The article Breast feeding Vs. Bottle feeding as written by Lawrence Ketene, and it was published in 2008. The author does not seem to be more for or against either side. The author states he enjoys seeing the parents on both sides of the debate that are concerned about their children’s nutrition (Ketene, 2008). The author states he is concerned when the parents are made to feel like failures when they do not follow a certain way (Ketene, 2008). The author goes through some of the pros and cons of both breast feeding and bottle feeding.
If the mother is well fed then breast milk is the idea diet for a newborn (Ketene, 2008). Breast feeding has everything a newborn will need to grow, however it lacks Vitamin D (Ketene, 2008). During the first three days of breast feeding you are actually feeding your child colostrums, which has disease preventing antibodies in it (Ketene, 2008). Breast milk is sterile and readily available to the mother, and you also do not need to worry about the temperature of it (Ketene, 2008). Breast milk can also be extracted manually and refrigerated for use when the mother is not available (Ketene, 2008).
Many women find breast feeding as a warm, soothing experience, and a mime to feel close to their babies (Ketene, 2008). Other women find breast feeding frustrating and uncomfortable and turn to bottles (Ketene, 2008). Some women also find themselves resenting all of the constant demand from their babies and the changes in their bodies, and end up turning to bottles (Ketene, 2008). Commercial formula is one of the great equalizers (Ketene, 2008). Not only can formula be given to the child by the mother but also by the father and babysitter and so forth (Ketene, 2008).
One of the best advantages of bottle feeding is that it gives the father the chance to feed the child (Ketene, 2008). The time spent feeding the child gives the father the feeling like they are a needed part of their child’s life from the very beginning (Ketene, 2008). Bottle feeding not only helps the father-child relationship but it also helps prevent feelings of jealousy or resentment (Ketene, 2008). The author’s conclusion is that deciding not to breast feed does not make you a bad parent (Ketene, 2008). The mother’s body is hers and hers alone, and it is her choice whether or not breast feed (Ketene, 2008).
The author states that with the commercial formulas these days no parent would feel like they are depriving their child of the nutrients he or she needs (Ketene, 2008). An average bottle fed baby will thrive just as well as a breast fed baby, so nutrients are not an issue (Ketene, 2008). The article Breastfeeding vs.. Formula Feeding was written by Joseph Distant and Karri Distant, and it was published in 2012. The authors are not for or against either breast or bottle feeding. The authors give all the advantages and disadvantages to both breast and bottle feeding.
The authors state that the choice to breast feed or bottle feed is a very personal choice (Distant, 2012). According to Distant there are many different advantages to breast feeding. The antibodies passed while breast feeding can help with ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and meningitis (Distant, 2012). Breast milk is easily digested by a newborns immature digestive system (Distant, 2012). Breast milk is always fresh, available and free (Distant, 2012). The skin to skin contact during breast feeding can enhance the emotional connection between mother and baby (Distant, 2012).
Distant states there are some disadvantages to breast feeding also. Breast feeding can e slightly painful or uncomfortable at first (Distant, 2012). Breast feeding is very time consuming as the baby needs more frequent feedings (Distant, 2012). Women who are breast feeding need to consume 500 more calories a day, and also need to watch what they eat and drink (Distant, 2012). Women who are breast feeding need to be careful about what medications they take, including but not limited to over the counter or herbal medication (Distant, 2012). Distant states that there are advantages to bottle feeding as well.
Formula contains vitamins and minerals that breast fed babies need to get from supplements Distant, 2012). With bottle feeding there is no need to schedule activities or work around the babies feedings because another caregiver can feed the baby (Distant, 2012). Because formula is harder for babies to digest they do not need to eat as frequent as breast fed babies (Distant, 2012). Women who bottle feed to not need to worry about what they eat or drink affecting their baby (Distant, 2012). Just like breast feeding, Distant also states that there are disadvantages to bottle feeding.
The water mixed with the formula malls be sterile and not too to or too cold; once it is mixed the formula must be used within an hour or put in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours (Distant, 2012). Formula does not have any of the antibodies that breast milk has and therefore does not protect the baby against certain illnesses (Distant, 2012). Formula fed babies are more likely to be more gassy and become constipated (Distant, 2012). The conclusion the authors came to was that there is no right or wrong decision when it comes to breast feeding or bottle feeding (Distant, 2012).
It is up to the mother to decide if breast deeding or bottle feeding is the best way for her and her baby (Distant, 2012). A happy mother makes for a less stressful mother and experience with the baby (Distant, 2012). Whether breast fed or bottle fed, feeding time is a time to bond with the child (Distant, 2012). Before doing the research on breast feeding vs. bottle feeding I was neither for nor against either one. After doing the research am still neither for nor against either way. When I got pregnant I was all ready to try to breast feed. After I found out I was having a boy I started to feel a little uncomfortable about it.
I am not sure why I felt that way but I did, so I was going to exclusively pump. After my son was born six weeks early he had to be in the NICE and was more worried about him then pumping, so I decided not to breast feed at all. My son was put on a preemie formula and he is advancing just as well as any breast fed baby his age. Breast feeding is always a great option for any newborn and mother that is comfortable with it. However if breast feeding is not an option, formula is a great substitute. With all the advances that formula makers have added now days formula is just as good as breast milk for giving our child the nutrients they need.
