Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding:
A Fair Analysis

{Photo by Raphael Goetter}

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 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 benefits, see The Benefits of Breastfeeding.

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 t 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. Little undigested matter passes into the stool, which de-stinkifies (how's that for a word!) the poop.

{Photo by pfly}

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.

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.

• 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.

Knowing the pros and cons of what to expect once you're in the game will help set you up for a breast (or bottle) home run.

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