There are various important decisions a new parent will have to make, including their choice of nourishing their newborns - breastfeeding vs formula feeding.
The World Health Organization says breastfed babies are healthier than formula-fed babies. However, this does not mean young parents should rely only on breastfeeding their babies.
In certain instances, the medical conditions of either mothers or infants can pose challenges to breastfeeding. As a result, bottle feeding with specialised baby formula may be necessary to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Individual circumstances, such as the mother's work schedule or lack of support, may also make bottle feeding a more practical choice.
To decide how best to feed your baby, we're exploring the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding and formula feeding. Read on to know more!
Breast Milk: Nature's Perfect Food
Here are some advantages of breastfeeding your baby:
Optimal Nutrition
Breastfeeding may also help prevent the possibility of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Breast milk naturally provides all the necessary nutrients, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, to support your baby's growth and development.
It contains essential antibodies and immune factors that help protect your child from infections and diseases.
Digestive Benefits
Breast milk is easily digested by infants, reducing the chances of constipation or digestive issues.
It is also associated with a lower risk of developing allergies, asthma, ear infections and stomach problems, lowering your baby's chance of being hospitalised with breathing issues.
Bonding and Emotional Connection
Breastfeeding promotes bonding between a mother and their baby.
The skin-to-skin contact and eye contact during nursing sessions foster emotional connection and can have long-term positive effects on the baby's emotional well-being.
Cost and Convenience
Human milk is readily available and requires no preparation and sterilisation. You also don't need to buy formula milk and other bottle-feeding paraphernalia.
Protective benefits for mothers
Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure for mothers.
Breastfeeding challenges
However, mothers may encounter certain problems when breastfeeding:
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Latching problems - Some babies may have difficulty latching onto the breast, leading to nipple soreness and insufficient milk transfer.
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Low breast milk supply - Some mothers have difficulty producing adequate milk for their babies' needs.
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Breast engorgement - Latching can be difficult even when feeding healthy infants when the breasts become excessively full and uncomfortable due to increased milk production.
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Mastitis and blocked milk ducts - Breast infections and other issues usually require medical attention and may temporarily affect breastfeeding.
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Limiting breastfeeding arrangements - Mothers must pump breast milk the night before or make certain workarounds to return to work.
Formula Milk: A Reliable Alternative
If you choose to bottle-feed your baby, here are the benefits of milk formula:
Accessibility and Flexibility
Formula milk is widely available in pre-measured individual packets or containers with a measuring scoop. It can be easily prepared by mixing the powdered formula with the specified amount of water.
This allows for more flexibility in feeding times and enables other caregivers to participate in the feeding process, giving the mother more freedom and the ability to share the responsibility of feeding.
Nutritional Consistency
Infant formula is formulated to provide a balanced blend of nutrients, ensuring your baby's nutritional needs are met.
And while it may not contain the same antibodies and immune factors as breast milk, modern formulas often include added nutrients to support the baby's immune system.
Shared Feeding Responsibility
Formula feeding allows partners, family members, or caregivers to share the responsibility of feeding the baby. This can be particularly helpful for mothers returning to work or have difficulty breastfeeding.
More Accurate Monitoring Intake
Formula feeding makes it easier to monitor the milk consumed by the baby as bottles provide exact measurements.
Formula feeding challenges
Here are some common challenges that parents may encounter when formula feeding:
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Too many choices - Choosing the right formula can be overwhelming due to the varieties available in the market.
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Digestive issues - Some babies may experience digestive discomforts, such as gas, colic, or constipation, when consuming formula.
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Formula milk is more expensive - Formula feeding costs more, especially when compared to breastfeeding.
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Nighttime feedings - Preparing formula and feeding your baby during irregular times at night can disrupt your sleep.
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Time-consuming - Proper sterilisation of bottles, nipples, and other feeding equipment to maintain takes considerable time.Â
Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding, Baby Express has you covered!
Created by a working mother for working mothers, you can rely on our high-quality breast pumps and comprehensive support to navigate the challenges and joys of breastfeeding and breast pumping.
Our wide range of portable products is designed to support you every step of the way, from breast pumps and UV bags to baby teethers - expect mummy and baby's needs to be covered!
Baby Express' FREE 12-Months Lactation Consultant Services
We also offer an exclusive breastfeeding program as part of our commitment to your breastfeeding success. Available to all Baby Express users, this subscription-based consultation service is designed to address any of your breastfeeding concerns.
We stand as the sole company offering this service exclusively in Singapore.
Typically, similar services come with a price tag of around $150 or more per hour. However, we take immense pride in being able to provide it to you first and foremost, completely free of charge.
What's more, we also provide servicing and repair services for all breast pumps!
You can find Baby Express products at three reputable retailers: Mummys Market, Bove, and Little Baby. You may also conveniently purchase our products online through our website.
Want to know more before buying? Contact us @ +65 97207 388 today!