Breast feeding VS Bottle feeding

Majority health professionals all over the world would highly recommend breast feeding over formula feeding where ever possible. Of course, not all women will be able to breast feed their baby, where some women may find that although they initially started out breast feeding their baby, but they are unable to continue to do so for any number of reasons (chronic discomfort, lack of milk, etc). There is no right way or wrong way when it comes to the breast feeding vs bottle feeding debate as both have their advantages and disadvantages, some of which will be explain below:-

Advantages of breast feeding:
1) Provides all the required nutrients, vitamins, and anti-infection antibodies to the newborn baby.

2) Breast fed babies have fewer infections and illnesses compare to their formula-fed counterparts.

3) Closer bond between the baby and the mother when breast feeding.

4) Breast feeding is beneficial for the mother in the areas of weight control and even as a cancer preventative.

5) Mother’s milk is more easily digest than formula milk, resulting the baby will suffer less from constipation and diarrhoea.

6) Breast feeding is free.


Disadvantages of breast feeding:
1) Not all mothers feel comfortable when first breast feeding the baby. Many mothers need time to master the techniques for comfortable breast feeding.

2) Breast feeding is more demanding physically for the mother than bottle feeding. Baby may require breast feeding every 2 - 3 hours interval & this might be very tiring.

3) Pain & may lead to sore breast (nipple crack & bleeding).

4) Breast milk is easier to digest that cause the baby will want (or need) to eat more frequently than if they were bottle fed. In turn this can lead to more diaper.

5) Self-consciousness. Some mothers have absolutely no problem with breast feeding in public or semi-public places, others are not so comfortable with the idea.

6) Lifestyle. Breast feed may lead to many restriction like limited tea or coffee, no smoking, no alcohol, etc.


Advantages of bottle feeding:
1) Bottle feeding can be much more convenient than breast feeding. Once the formula is prepared, you can feed your baby in just about any location at any time.

2) Mothers do not have to worry about their own diet as much as their breast feeding counterparts do.

3) Father can play an active role during bottle feeding. This can help to improve on the baby & father bonding.

4) Bottle feeding it is easier to monitor on how much food the baby is eating. This will not overfed the baby.


Disadvantages of bottle feeding:
1) Insufficient nutrients & antibodies from formula milk compare to breast feeding can provide.

2) Milk bottles need to be constantly cleaned & sterilized.

3) Incompatibility of formula milk that may result in diarrhea.

4) Obviously it is more expensive than breast feeding.