best option to feeding baby: breastfeeding or formula?

Emily - posted on 04/04/2011

well this thread is over a year old. i'm sure the original momma has already resolved this issue!

Kelly - posted on 04/03/2011

How you feed your baby is up to you. Choosing to feed you child with formula or by breast is not going to make a mom better or worse. Breast may not be best for every momma or child, health issues, feeding issues or even how comfortable you are with your body may make a difference. I was not able to breast feed my daughter, I tried pumping for a month and had to quit. Once we switched to formula my daughter ate better and I was able to sleep more due to not having to pump. I also began to relax and enjoy feeding her. Also on the health note and smarts. My formula feed baby is top in her class and has had no ear infections, RSV, was barely sick for the first 7 1/2 years of her life, verses all of my friends breast fed babies were and are still always sick. What I am trying to say is that even though they say the baby gets immunity form the momma's milk, sometimes it makes no difference and our formula babies are no worse off. Do what is right for your family and no one should be judged. We are all good moms that need to support one another.

Kelly - posted on 04/03/2011

How you feed your baby is up to you. Choosing to feed you child with formula or by breast is not going to make a mom better or worse. Breast may not be best for every momma or child, health issues, feeding issues or even how comfortable you are with your body may make a difference. I was not able to breast feed my daughter, I tried pumping for a month and had to quit. Once we switched to formula my daughter ate better and I was able to sleep more due to not having to pump. I also began to relax and enjoy feeding her. Also on the health note and smarts. My formula feed baby is top in her class and has had no ear infections, RSV, was barely sick for the first 7 1/2 years of her life, verses all of my friends breast fed babies were and are still always sick. What I am trying to say is that even though they say the baby gets immunity form the momma's milk, sometimes it makes no difference and our formula babies are no worse off. Do what is right for your family and no one should be judged. We are all good moms that need to support one another.

Steph - posted on 02/08/2010

i just read that a boy was walking a wk before he was 9months and is very smart and she said its cause she breast fed him, well i think ur wrong its not cause of being breastfed cause i bottle fed my son, cause i had no choice cause i wasnt producing enough for him, but my son is very smart and was walking round 10months, its not cause of breast milk or being bottle fed



also i think it doesnt matter which way u go, as long as the baby is happy, i had to bottle fed my first son, tried breastfeeding my second but had the same problem but i do still breast feed my second son, in between bottles when he needs a top up and i also put him on when he is having trouble getting to sleep

Heather - posted on 02/06/2010

My son (5 1/2 months) is bottle and breast-fed. At first, I just thought that I would give breast-feeding "a try". After 6 weeks, and starting work, there just wasn't enough milk from pumping so then he got some formula while at daycare. I felt bad and beat myself up until my husband gave me some support and told me that it was okay. Now, if we're out and about or if he's really fussy when nursing or whatever, he gets a bottle. Do what feels best for you and don't worry about what others think.

Rebecca - posted on 02/06/2010

There are many perks to Breastfeeding. It is healthy for the baby since it was made specifically for your baby by you. (Take a breastfeeding class, they will tell you all the truths and myths about breastfeeding) It is so convenient, Once you are comfortable breastfeeding you can just lay in bed with your baby during night time feedings and get some rest while the baby feeds. It is budget friendly!!! other than the necessary breast pads and breastfeeding bra there aren't too many expenses. I do recomend shelling out the money to either buy or rent a double electric pump if you plan to go back to work (I am able to pump both sides at once in about 15-20 minutes) Also, there is a special bond that I feel that my baby and I have, I feel so empowered knowing that I am providing my baby with essential nutrients that she needs to grow and be strong.

Just know that it is going to be difficult to get the hang of, not all babies know how to latch on correctly and you have to train them to do so because if they aren't latching correctly it can cause you pain. Lanolin is going to be your best friend for a while! But don't give up, because after about a month you will be so comfortable with it and the pain will go away, and the contant flow of milk will decrease. Your body will adjust to what the baby needs and you will stop over producing milk (that is why you need breast pads)

But don't feel guilty if you end up not being able to do it and go with formula. Plenty of children thrive on it.

Get your self in a good support network if you decide to breastfeed, fortunately I have a lot of supportive people around me, including my husband. GOOD LUCK!!!

Aniesha - posted on 02/06/2010

I think breastfeeding is always the better option, both for mum & bub. Not only for your health, but I couldn't imagine doing without that special emotional connection that we've had through it.
Having said that though, my little boy just took too much out of me to continue solely breastfeeding. At 6 weeks old, I started him on a combination of breast/formula, and that was worked wonderfully for us. I think it's actually allowed me to continue feeding for longer, coz when he was teething & biting particularly hard, I'd just give him a bottle for that feed (he's now 13 & 1/2 months). It was also what I believe I needed for my own sanity, as I felt that I was permanently glued to the couch!
My mum breastfed all 3 of her children until 18 months, and I kind of felt like I hadn't done as good as her, but she said if she'd had the information about formula at the time, she probably would have done the same thing.
I think it's a bit slack if you don't even attempt to breastfeed, as I didn't have an easy time of it the first month or so, but I fought through it, but I do understand that for some women it really is impossible.

Kate - posted on 02/06/2010

Oh and as a bonus you get skinny faster...he he.

Kate - posted on 02/06/2010

Seriously...everyone knows that breast is best. I think if you want to do what is best for your baby (i.e boost your childs immune system, give them the most perfect food on the planet, prevent ear infections, limit gassyness, and so on) you will absolutely breastfeed. Anyone who does the research would agree. I guess the best answer to this question is research it and you will see hands down what the right answer is.

Laken - posted on 02/06/2010

I would also like to ad that breast feeding vs. formula feeding is a very personal choice, and ultimately moms have to do what is best for them :)

Laken - posted on 02/06/2010

in my opinion, breastfeeding is the best way to go. Yes, it is very difficult in the beginning. From what I've gathered from my personal experience, as well as stories shared from others, alot of babies have problems latching on. These problems can sometimes cause the mother's milk supply to be lower than expected, which leads alot of women to stop breastfeeding and switch to formula. It is very important to NOT give your baby supplemental bottles or pacifiers in the first few days/weeks of life and rely ONLY on breastfeeding. Support from a lacatation consultant or even a friend with breastfeeding experience is sometimes all new mothers need to get them started! My baby is 9 months old and I am still breastfeeding... Knock on wood, but she has never been sick, never had to deal with constipation or other belly problems, which I completely believe is from breastfeeding. And this is always a plus...breast milk is free, sterile, the right temperature and always in stock!!

Emily - posted on 02/06/2010

Amanda: infections do not pass from mom to baby through breastmilk. Breastmilk has antibodies that PREVENT infections. Formula has nothing like that. And just because your baby is healthy on formula does not change the fact that statsically, babies overall are healthier on breastmilk.

Amanda - posted on 02/06/2010

OK, so after reading all these posts I've come to conclusion that my daughter is supposed most sickest baby out because I formula feed....the reality is out of the breastfeeding mothers I know my daughter (exclusivly formula fed) is healthiest one out of them all and has never been sick, (no infections past from mum to bub through breastfeeding) I know she is getting all the right nutrients, and not missing out on anything because I choose not to eat it or don't like it. I know exactly how much is eating, and most importantly She and I are happy., and she is thriving. She no less intelligent than a breast fed baby, and is meeting all her milestones. Breast feeding doesnt make your bub crawl, walk, sit or talk any faster than a formula fed baby.

Back to your original post.. you chose what ever is right for you and your bub and don't let anyone (for or against BF or Formula Feeding) tell you other wise, how you chose to nourish your child doesn't determine if you are a good mum or not

Tamara - posted on 02/06/2010

You must decided as a mom what the best options are for your child. For us it was Breast Milk or Bust! I however did not and do not breast feed. I pump and bottle feed. My sweetie is a 31 week preemie ( She is 2 months old now) and I believed it was imperative that she have NOTHING but breastmilk in the hospital. This was a source of contention between myself and the doctors who believed that all breast milk is 20 calories and therefore the 22 or 24 cal formula was needed. I did not believe that and refused. My breastmilk was tested and I am 34 calories foremilk and 37 hind ( moral of that story is get your breast milk tested). It was important to me that she get every the infection fighting properties antibodies and all the goodies that she needed to get better. I believe this is why she got out of the hospital so quickly. Ultimately you have to decide what is best for you and your child.You can do all of it! For us its breastmilk or breastfed. I

Valerie - posted on 02/05/2010

Brestfeeding is best for both baby and mom. Brestfeed if you can! I wanted to formula feed at first, but I heard so much talk and pressure on breastfeeding that I changed my mind 3 months before my due date. I totally get that breastfeeding isn't meant for everyone but I believe you should at least try it if you can. I'm all for breastfeeding though!

Kerri - posted on 02/05/2010

Well the Dr. say breastfeeding and I would have to agree.. I am the first one in my family and also in my circle of friends to breastfeed and I love it ..now.. It was really hard at first and hurt for more than 2 weeks ( that how long "they" tell you it will hurt), but as time went on me and my son got the hang of it and I love it. He is 5 months now and I plan on weening him soon. I do not want to deal with teeth. I will recommend getting a breast pump and talking with the nurses in the hospital. My son has also had the occasional bottle of formula, so that I can sleep in.. a night out.. or whatever. No one ever said that you have to do one or the other. Why not both.. it really comes down to your lifestyle and what works for you and baby. You're going to be a mom and just you being consernd about this means that you will be a great mom. Don't let anyone try to guilt you into one or the other. I can't tell you how many time my mom has told be to switch to formula..(really annoying!) Babies do great on either one! Just try and enjoy your baby and the rest will come to you. Best of luck.

Sherre - posted on 02/05/2010

I would definitely give breastfeeding a try but you should do what works for you. Either way, you'll be a wonderful mom! :)

Lise - posted on 02/05/2010

I feel that breastfeeding is best, but you have to do what you can do. For me, breastfeeding is so much easier (and free), and I love that I lost all my baby weight so fast from the extra calorie burning. It was hard to get going, but now I'm so glad I stuck with it. Health-wise, it's healthier for the baby.

But that being said, you aren't a bad mom if you choose formula. What you choose to feed your baby doesn't affect how you are as a mom.

Sarah - posted on 02/05/2010

whatever u think is right for ur child...i heard breatfeeding is best for ur baby but every baby is different, i formula feed. its better for me and my hubby bcus he can feed her and make kind of more of a bond with her too. i heard breastfeeding also helps u loose ur baby weight faster too

Mandy - posted on 02/05/2010

What works for you and your baby is the best. I chose to breast because it's what works for my family, and there are a lot of benefits to it.
What type of mum you has no bearing on what method of feeding you choose, the fact that you are choosing to feed your child is the important thing.
Do your research and make an informed choice, good luck whatever you decided.

Andrea - posted on 02/05/2010

Breast is always best, but if you choose formula it doesn't make you less of a good mom! The fact that you're even thinking through it shows that you care. Breastfeeding isn't always for everyone, so do what is best for you.

Lilliann - posted on 02/05/2010

The best thing is what works for your family. I breastfed my first son and bottle fed the second, he wouldnt take to me. I dont find that he has been any sicker then my first son. Good luck in whatever you chose:)

Rachael - posted on 02/04/2010

Breastfeeding is always best but do what works best for you. My only suggestion is that if you breast feed, pump and store milk as well and use it in bottles at least one feeding every day. My son at 6 months old absolutly refuses to take a bottle. I was laid off at 8 months prego and so I didn't really worry about it -- I just breast fed on demand. Well now I am job hunting and my poor mom has to deal with a screaming child if I am gone longer than 2-3 hours.
Breastfeeding is also ALOT cheaper! It is free! I pumped as much as I could and have over 150 bags of milk in the freezer, so I will never have to buy formula.
If you decide to use formula, sign up with nestle good start, enfamil and similac web sites...they will send you free formula and tons of coupons for $5 and $6 off!

Amy - posted on 02/04/2010

My son is now nine months old. The first breast milk you produce is called colostrum (spelling?),, Colostrum is extremely heathy for your child. It helps them have a better immunity and stronger bodies. If it is possible for you to give your baby colostrum..I would highly suggest it. Over all it is truly your choice my son has been on formula since he was a month old and he has never had a serious sickness and he is a BIG growing boy. At 9 months he weighs 24 pounds and is 30 inces tall. Completely heathy. Neither one will make you a bad mother. If Breastfeeding is going to make you misirable that can cause resentment to your baby or feeding you baby, on the other hand maybe it just works for you. I would try both and see what you think! One thing I have learned from being a mother is mothers intuition is completely true. I always know when something is wrong with my baby. I can feel it. So just go with what works best for you hun.

Emily - posted on 02/04/2010

Really opening a can of worms, eh?

Breastfeeding is clearly the better option.. it's kept babies alive and thriving throughout human history. That being said, you're not a worse mom for formula-feeding. Though I do think it's a good idea to at least try breastfeeding and give it your best shot. It's not about you anymore, it's about what's best for the baby.

Erin - posted on 02/04/2010

The best option is the one that works best for your.

Abbi - posted on 02/04/2010

Health wise, Breastfeeding is absolutely the best- for you and your baby- did you know that it can reduce your risk of breast cancer by up to 53%? Plus, it gives your baby so much more than formula can, and I really feel like it helps me to have a special bond with my son that no one else can... I supplement with formula because I work, and it makes it a lot easier on me, him, his dad, and his sitter. I would have prefered to never give him formula, but had trouble getting him to latch on before I made it to a lactation consultant for assistance.... For some moms breastfeeding causes anxiety, and that's not good for anyone, plus when you're stressed, it makes it harder to produce milk, and to let down..... Bottom line is, you really have to weigh all the factors and see what works best for your family all the way around.

Jessica - posted on 02/04/2010

hands down nutritionally speaking, breastfeeding is THE BEST for baby.
but you need to have your sanity to be a good mommy, so whats best for baby comes down to whats best for you both and what works. I breast fed my daughter for 3 months, and like Jillian, i had a huge milk supply, leaking often, it was very inconvienent for me to say the least, i was also uncomfortable nursing in public. My daughter never learned to nurse laying down, so for me, it didnt make a difference making a bottle, or pulling out my boob to feed her, either way i had to get up. Personally i felt like i let my baby down, because i couldnt succeed in the most natural thing i can do for her, feeding her from my body. i felt like a bad mother because i was very against formula in the begining. my daughter is a year now, and i see she's growing and thriving just as well as when i was exclusively breastfeeding. I also dont have to worry about what im eating and how it will affect her like i did when i was BF.
in the end its a personal choice

Amy - posted on 02/04/2010

i say if you are able to breastfeed ,then why not .i am a stay at home mom my baby is now two month old,we do both breastfeeding and formula i use soy formula for when we cannot be at home to breastfeed,you could pump i just choose to use formula as a suplement just in case anything is missing from my breast milk as i am a vegatarian. i have had everything from clogged milk ducts to yeast in the breast to sore and bleeding nipples from poor latch on,however i kept in mind the wonderfull benifits for me and my baby and now breastfeeding is so easy for both of us,it has trully been a learning experiance for us both and i am sure it will be for you as well,.breastfeeding is definantly a labor of love but i think the payoff is well worth it as it has so many great benifits .if you have the time and patience ,then my vote is for breast

Sheelah - posted on 02/04/2010

it doesn't matter either way its what you think is best...i wanted to breastfeed but my body didn't produce enough milk for my son so i was giving him what i could pump in a day plus topping up with formula......that worked best for us......

Ashley=) - posted on 02/04/2010

no first it has to be your choice and thats only up to you.either way you are a good mother who loves and cares for there child's needs and wants.

I do no breast milk is best for the baby and only if it is enjoyed by the mother and baby .only then will it work.its fantastic and i really did enjoy it but it didn't last the pain of my section on my second child was to much to deal with as well as breastfeeding.



do some reading on both and make a choice on what you want your choice is the right one and best one for your child.best of luck.

Whitney - posted on 02/03/2010

Breast milk is the best nutritional choice. Breastfeeding helps defend against infections, prevent allergies, and protect against a number of chronic conditions. It fights, ear infection, diarrhea, respiratory infections and menigitis. Breast milk can help prevent allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome. As a mother we have so many things to worry about, I think breastfeeding can do alot to help us relax a little bit knowing we are doing all we can do to protect our babies. Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants and that alone made my decision to breastfeed my daughter. Even, if you don't feel comfortable breastfeeding you can always pump, besides breastmilk will save you a ton of money that formula will not. Also, breatmilk is more filling which means your baby will sleep longer :) I don't think formula makes you a bad mother but...we do know that breastfeeding is the healthier choice for your baby and will also really help you and your baby at the same time.

Amanda - posted on 02/03/2010

The best option is the option YOU choose. Neither one will make you less of a good mom! It is a very personal decision and one that should be considered heavily. Research both options and determine what is best for you, your baby and your family!

They are both good choices and no matter what you choose, be proud that you are taking care of your child!

Bonnie - posted on 02/03/2010

Definatly breat feeding. Doctors always sugust it, and there are more nutirents in brest milk then in formula, though formula's are getting better. It is also a very nice bonding time that you will share with your little one(s). That's my vote, hope it helps.

Siri - posted on 02/03/2010

Brestfeeding is the best for the baby and mommy! My baby just turned 9 months. She wont take a bottle anymore. You can't overfeed brestfeeding, which I've noticed is a problem among formula fed babies. They also spit up alot more and it smells way worse than brestmilk! Brestfeeding has kept my weight down and healthy! It burns about 300 cal a day! Plus you don't have to get up in the night, and they stop crying faster! You can lay down and feed them, and fall asleep with them! Breastfeeding is the way to go!

Kimberly - posted on 02/03/2010

Im pro breastfeeding, I have been BF my son who is now 19 months and still bf about 4 times a day, I found it to be the best choice for me and my son I has some minor problems but the nurses and the lactation consultant where always available anytime i had concerns or questions... there are many benifits to breastfeeding for both mom and baby and many know about why its best for baby, very few talk about why its best for mom... I found that i didnt get the baby blues, I had more energy because i was eating better because i was providing the nutrition for my son... I lost the baby weight, and my period still has not returned due to the fact that im still nursing regularly.... I dont think anyone should think that your a bad mom based on your chose of feeding method for your child.. I would ask every mom to at least try breastfeeding and give it a few weeks because it does get easier, its a learning time for you and your baby, not all children are born knowing how to latch but it can work... Some women are very lucky and have to issues with breastfeeding and some have alot, most women can Breastfeed with very little problems.... Before you make you decision talk to a lactation consultant they are very helpfull and of course they are Pro Breastfeeding but they can give you more then enough information to help you make a decision that is right for both you and your baby....

Tiffany - posted on 02/03/2010

My thought: When i was breastfeeding my son he was fine, everything was great, then my husband & I moved and I never even had time to pump so i dried up and had to szitch to formula every since then he has had alot of problem, gas, diarria, throw up, spit up, fussyness...... now he is on similac alimentum hypoallergenic formula, I wish I could go back in time and continue to breast feed, but no either way you choose is fine as long as you feed your baby!!! hope this helps!!

Celeste - posted on 02/03/2010

Hello Laura.. Breastfeeding is always best unless you have some underlying medical condition that your doctor tells you not to..or you are on meds. I had my 1st child and was very biased before that I was only going to breastfeed..BUT, do to complications I had to be on magnesium sulfate to get rid of my eclampsia and could not breastfeed. I learned thru this whole ordeal that it is alright.as a mother either one whatever is best for the baby...if you can breastfeed even just of the 1st 6 weeks that baby will be better off.Every ounce counts and it is less expensive..BUT it doesnt by any means make you a bad mother for bottle feeding...formula has come a real long way and now they make similac easy sheild which is the closest to breast milk. So good luck and love that baby!

Heather - posted on 02/03/2010

Whatever works best for you, that's the best choice. Though breastfeeding is supposed to really help you get back to your pre pregnancy shape.

Vicki - posted on 02/03/2010

Breastmilk is best of course - it's the only food that is made specifically for your baby. Does that make you a bad mother if you don't... no of course not. There is such a lack of support for breastfeeding mothers - I don't think many can be blamed for changing to formula.

Kym - posted on 02/02/2010

let me just say that it is entirely your choice........
ME I am breast all the way, we were given them for this purpose to feed our infants.
Here are the pro's and con's for each.
Breastfeeding - your baby has food at the right temp and ready to go and
it is convienent as you don't need to clean bottles or buy expensive formula.
Is is FREE
Also a great way to lose you pregnancy weight. And very rewarding.
And it is best for your baby.....
PLUS if you solely breasfeed you won't get a period until you finish breastfeeding!
Con's are you are solely responsible for all feeding, sore boobs and they leak and if bub is not attached properly then cracked nipples and mastitis. < this is not always the way BUT does happen. And your baby will require feeding every 3 hours as breast milk is digested quicker the formula, so are more tired.
Bottle feeding pro - others can feed the baby thus you get a break , you don't get sore boobs and dad get to help with feedings so you can get more rest also the baby will sleep longer on formula as it takes longer to digest.
Cons - expensive as you need to buy formula every week and buy bottles and clean them everyday plus make sure you are carry enough when going out.

This is just a few things that hopfully will give you a better idea when making this decision.
One last thing if you choose to breastfeed, doctors and others will suggest supplimenting with formula if you do this your milk supply will drop thus the baby going on formula fulltime you baby is the one that tells your body how much milk to produce when you suppliment your body will produce less milk and you supply will dry up. If you express and feed through a bottle at times your baby may reject the breast. If dad wants to have a chance to be involved in the feeding process then get him to feed some water only in a bottle where the teat is shaped like a nipple or to burp the baby for you. I hope this helps.
Ps you are a wonderfull mum either option you choose

either way you choose is entirly up to you

Sheree - posted on 02/02/2010

I believe in doing what you are comfortable with. I couldnt breastfeed and I was looked down on as I was formula feeding. I got the the point that I wouldnt feed my daughter when I was out in public, I would make sure I was either at home, or a friends place i was comfortable at, or if i was out shopping etc and she needed a fed I would take her back to the car, feed her and then get back to what I was doing. People say they dont look down on you for formula feeding, but the way I was treated I definalty was. I couldnt breastfeed and was very upset about it, not being accepted to formula feed made it worse.

MOMMBY Mom - posted on 02/02/2010

I agree with what most moms wrote that you need to decide what works best for you. :) I wrote an article about Breastfeeding: To or Not To: http://mommby.com/Breastfeeding_and_Bott...

The article gives some of the benefits such as providing immune support for the baby, it may help both mom and baby relax, may save time (for me it actually increased the amount of time but I was still glad I did it), may help with postpartum recovery, and it may save money.

I also enjoyed giving my baby a bottle (breastfeeding did not come naturally for me but I was able to make it work for 6 months). I combined breastfeeding and bottle feeding since day one and I liked having the option to give my baby a bottle. It allowed my baby's father to share in the process which was good for all of us.

Overall, I know you'll be able to determine what works best for you and your family. Good luck and take care.

Danielle - posted on 02/02/2010

personally i think breastmilk is best and formula a good substitute for if you can't breastfeed.
there are added benifits to breast milk that fomula just can't give such as immunity from mum from illnesses.
in our mums group out af all the babies there, the ones who are breastfed get sick alot less than the ones on formular.

i think every mum should give it a try if they can, even if just for the first 6 weeks and if it isn't working then try formula
My daughter is 8 1/2 months and we are still breastfeeding and i find it so convieniant, i don't have to make sure i have bottles or formula ready when i go out and i dont have to clean and steralise bottles every night, the milks always just right

Jessica - posted on 02/02/2010

I believe that breastmilk is best. However, I know sometimes a mom wants to breastfeed but can't or some just don't want to. That's fine. I don't judge either way. I am breastfeeding my child right now, but my oldest was on both breastmilk and formula.

Kate - posted on 02/02/2010

My little one had trouble latching on and then I got a nipple shield and that helped. I am still battling with the fact my milk has not come in fully after 1.5 weeks b.c I was a c-section mom but we are getting there. I do both! Giver her breast milk when I have it and supplementing the remainder of the feeding with formula. She only gets two feedings with breast milk a day b.c the supply runs out! But either way you will have a healthy baby.

Ashleigh - posted on 02/02/2010

Breastfeeding is best at first so that the baby gets the nutrients needed from you to build their immune system. After the first few weeks your baby has those. Though there still have been studies done that breasfeeding is the best for baby and mom (reduces incidence of breast cancer). Neither choice though makes you a "good" or a "bad" mom. You need to make the decision that works best with your life and your philosophy of raising your child. I wish you the best with either decision, but would say that if you try breasfeeding stick with it for 3 months because it stops hurting after that time.

Rebecca - posted on 02/02/2010

Neither one makes you a bad mum! I chose to breastfeed because for me, it's most convenient and because I actually could! My mother didn't breastfeed me, but only because of a medicine that she HAD to have wouldn't have been good for me. And if you're worried about formula feeding affecting smarts, let me assure you, I'm quite intelligent (no bragging... well, maybe a bit...) -- I was beginning to read at the age of three!



Becky Dawn

Beth - posted on 02/02/2010

there are millions of babies born every year and many are breastfed and a good portion of them are not, they still grow up basiclly healthy regardless of how they are nursed as infants, formula is a good option if you cant breastfeed or have chosen not to breastfeed
im oviously biased towards breastfeeding , since thats what i have done with all my kids, but your choice does not make you more or less of a mom

Jennifer - posted on 02/02/2010

Medically speaking breast is best as it contains lots of anti-bodies that formula doesn't but basically whatever suits you and your baby is best. I couldn't breastfeed (stopped on day 6) because my milk didn't come in. I felt less of a mam because I couldn't feed my own baby. Now I'm just glad he had the benefits of anti-bodies in the colostrum and is now gaining weight =] No it does not make you less of a mum!