Dilemma: Breast Feeding Vs. Bottle Feeding

Among all arguments that happen in this world daily, there has been no end to the breast feeding vs. bottle feeding question. People will argue either point until no end. This is because people feel differently on many view points when it comes to breast feeding. There is much speculation that people turn to bottle feeding because they hear wrong information.

Breast feeding vs. bottle feeding comes down to the certain situation a person is in. At times, there is only one option. Most of the time, however, the mother has a choice. Breast feeding, in most all respects, has proven to be the most effective. There are many breastfeeding benefits that bottle feeding does not provide. Some of these benefits are:

1. Bonding with the infant
2. Coating of the GI tract (first milk)
3. Build up of immune system
4. Less allergy problems
5. Digestive problems

This is only a short list of benefits, but the list of benefits associated with breast feeding is very long. When it comes to breast feeding vs. bottle feeding, it is best to try to breast feed first.

What If I Cannot Breast Feed?

There are many reasons why women cannot breast feed, even though they may want to. Some of these reasons include:

1. Baby will not latch on to the nipple after numerous attempts
2. Diseases such as HIV or Food Poisoning
3. Antibiotics that do not allow breast feeding (although there is usually an alternative)
4. Weak facial features
5. Premature

The most common reason a mother cannot breast feed if she wants to be the fact that a baby will not take to the nipple. This is even after several attempts. Some babies will not latch on and cannot be coerced into latching on either. In this case, the baby will have to take the bottle. This is an exemption in the breast feeding vs. bottle feeding ideal.

There are some disadvantages of breastfeeding as well. These are:

1. Mother is the only one who can feed the baby
2. Mother must pump so a feeding Is not missed
3. Often times the breasts will become sore
4. If you take certain antibiotics or other medications, they may disrupt breast feeding cycle.

Although some of these are not really "disadvantages", some people might see them as such. Really, it is all part of being a mother. In general, the benefits of breast feeding vs. bottle feeding far outweigh the detractions. If you want the best for your baby, you will breast feed if all possible. This also has other benefits such as cost. Breast feeding is typically less in cost than formula. Mother's breast milk is free where formula ranges in price. The cost factor incurred in breast feeding is a pump, if you are going to be using one, breasts pads, nipple covers and nursing bras.

The basic idea all comes down to what works best for the mother and their child. Breast feeding vs. bottle feeding can be research farther by visiting the links provided.