BREAST FEEDINGVS

BOTTLE FEEDING

By: Chrissy Nand

MAKING A CHOICE

• The decision to breast feed or bottle feed should be a choice made by mothers. However, in today’s society, this does not appear to be the case. New mothers are strongly encouraged to breast feed and those who do not, are often viewed negatively. Both feeding methods have advantages and disadvantages, and new mothers should be provided with adequate information on their options, and be encouraged to make an informed decision.

BREAST FEEDING -Advantages• Good balance of nutrients

•Contains high levels of nutrients

•Easily digested and absorbed

•Infant determines amount

•No cost

•Always the right temperature

•No preparation time

•Milk is readily available

(American Pregnancy Association, 2005)

BREAST FEEDING - DISADVANTAGES

• Mother must be present for feeding

• If feeding is missed, mother must pump

• Initially, breast feeding may be challenging

• Some medications may interfere with breast feeding

(American Pregnancy Association, 2005)

BOTTLE FEEDING - ADVANTAGES

•Anyone can help feed the infant

•Formulas are made to adequately meet the nutritional needs of the infant

•May be more comfortable for some mothers to feed in public

(American Pregnancy Association, 2005)(American Family Physician, 1996)

BOTTLE FEEDING - disadvantages

• Not as effectively utilized as breast milk

• Nutritional content depends on proper preparation

• Some infants have difficulty tolerating some nutrients

• Can be costly

• Amount infant receives, determined by care-giver/pediatrician

• Preparation time varies and involves warming the formula

(American Pregnancy Association, 2005)

Is your infant getting enough?

Your infant is getting enough breast milk when they have:

•At least 6-8 wet diapers every day

•By two weeks, are back up to birth weight

•Audible swallowing while breast feeding

•At least four or more bowel movements daily

(American Family Physician, 1996)

CHOOSING INFANT FORMULA

Baby formula is available in different forms:

•Ready-to-use liquid

•Concentrated liquid

•Powder

(American Family Physician, 1996)

REFERENCES

• American Family Physician. (1996). Patient information: breast feeding and bottle feeding. American Family Physician, 54 (1), 147-151. Retrieved October 1, 2005, from Academic Search Premier database.

• American Pregnancy Association. (2005). Breast feeding vs bottle feeding. Retrieved September 29, 2005, from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/breastfeedingandbottle.html

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

• http://www.breastfeeding.com

• http://www.007b.com/breast_versus_bottle.php

• http://www.pregnancylounge.com/breastfeeding.php