breastfeeding vs formula! go!

[Jr23861]

I'm pretty sure I wanna breastfeed but what's the advantages/ disadvantages both.

Thanks!

[Jr23861]

Thank you! I was pretty set on breastfeeding but my boyfriend told me to hear out the options. I'm going to breastfeed my baby :)

[doulamommy]

SO many advantages to breastfeeding!
- Free (or at least cheaper): you still do have things to but to breastfeed. Nursing bras, breast pads (so your clothes aren't always soaked), pump and bottles if you're planning to go back to work or do date night, etc. Depending on your preferences, you could get away with two bras, washable pads, and hands expressing which would save money.
- Reduces your risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer (and possibly reduces baby's risk of reproductive cancers as well - study is ongoing)
- Helps your uterus clamp down faster and more effectively
- Helps with initial weight loss
- Super convenient: never have to pack bottles and water and formula, just yourself. Nighttime nursing is heavenly! I was able to sleep while nursing (make sure your bed is safe for cosleeping just in case)
- Your milk adjusts based on baby's age and nutritional needs. Colostrum is different than when your milk comes in is different than six months later. It's constantly changing to perfectly suit baby's needs.
- Antibodies in breastmilk mean your baby is less likely to get sick/stay sick as long
etc etc etc.
Formula is an option if you're unable to breastfeed or choose not to, but breast really is best if you're able. :)

[monk2043]

It is natural and that's how it is suppose to be! You can do it!

[scarletbegoniass]

Formula feeding pros
Bottle-fed babies need to be fed less frequently since it is more difficult to digest.
If you are bottle feeding your baby, you know exactly how much milk your baby has had.
You do not need to be present each time the baby has to be fed; some other family member or friend can also feed the baby.
Your social life does not need to be curtailed. 
You can resume your normal life.

[Catelinalove15]

Well I was told breastfeeding is the best for your baby just as long as your healthy and taking prenatals. I don't too much care for packaged foods because you never know what's in the formula so I'm scared but I was told sometimes you don't always produce enough milk soo it's best to just have some on hand. But I prefer the "boob" it's what we're made to do.

[monk2043]

Omg girl! Breastfeeding is the way to go! Helps with immunity and development. Also breast milk produces more of any nutrients the baby is missing when he/she is born to ensure baby is getting nutrients. Did you know there is no lactose in our breast milk as there is in cows? which means naturally we are not even suppose to have anything lactose! A lot of people don't know these things. I would do some research and I guarantee you will not want to formula feed. I hope you breast feed!!  :) mentally prepare yourself and don't let people tell you it's hard. Its only going to be as hard as you make it! :)

[scarletbegoniass]

Breastfeeding pros

Breast milk is a unique nutritional source that cannot adequately be replaced by any other food, including infant formula. Although pollutants can accumulate in breast milk, it remains superior to infant formula from the perspective of the overall health of both mother and child.

Infants are fragile and susceptible to disease, partly because their bodies are not fully developed. They must be treated with special care and given adequate nourishment. Infant formulas are able to mimic a few of the nutritional components of breast milk, but formula cannot hope to duplicate the vast and constantly changing array of essential nutrients in human milk. Nevertheless, breastfeeding is often devalued, both in the United States and abroad, and in many parts of the world it must compete with relentless advertising by infant-formula companies.

Studies have demonstrated a number of important health benefits to breastfeeding. Among them:

Breast-fed children are more resistant to disease and infection early in life than formula-fed children

Breast-fed children are less likely to contract a number of diseases later in life, including juvenile diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and cancer before the age of 15

Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to develop osteoporosis later in life, are able to lose weight gained during pregnancy more easily and have a lower risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer

Breastfeeding also has economic advantages: it's cheaper than buying formula and helps avoid medical bills later because it helps equip the baby to fight off disease and infection. New parents are well advised to learn all they can about the pros and cons of breast milk and formula.

[haleyblossom]

Breastfeeding is free and you don't ever have to worry about your breast milk being recalled like with formula. Even on formula cans it says breast milk is recommended or something like that