How to Choose Whether to Breast or Bottle Feed a Baby

Breast-feeding is touted as the best way to feed your baby, and no doubt, it offers many nutritional advantages over bottle-feeding. However, not every mother wants to breast-feed or feels comfortable breast-feeding. Your choice between breast-feeding and bottle-feeding should be a choice that you are comfortable with. Breast-feeding is best feeding when you are comfortable with your decision. Otherwise, it can be stressful, painful and unsuccessful. The following steps can help you decide which is the best way to feed your baby.

Instructions

1. Consider the pros and cons of breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. There are plenty of advantages to breast-feeding, but it isn't the correct way for every mother.

2. Dispel the myths surrounding both ways. For instance, one myth states that women with small breasts cannot make enough milk for their babies. This is false. Dispelling the myths can help you make an informed decision about which way is best to feed your baby.

3. Realize that you can successfully feed your baby using both methods if that is what you choose. Many mothers bottle-feed during the day while they work and breast-feed at night when they get home. If you initially choose to breast-feed your baby and then switch to formula, you are not breaking a cardinal rule.

4. Think through your own beliefs, preferences and attitude towards breast-feeding. How do you really feel? Do you have a supportive partner or spouse? Are you willing to make the time and nutritional commitment?

5. If you want to breast-feed your baby, but have fears, speak with a lactation consultant, doula or midwife. Perhaps you are afraid of the pain or of being successful. Talking through some of your fears that could inhibit a successful breast-feeding relationship could make a difference in your choice.

6. Read books about breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. Getting accurate information about both methods is important. Stay updated with current studies and don't just accept someone's beliefs or advice as fact. You are choosing the best way to feed your baby; therefore, no one else can tell you which is the right way.

7. Take a newborn class. The instructor will generally cover both bottle-feeding and breast-feeding during the course. She can show you how to hold the baby using either method, how to use the proper techniques and what signs to look for in a nutritionally thriving baby.

8. If you are still unsure as to which way to feed, give breast-feeding a try for 2 weeks. Breast-feeding for this amount of time can allow your baby to get the important, nutrient-rich milk called colostrum, boost his immune system and give your body a chance to adjust to feeding.

9. Most importantly, be comfortable, loving and affectionate with whichever way of feeding you choose. Bonding with your baby during feeding time is very special, and the baby will receive many benefits through either method.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a support group with other mothers. Having support and someone to call on for advice or just to lend an ear is important.

• Do not allow someone to dictate which way you need to feed your baby. The decision is yours to make and has to be the one YOU are most comfortable with.

Resources

• La Leche League International