Becoming a parent can be scary, especially for those experiencing it for the first time. It introduces numerous difficult decisions, with the Internet, doctors, and various experienced friends and relatives all offering different advice. One such decision has parents worldwide choosing between breast and bottle feeding or contemplating when and if it would be best to make the switch to the formula. While different studies support either one of these two feeding methods, the mixed approach of integrating both breastfeeding and bottle feeding appears to be most prominent. The following thesis proposal discusses the benefits and drawbacks of both methods and concludes the supplementary approach, where both breast and formula are used in varying proportions, to be the most beneficial one.
Many people advocate for breastfeeding as the more natural feeding strategy. There are many proven benefits to breastfeeding, including its convenience, ease of digestion, and, according to some studies, a positive effect on the baby’s intelligence. Furthermore, research has shown that breastfed babies are less prone to infections, such as meningitis, ear infections, and diarrhea (Ben-Joseph, 2018). Moreover, they are said to be more protected against diabetes, obesity, and various other health conditions (Ben-Joseph, 2018). Secondly, breastfeeding has shown to protect babies from “overjet, open bite, posterior crossbite, and crowding,” when done for at least 6 months (Thomaz et al., 2018). Thirdly, as mentioned above, one of the major arguments for breastfeeding is the “skin-to-skin” contact, which creates and nurtures an emotional bond between the mother and her child. The benefits extend to the mother as well, often having a positive effect on her mental and physical health.
However, there are some drawbacks to breastfeeding as well, disregarding the cases when the mother is incapable of lactating. Firstly, it can be painful for the mother, and a difficult task to get right at first. Secondly, it requires a time commitment that might be difficult for working mothers to upkeep. Breastfeeding also limits the general daily activities of the mother, including her diet, which must be strict to not cause damage to the child.
Therefore, it might seem like a better solution for some mothers to opt for the formula. With the scientific advantages of medicine and maternal care today, there are many options available in most stores. Committing to feeding the baby from a bottle allows for much more freedom for the mother and stops her from having to plan the days around the baby’s feeding schedule. Furthermore, as the formulas tend to be digested slower, hence there is no need for the feedings to be as often (Ben-Joseph, 2018). It can also be a relief for the woman to not have to follow a strict diet, which she had to sustain throughout the pregnancy.
Nevertheless, there are doubtless various drawbacks to using the bottle. Most importantly, the formula does not have the same amount of nutrients or the same range of tastes as breast milk (Akora, 2019). Furthermore, unlike breastfeeding, it costs money to feed the baby from the bottle. Although the prices might not be too high for individual portions, over the course of even a couple of months, they can add up to hundreds of dollars. Therefore, it can be seen as a luxury that not every mother can afford.
In conclusion, the decision of whether to breastfeed or to use the bottle is a personal one and must be made based on very subjective factors. The choice depends on the situation of the mother – whether she is working, able to dedicate the time necessary for breastfeeding, or has the financial stability required to support her decision. After carefully considering all factors, the mother might make the decision to go with one or the other exclusively or to supplement breastfeeding with the formula occasionally. Whatever the decision, research is vital, and it is best to speak to a professional about the subject.
References
Akora, M. (2019). Bottle feeding – advantages and disadvantages. First Cry Parenting.
Ben-Joseph, E. P. (2018). Breastfeeding vs. formula feeding. Nemours Children’s Health.
Thomaz, E. B. A. F., Alves, C. M. C., Gomes e Silva, L. F., Ribeiro de Almeida, C. C. C., Soares de Britto e Alves, M. T. S., Hilgert, J. B., & Wendland, E. M. (2018). Breastfeeding versus bottle feeding on malocclusion in children: A meta-analysis study. Journal of Human Lactation, 34(4), 768–788.