy sleep pods and thoughtfully made newborn clothing, our essentials hold your baby with the same tenderness as you do. You can find baby essentials on our website and also on Amazon, Firstcry, Myntra, Nykaafashion and DuckDuck baby.
Because every baby deserves to be cocooned in care.
About the Author: The Cocoon Care Editorial Team works with pediatric consultants and experienced parents to bring you baby care tips you can trust.
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