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  7. Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding: The Pros and Cons of Each

Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding: The Pros and Cons of Each

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In the breastfeeding versus formula feeding debate, both sides present valid arguments for the pros, and both sides have their downfalls.

The debate between breastfeeding versus formula feeding has long been a raging one on parenting forums, in mommy playgroups and anywhere else that moms or soon-to-be moms gather. It can get really heated and nasty at times, with one side coming down harshly on the other, often leaving hard and hurt feelings in its wake. It really shouldn’t be this way, as both sides have valid arguments, and both options have pros and cons. New moms and moms-to-be need to look at these pros and cons of breastfeeding versus formula feeding and decide which option is best for them. All others should respect that decision, even if it’s not the choice they would have made.

Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding

Pros

  • Breast milk contains everything your baby needs to grow and thrive in the most ideal composition. While there are some exceptions to this, for the most part, breast milk really is the most complete form of nutrition for your baby.
  • When comparing breastfeeding versus formula feeding, breastfeeding is definitely the less expensive option. In fact, it’s completely free!
  • For moms who have no one to take on night feeding, it can help them get more sleep, since there are no bottles to grab and warm up in the middle of the night. The act of getting out of bed to prepare a bottle completely breaks your sleep cycle and makes it harder to get back to sleep.
  • The antibodies passed to your baby through breast milk may help decrease their chances of developing certain infections.

Cons

  • If you take in too little of certain nutrients, the quality of your breast milk can be compromised, which means your baby will not be getting the best nutrition.
  • On the other hand, taking in too much of certain substances (alcohol, caffeine, mercury in fish) can be dangerous to your baby. Talk to your doctor for a list of foods and substances that you’ll need to avoid.
  • Certain medications can pass into the breast milk and harm your baby. Any medication that passes into your breast milk can be potentially dangerous. Even if a medication is labeled “typically safe,” it is difficult to predict long-term effects until generations have passed.
  • Some women may find breastfeeding uncomfortable and even painful, either physically or psychologically, for many reasons.

Pros and Cons of Formula Feeding

Pros

  • Formula contains all the necessary nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive. Advances in formula over the years have come a long way. It’s still not as ideal as breast milk, but it’s pretty close.
  • Moms can take necessary medications without worrying about they will harm their baby by passing it through to the milk supply.
  • Typically, when it comes to breast feeding versus formula feeding, the latter allows more flexibility, especially for working moms, as she won’t need to express milk for those times she can’t be there, or find a private place to nurse the baby (while all women should be free to nurse in public, not all women feel comfortable with it).
  • Moms don’t have to worry about their diets as much. While everyone should of course try to maintain a healthy diet, those who formula feed have no worries about maintaining the quality of their breast milk. For extremely picky eaters or those with certain special diets, this is a major plus.

Cons

  • Your baby doesn’t receive antibodies from formula, and therefore may not have that added protection against certain viruses. This is typically the number one point against formula in the breastfeeding versus formula feeding debate, and it is a good one. Still, there are many formula-fed babies who rarely ever catch a cold, and there are breast-fed babies who are sick every season. So many other factors come into play when it comes to your child’s immune system.
  • Both formula and the all the supplies for bottle-feeding can get very expensive, especially if your baby will only drink out of a certain type of bottle (babies can be very picky). The average cost of a can of formula can be over $20.
  • Midnight feedings require, at the least, stumbling out of bed to warm up a refrigerated bottle and at the worst, preparing the bottle from scratch, so it can cut in on your sleep time. Even if you’re using a bottle warmer to speed up the process, it’s still a huge pain.
  • Some babies are allergic to certain types of formula, which may require switching brands or types. In some cases, this can significantly add to the overall expense. While you’re trying to figure out the ideal formula, your baby can suffer from gas pains and other digestive issues.

Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding : Which Side Wins?

Honestly, neither side “wins”, because there is no absolute right or wrong. Both make excellent points about the pros and cons of each option. What it really comes down to is that when it comes to breastfeeding versus formula feeding, the only right decision is the one that works best for you and your child. No woman should be condemned or judged for her decision.

 

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About Nicole Etolen

Nicole is freelance writer, blogger, and mom to an incredibly smart 13-year-old boy. She is addicted to coffee, tends to hoard books, and watches way too much television. Her favorite thing about being a writer is wearing her pajamas to work every day! She is also the owner of PrettyOpinionated.

Comments

  1. Milagros says

    Great article- just one misconception that I think stops some moms from breastfeeding is the point you made about your diet- You do NOT need to maintain a perfect diet to provide quality milk for your baby, You can drink caffeinated beverages (in moderation), have an occasional drink, eat what you want and STILL provide your baby with the absolute best nutrition. I breastfed my daughter for 19 months 🙂

    Reply
  2. Lexie Lane says

    This is such a good, positive, and encouraging post. I know several women, including myself, who struggled with breastfeeding. All for a variety of reasons too. would we rather have breastfed our babies? Sure! But not everyone can. Thank you for putting this out there!

    Reply
  3. Kristin says

    I think whatever is best for that particular mama and baby wins!

    Reply
  4. Close to Home says

    I have two children and i was able to Breastfeed one. I did not find a lot of difference between the two methods as far as how my children thrived. I did love not having to make bottles in the middle of the night while Breastfeeding.

    Reply
  5. Laura Funk says

    Good list, I did both.

    Reply
  6. Carissa Bonham says

    I agree that no woman should be judged or condemned for their choice. I do think, though, that all the “cons” of breastfeeding are able to be overcome with a little bit of support. There are so many health benefits not just for the baby but for the mom, too!

    Reply
  7. Brianne- Just Trying To Save M says

    Great discussion, I would have preferred to breastfeed my girls, but struggled. I was unable to produce breast milk for my girls and it became very overwhelming that I couldn’t. You have to do whats best for you and your family!

    Reply
  8. Carol Bryant says

    Thanks for sharing insights on this very personal choice.

    Reply
  9. Janeane Davis says

    I was blessed to be able to breastfeed my children. lt is important to find the best option for your family.

    Reply
  10. Liz Mays says

    I just don’t think there’s one answer for everyone. Each of us have to do what’s right for us and our own children.

    Reply
  11. Debbie Denny says

    I don’t understand why this is an issue. Each mom decides what is needed.

    Reply
  12. Kelly Hutchinson says

    I was able to breastfeed my 2nd child for just 6 months. My other two, for different reasons, were not able to breastfeed. I as glad for the short time I had with my one child.

    Reply
  13. Milena says

    I did both. Two different kids, two different situations. Everyone needs to do whats best for them and their family.

    Reply
  14. Ashley @irishred02 says

    Thank you for not taking sides. Also I love that you mention how the mother’s diet affects the quality of her milk, a lot of people don’t realize that

    Reply
    • Milagros says

      Not true- a poor diet will most likely affect the mother but not the quality of her milk

      Reply
  15. mabi says

    I’m all for breast feeding. Great article.

    Reply
  16. Brittany @ Clumps of Mascara says

    I do think that Breast is Best BUT I also think that Moms should to what is BEST for them.

    Reply
  17. Lois Alter Mark says

    I think every mother needs to do what’s best for her and her baby.

    Reply
  18. Censie says

    All I havew to say on this topic is FEED YOUR BABY! And do not judge others for their choice.

    Reply
  19. Emerald says

    What I loved about breastfeeding is that it burns so many calories! It will take an hour of hard cardio to do what breastfeeding did naturally!

    Reply
  20. Lorane says

    Its a personal decision but I say Breastfeeding is best hands down. Formula can be started as soon as the child has teeth in my opinion .. but again its down to personal choice

    Reply
  21. AJ @ NutriFitMama says

    Very personal decision..but I am very pro breastfeeding for many reasons. I don’t normally comment on things like this though, because there is often such strong opinions on both sides and can get messy 🙂

    Reply
  22. Christine Luken says

    This is definitely a personal issue. I think breastfeeding is great for both bonding and saves money on formula. But for working moms, it’s a challenge if they have to pump.

    Reply
  23. becca says

    Son was formula feed due to breast issues. He thrived on it,

    Reply
  24. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    No one has the right to tell anyone else they are doing it wrong. It is a very personal decision.

    Reply
  25. Catwoman says

    I’m on the side of the breastfeeding, I don’t trust the most of the formula. If somebody doesn’t have enough milk, it’s okay, but some of the mothers simple don’t want to breastfeed their babies, I cannot understand it.

    Reply
  26. Katie Smih says

    we breastfeed because we did not have a ton of money for formula. And that turned out good because my son cant have soy or cows milk

    Reply
    • Olfa says

      I am sorry about your son!

      Reply
  27. Mariah says

    Thank you for providing a post that shows that both sides have positives. As a new mother, I wanted to breastfeed so badly. I did everything I could from drinking water until I thought I would float away, pumping for hours, and taking supplement after supplement, and it just didn’t work out for us. I did hang in there exclusively pumping for 4 months and only providing about 40-50% of my son’s milk. Looking back now, I’m not sure it was worth all of the tears. Enough rambling though, thank you for sharing that either way is really okay! I think more mothers need to hear this!

    Reply
    • Olfa says

      Thanks Maria!! It is not easy for new moms: sometimes there is a lot of pressure from our environnement.

      Reply
  28. Lena - @elenka29 says

    I didn’t have much of a choice – my jugs were empty and even so I suffer through 3 months of it, it was not nearly enough for the baby. And as much as I enjoyed pumping at work 3x/day – formula was way too convenient

    Reply
  29. carol @ retail therapy says

    Great comments – I think you have to do what is best for you but I love the pros and cons thing!

    Reply
    • Olfa says

      Thanks Carol! It is all about balance and feeling comfortable in what you are doing! Thanks for stopping by

      Reply
  30. Melissa says

    Good arguement. I am very pro breastfeeding so I love the BF pic! Gorgeus!

    Reply
    • Olfa says

      Thanks Melissa!!

      Reply

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