Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding:
A Fair Analysis

In the final championship game of breastfeeding vs bottle feeding, it is knowledge that will determine the winner. Are you positive you know all the rules?

Can you evaluate each "team's" strengths and weaknesses fairly? Move past the general "favorites" and get a realistic view of what both sides bring to the table.

The breastfeeding vs bottle feeding decision is a big one. It will dictate much of what happens in that first year. Here's a play-by-play analysis of both side's main arguments.

I've breastfed two babies. I've formula-fed two babies. I've got nothing to lose by sharing the blessings and the curses of both breast and bottle feeding.

Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding: Go Breasts!

The Blessing of the Breasts

Breastfed babies tend to have less sicknesses in the first year. They tend to swallow less air while feeding, which means they burp less often. There are natural laxatives in breastmilk that almost eliminate the possibility of constipation in your newborn.

Breastfeeding also helps your body get back to normal sooner. The hormone that causes your body to produce milk is also the hormone that jump-starts the shrinking of your uterus to its pre-preganancy size. That, and the added calorie burning, is a benefit many mothers look forward to.

As for your baby...all milk is made up of two components: whey and casein. Human milk contains more whey than most milks (it is predominant). Whey is a "golden protein", meaning is easily digested and absorbed. This means fewer baby tummy aches!

This is just the first inning for breastfeeding benefits. For the rest of the game, see The Benefits of Breastfeeding.

The Curse of the Bottles

Once you've started with the bottle, it's difficult to change your mind. You can restart your breastfeeding, but it takes time and you'll probably always have to supplement with formula.

Although formula is nutritious, it lacks the antibodies mother's milk provides. These antibodies help protect your infant from many common newborn sicknesses.

Formula is expensive! Even if you get free samples, working all the bottles, formula, nipples, etc. into the budget can be eye-popping.

Rather than rolling over and unbuttoning your shirt, those late night feedings will include a trip down to the kitchen, and the preparation of a bottle of formula - easy tasks during the day, arduous tasks late at night.

Finally, perhaps the worst curse of all: formula-fed babies generally have incredibly STINKY poopy diapers. Purchasing a well-sealed diaper pail and some air fresheners is a must! This high-stink-factor is due to the nutritional by-products not being thoroughly absorbed into the bowel. Breastmilk is absorbed extremely well. Only small amounts of undigested matter passes into the stool, which de-stinkifies (yes, I made that word up) the poop.

Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding: Go Bottles!

{Photo by pfly}

The Blessing of the Bottles

In this, the 21st Century, we are blessed with some pretty amazing formulas. Today's formulas are well-formulated. Although they don't have the antibodies that breastmilk has, they run a close second in nutritional content. In some cases, with babies allergic to breastmilk, the formula is better for them!

Just as you can cuddle and bond with your baby while breastfeeding, you can do the same with the bottle. In fact, everyone can bond using the bottle. You can share the evening feedings with your hubby, or have Grandma sit in for a few hours without needing to pump.

Bottle feeding is also beneficial because you can see exactly how much food your infant is getting. Determining the same for breastfed babies takes more effort. (Like using a Breastfeeding Diary.)

You also never have to worry about your diet affecting your baby. You can eat whatever you'd like without having to concern yourself on whether the broccoli you ate for supper will haunt you with a fussy baby at 2 in the morning.

The Curse of the Breasts

Because breastmilk is so easily digested, your baby will burn through it more quickly, requring more breastfeeding sessions. If you will be going back to work, breastfeeding can be difficult to balance (although not impossible). Breastfeeding at work takes more...well...work.

If you have a chronic condition that leaves you weak, breastfeeding could hurt your stamina even further. Speak with your doctor about your condition and whether breastfeeding would be too much of a strain on your system. You should also speak to your doctor if you are taking any medication on a regular basis. Some medicines can pass into your breastmilk and harm your newborn.

Breastfeeding takes time to learn. It will be several weeks for you and your baby to be working in rhythm with each other. The decision attached to breastfeeding vs bottle feeding must be made with the understanding that you will not (most likely) start breastfeeding as a pro. It is a skill that must be practiced before it is perfected.

Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding:
Can't We All Be Friends and Do Both?

Perhaps you're more the pacifist. Perhaps the whole "breastfeeding vs bottle feeding" competition is too violent for you. Luckily, you can have your breast and pump it too. Many mothers (myself included) have chosen to "Combo Feed" and offer both breast and bottle. (Either by pumping breastmilk or supplementing with formula.) If you're contemplating this route, here are a few guidelines to consider.

Combo-Feeding Guidelines

Sucking on a breast and sucking on bottle is not the same. They use different techniques. In breastfeeding, the baby will literally strip the milk from your nipple with his tongue. With a bottle, the tongue serves to limit the flow of milk from the bottle's nipple. Introducing the bottle before your breastmilk flow is steady (usually a few weeks) could confuse your baby's ability to nurse. It will depend on your baby as to whether he gets "nipple confused".
The more you bottle-feed, the less milk your body will produce...which means more formula...which means less breastmilk...and so on and so forth. A proper balance between the two will need to be found.
Substitute only when necessary in the first 3-4 weeks (or not at all). At most, you should only add one bottle in a 24 hour period.
Once your milk is flowing steadily, you can supplement more than one bottle a day. If you feel your supply is shrinking, stop offering the bottle to drive your milk supply up again.

At 6-8 weeks old, my husband and I would offer a single bottle of formula at the 11pm-ish feeding. It helped fill their tummies longer, and helped them sleep through the night at 6 weeks (Lauren) and 8 weeks (Elena).

I hope this breastfeeding vs bottle feeding guide has been helpful in deciding which "team" you and your baby should be on. If you can physically and situationally breastfeed, I would encourage you to give breastfeeding a try. However, I understand that not all mothers can breastfeed.

If that's you, be encouraged. Formula-fed babies grow up to be just as healthy and functional as breastfed ones! You may have a few more coughs and colds in those early years, but in the long run things will look the same. I'm sure there are just as many formula-fed babies at Harvard than breastfed ones.

If you'd like more information on nursing in book-form, or want to know if a specific breastfeeding product actually helps, check out my honest-with-no-fuss reviews. Knowing the pros and cons of what to expect once you're in the game will set you up for a breast (or bottle) home run.