7 Replies
of cos there is no comparison. BF is the best and cannot be duplicated however, formula is given when mommy has not enough BF. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. There are ways in which formula is similar to breast milk: they both provide energy, hydration and nutrients, so your baby will grow whichever milk he is given. But despite advances in how baby milk powder is formulated and manufactured, it doesn’t come close to matching the health benefits of your breast milk. Human milk has evolved over millions of years to be the perfect food for human babies. It’s much more complex than other mammals’ milk, as it builds our more complex brains and unique digestive and immune systems. In contrast, cow’s milk, from which most formula is made, meets the specific needs of calves. It’s not safe for human babies to drink, so has to be processed intensively when made into formula for infants.
Personally I think the advantages and disadvantages depends on your point of view. If you see it from your baby’s, only advantages if you do express breast milk or directly latch on. BM is the best. The disadvantage kicks in if you see from the mother’s pov. We have to nurse/express every 2-3hours without fail. The pain from Breastfeeding is worse than contractions pain for me because it feels like forever. Basically, all mothers will want to go for BM cause it is the best with antibodies. However, due to some reasons, some would choose to formula feed or mix. If BM comes pain free, easy to have, no need to worry about supply and diet, time to pump or latch and basically as easy as formula then i think all will be breastfeeding already.
whichever that is convinient for you and family. the things that I treasure the most from breast milk are the antibodies and good fat for brain growth. however nowadays formulas have been improved to provide these components too. maybe not as complete yet. so it's really up to you which one suits your baby and family more. I have breastfeeding my babies until they are three to four months old. then started to mixed with formula as my supply reduced. whichever choice you make, it will still be the best for your baby. happy motherhood
1st born mixed feed from 3 month onwards cause sending lo to IFC 2nd baby full BF, will BF as long as I can actually it's personal preference and convenient, no right no wrong, both are good for baby
I will try to give BM as much as possible but will top up with FM if not enough
My girl is on mixed feed! Formula when we go out for long hours..
formula milk is expensive. I will try bm for as long as I can