Breastmilk and Formula

Mothers and medical experts have been debating the benefits of breast milk over formula and vice versa for a long time. Current consensus is that exclusive breastfeeding up to about six months is the ideal choice. Breast milk contains just the right set of nutrients in the exact amounts needed for your baby. However, after six months, breast milk alone does not provide her the required nutrition. You may have to get her started on formula and continue breast milk till she is about a year old. Also in some cases, your doctor may advise you to put your little one on a formula if she does not gain weight a few days after she is born.

Some common Indian formula food brands are Lactogen, Cerelac, NAN and Nestum. They are available in different flavours for different stages of your baby's growth. Formula food is easily available in medical shops in your area.

Advantages of Breastfeeding

• Breast milk contains antibodies to help the baby's body fight against infections such as diarrhoea, ear infection, meningitis and so on. These babies are less prone to obesity, allergy, asthma, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• The nutrients in breast milk are just right for a baby's digestive system. It can be easily digested.
• Breast milk is free of cost and involves no expense at all.
• The baby gets different flavours in the breast milk depending on the food the mother eats.
• Breast milk is readily available on demand. Every time you give your baby breast milk, it is always fresh.
• Studies have shown that babies fed exclusively with breast milk for 6 months tend to show a higher level of intelligence.
• Breast feeding mothers are also greatly benefited. It helps them return to their pre-pregnancy shape faster.
• The consistency of breast milk changes according to the needs of the baby.
• A special bond is developed between mother and child due to the skin-to-skin contact.
• There is no hassle of cleaning or sterilization of feeding bottles. Also, no heating is required when you feed your little one directly from the breast.
• Breast milk has no expiry date.

Disadvantages of Breastfeeding

• The mother may initially feel a sense of discomfort. This happens mainly due to improper latching of the baby onto the breast.
• Some mothers feel that they run short of time because breast feeding has to be done more often than feeding formula in a day. This is because breast milk digests faster and the baby needs her feed at closer intervals.
• Mothers need to be extra cautious of the diet they follow. What they consume can be passed on to the baby through breast milk.
• Medications used by the mother may cause breast feeding to be unsafe.
• You do not know how much milk your little one drinks from your breast during each feed.

Advantages of Formula

• Feeding responsibility does not belong to the mother alone. The father, siblings, grand parents and other relatives can also share the thrill of feeding and experience closeness with the baby.
• Since formula food is more filling, the number of feeds will be less. Babies eat less often and mothers can go about their daily activities in a normal manner.
• The mother's diet and medicines do not affect the baby.
• You know how much milk your baby needs.
• Formula is more convenient to use in public.

Disadvantages of Formula

• The formula has to be mixed in the right proportion. Extreme care should be taken to see that the mix is neither too dilute nor too concentrated.
• The equipment needed for formula food such as feeding bottles, utensils etc have to be washed and sterilized properly to avoid infections.
• The left over formula in the feeding bottle after a feed cannot be reused.
• Formula is expensive and is not available on demand. You may have to run to the nearest departmental store at the last minute to buy a tin of formula if you run out of stock.
• You should take care to see that the expiry date has not passed for the formula.
• Babies may encounter gas problems and constipation.
• Formula does not contain the antibodies required to protect the bodies against infection.
• Unlike breast milk, formula milk cannot change itself according to the needs of the baby.