Whether to Breast Feed or Bottle Feed - Essay Example

?Should a Mom Breast or Bottle Feed? Should a Mom Breast or Bottle Feed? Before the arrival of a new born baby, the mother is usually faced with too much pressure and anxiety. One of the elements that stress her out is whether to breast feed or bottle feed. Most pediatrics advocate for breastfeeding assuming the parent does not suffer from any viral diseases (Shelov and American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009). The question whether to breast feed or bottle feed is entirely the decision of the parents and more so that of the new mother. Whether a child is breast fed or bottle fed, it is believed that both ways have their advantages and disadvantages. To enable us know the better choice, this research on the advantages and disadvantages of both ways of feeding. Both the breastfeeding approach and bottle feeding approach are known to have the same impact on the baby. Though some babies known to have been bottle fed show slower growth, it is important to note formula milk has the same nutrient content as breast milk. Breast milk is the recommended feeding approach to babies because; it is readily available and easily accessible to the baby whenever it needs to feed. A mother’s milk is important to a baby since it contains white blood cells important to fight dangerous infections and natural chemicals that provide protection against infections in the first months of living since babies are fragile (Shelov, Altmann, 2009). In the earlier days of a living being, the baby is defenseless and likely to catch any infection that may come along. It is important for mothers to use breast milk so as to enable the babies grow resistance and immunity. What’s better than cutting on costs? Breast milk is natural and free hence saving since one does not need storage materials According to the American pediatrics, breast milk helps prevent sudden infant death syndrome [SIDS] (Shelov and American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009). This is due to its protective nature. A new mother does not have to worry about losing a baby for having less immunity for diseases like SIDS if they feed their babies on breast milk. Breast milk is known to contain perfect nutrient proportions that a baby needs to grow. A baby requires proteins, calcium, fat and carbohydrates to cater for its growth. Breast milk is known to contain all this nutrients in the right proportions. Babies are prone to sicknesses due to lack of nutrients. Nutrients deficiency is highly discouraged when a mother is free of any diseases that could prevent her from breastfeeding. To curb nutrient deficiency diseases mothers are advised to breast feed their babies for at least six months after birth. The natural the substance is, the easier it is to digest. Babies are able to digest breast milk very easily (and readily) due to its liquid nature. Shelov and American Academy of Pediatrics (2009) believe that it is a common believe that when mothers give birth, it is a must they gain weight. It is advisable to breastfeed a baby as this enables a mother lose weight. The child’s suckling is required to take place as much as a baby is awake. This action enables a mom shed of some nutrients as well as fat helping her keep in shape. Most women are worried of losing their sex appeal in the form of sagging of breasts and increased body mass. It is highly advised for mothers to maintain a positive mind and focus on feeding the baby correctly for the good of the baby in the future. Breast milk helps the baby from allergies and asthma. Respiratory allergies are very common for babies born and bred in cold areas to be able to protect them during their first encounter on earth with foreign environments it is highly recommended by pediatrics for moms to breastfeed their babies. Babies require breast milk for brain development (Shelov, Altmann, 2009). Breast milk contains fatty acids that promote its health and a developed brain. Growth is not only marked by the physical growth but also by brain development. Every mother wishes for their children to be sharp and to quickly adapt to the immediate surrounding. To achieve normal brain development breast milk is recommended as opposed to bottle feeding. Bottle feeding is preferred by mothers who have viral diseases and hence risk transferring the same to their babies if they breast feed. Others choose bottle feeding due to their carriers and/or separation from the baby. A happy unstressed mother is the best mother. If one is not willing to breast feed then bottle feeding best fits your needs. Formulas then are the best to meet your baby’s needs. Infant formulas have gotten better and better with time. Infant formula manufactures have been striving to match the ingredients and proportions to that of human milk. The manufactures have taken longer strides by ensuring the formulas have nutrients and fatty acids important in the growth of the baby and brain development (Shelov and American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009). Bottle fed babies are prone to infections, but it is believed that the infections will not be as serious in the first months. The most advantageous factor for bottle feeding is the fact that anyone can feed the baby. As long as someone is clean, they can feed the baby. Bottle fed babies tend to be more independent since there is a lesser bond between them and their mother. They are also known to start weaning faster than their breast fed counter parts hence stronger and healthier bodies. A major disadvantage of breastfeeding is that the mother should be present at all times. In case a mother is under any medication, she is advised not to breast feed. Some medication is not good for breastfeeding thus interrupting breast feeding. Another disadvantage of bottle feeding is that a mother is expected to carry feeding bottles and mixing items every time. Formula milk requires warming and the preparation time varies. If babies have been introduced to breast milk initially, they might find formulas intolerable. Though the choice of breast feeding or bottle feeding is entirely that of a new mom, breastfeeding as we have seen above is better that bottle feeding. A breast fed baby is in so many ways healthier and stronger. Considering the nutrients fatty acids present in breast milk and absent/minutely incorporated in formulas, breast fed babies stand a better chance in preventing infections in the earlier days of life. Breast milk is nutritious and considered the most important in a baby’s life. It provides a bond between the baby and mother from the beginning. A baby remains emotionally stable due to the reassurance provided by the sharing of hormones and white cells with its mother. Mothers who nurse their babies feel the emotional rewards too. Once the milk supply is established and the baby is perfectly feeding, both the mother and the child share a tremendous closeness and their bond grows stronger throughout infancy. The white cells are important in resisting some types of infections. A breastfed baby in a normal environment is more resistant to infections than a bottle fed baby. It is also less likely for breastfed babies to develop asthma and diabetes or risk being obese as compared to the bottle fed babies. The first few weeks of nursing can pose difficulties to either the mother or the baby. It is advisable for the mother to seek guidance from a certified lactation consultant (Shelov and American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009). It is a good idea to breast feed if you cannot afford not to, formula is expensive. To buy all the items needed in bottle feeding needs preparation and enough money to replace the bottles after some time. The American pregnancy association recommends breastfeeding. The association adds that breastfeeding should not be a struggle since a mother should know what’s best for her baby. Some other people think that people who bottle feed their babies have an advantage to those who breast feed when it comes to weaning. The fact is babies that are introduced to bottles earlier on will an artificial nipple easier, but it is also easier teaching a grown baby bottle feed. When people and nurses are asked to advise new mothers on feeding, some might prefer bottle feeding to breastfeeding arguing that the baby needs to bond with both parents and not only the mother. It is true that the baby needs to bond with both parents to enable the dad bond with a baby it is important to feed the baby. The best way for him to bond with a baby is to stroke, cuddle and rock the baby. A baby also can bond with his dad if he looks straight into his eyes thus enhancing the experience between them. A mother can also let the father feed the baby on water or breast pumped milk. Ultimately, only the parents can make the decision on how to feed their infant. The pediatrician may suggest in favor of any of the above options due to the situation of birth and any other factors, but that decision solely lies with the parents. The pros and cons of each method can be discussed in length, but the decision is for each mother to make. Reference Shelov, P. and American Academy of Pediatrics. (2009). Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. New Jersey: Random House Publishing Group. Read More