Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding Lacey Payson BCOM/275 March 18, 2013 Allen Sutton Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding In today’s society, many mothers face making the decision to breastfeed or to formula feed. After 36 – 42 weeks of carrying a child, some mothers want their body back. Other mothers want to save money and give their child a nutritious diet. Breast milk is known to be healthier, in conjunction with an amazing way to bond with her child. There are two mottos that have been heard. One saying is “breast is best” and the second is “formula or breast, mother knows best. Kathryn Blundell, deputy editor for Mother and Baby magazine states “I formula fed. So What? I wanted my body back. (And some wine)…I also wanted to give my boobs at least a chance to stay on my chest rather than dangling around my stomach” (Rock, 2010). Society would understand where she is coming from by wanting her body back but her body will never be the same after carrying a child and going through labor. Many mothers feel they have to fully give up drinking. It has been determined that a mother can have one 4 ounce glass of wine, except that she will need to wait a minimum of 2 hours after to nurse her baby.
A mother can pump before she has a glass of wine and give the baby that milk. Breastfeeding has been known to help mothers lose weight. Kathryn Blundell also states, “…You’ll hear tales of agonizing three-hour feeding sessions and – the drama! – bloody nipples” (Rock, 2010). Breastfeeding can be rough because the sore nipples, late night feedings and needing to pump if she is a working mom. Jobs may let her take a break to go pump to help keep the production of milk going. Regardless of the choice between breastfeeding and formula feeding, there will be late night feedings. “They’re part of my sexuality, too – not just breast, but fun bags.
And when you have that attitude (and I admit I made no attempt to change it), seeing your teeny, tiny, innocent baby latching on where only a lover has been before feels, well a little creepy” (Rock, 2010). Breasts are for feeding babies. When pregnant woman’s body adjusts to bearing a child, it knows to produce milk. Some women will lactate as early as 23 weeks. Before the 1800s, women had no choice but to breast feed. Saying that the breasts are only for a sexual purpose is like saying a woman would rather have a cesarean delivery, so the baby will not touch her vagina. Breasts are only sexual because people make them out to be.

An example of this is Victoria’s secret models advertising lingerie. Women’s bodies are made to carry and nurture babies. Mother and baby deputy editor states “there are studies that show [breastfeeding] reduces the risk of breast cancer for you, and your stomach upsets and allergies for your baby. But even the convenience and supposed health benefits of breast milk couldn’t induce me to stick my nipple into a bawling baby’s mouth” (Rock, 2010). She is correct about breast milk being healthy for both mommy and baby however, a mother that feels the way she does may be interpreted as being selfish.
Breast milk is the perfect food for an infant with many advantages over formula. Research has shown that it may help prevent SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Breast milk contains the ideal proportion of nutrients including the following; protein, carbohydrates, fat, and calcium. Breast milk is easily digested compared to formula, free and available when needed. Breast milk includes active infection-fighting white blood cells that helps protect against impurities during the first few months.
It may contain fatty acids, which may assist with brain development. The best reason to breastfeed is the bond a woman will have with her child. In summary, breastfeeding can be hard because of late night feedings. However in the end it is better for the baby and less expensive. A mother does not have to surrender drinking completely. She should do what she feels, breastfeeding can be a hassle, but it is healthier. “Formula or breast, mother knows best. ” Bibliography Rock, L. (2010, June 2010). Breastfeeding is ‘creepy’, says parenting magazine. The Observer.