Breastfeeding or bottlefeeding... which do you prefer and why?

Erinn - posted on 04/25/2009

I just wanted to appologize for causing any arguments.... it was NOT my intention by posting this topic, I was just curious as to where everyone stood and the reasoning behind it!!

Jill - posted on 04/25/2009

I like Breastfeeding purely for conveneince as the milk is already there and at room temperature. I only Breastfed/pumped for 4 months becuase the pumping was very time consuming at work and i could not relax enough to produce what i wanted. She's in the 50% for height and weight so i don't think you can go wrong either way. Listen to your instincts because YOU have to be comfortable with what you are doing!!!

Wendy - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Joy:

Quoting Krisanne:

i prefer breast feeding because they say that there is a bonned between you and your baby

Bonding with your baby happens by spending close and intimate time with them.  Not just from breastfeeding.  I don't think the bond is greater for a breastfeeding mother than it is for a bottle feeding mother.  Either way, it's the skin on skin contact (you can bottle feed shirtless), it's the closeness, the eye contact...the sweet kisses and caresses that bring about a bond.  Bonding is getting to know your baby and your baby getting to know you.  People who adopt children go through a bonding process also and most adoptive moms don't breast feed but they still have just as close a bond with their children.   

It is very true that a mother who bottle feeds can have a great bond and a mother who breastfeeding can have trouble bonding. However, due to the oxytocin which is produced by nursing many moms can bond faster with their child and seem to be "more aware" of babies eating and sleeping patterns with out much effort.

Oxytocin has several affects on mom: 1) it contracts her uterus to shrink it back to pre pregnancy size (or close) 2) relaxes mom and can even help her fall asleep 3) it is dubbed the mothering hormone because it gives moms "that" feeling of over joyousness and love

Nevertheless, as each woman is different the overall effects of oxytocin are different for each mom and each pregnancy.

Joy - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Krisanne:

i prefer breast feeding becuase they say that there is a bonned between you and your baby

Bonding with your baby happens by spending close and intimate time with them.  Not just from breastfeeding.  I don't think the bond is greater for a breastfeeding mother than it is for a bottle feeding mother.  Either way, it's the skin on skin contact (you can bottle feed shirtless), it's the closeness, the eye contact...the sweet kisses and caresses that bring about a bond.  Bonding is getting to know your baby and your baby getting to know you.  People who adopt children go through a bonding process also and most adoptive moms don't breast feed but they still have just as close a bond with their children.   

Wendy - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Brittany:

I got out of the hospital from having my first baby last night. They told me that because I'm breastfeeding my daughter has a higher chance of getting jaundice. According to the info they gave me, it has something to do with something that is high in breast-milk not being filtered well by the liver. My paperwork is upstairs and it's too painful to go up there, but I want to say bili something is what it is.

I need to double check my research on the above info, but regardless if baby gets jaundice (which is more prevalent in induced birth or use of pit durring labor) nursing the child on demand (that means as often and for as long as baby wants) the jaundice usually clears up with out medical intervention.

Wendy - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Brittany:

I got out of the hospital from having my first baby last night. They told me that because I'm breastfeeding my daughter has a higher chance of getting jaundice. According to the info they gave me, it has something to do with something that is high in breast-milk not being filtered well by the liver. My paperwork is upstairs and it's too painful to go up there, but I want to say bili something is what it is.

I need to double check my research on the above info, but regardless if baby gets jaundice (which is more prevalent in induced birth or use of pit durring labor) nursing the child on demand (that means as often and for as long as baby wants) the jaundice usually clears up with out medical intervention.

Joy - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Krisanne:

i prefer breast feeding becuase they say that there is a bonned between you and your baby

Bonding with your baby happens by spending close and intimate time with them.  Not just from breastfeeding.  I don't think the bond is greater for a breastfeeding mother than it is for a bottle feeding mother.  Either way, it's the skin on skin contact (you can bottle feed shirtless), it's the closeness, the eye contact...the sweet kisses and caresses that bring about a bond.  Bonding is getting to know your baby and your baby getting to know you.  People who adopt children go through a bonding process also and most adoptive moms don't breast feed but they still have just as close a bond with their children.   

Wendy - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Trina:

I'm sure this question was not meant to cause a huge debate, HOWEVER I am so tired of hearing asinine comments from breast feeding mothers. Something to take into consideration when you're spewing your holier-than-thou attitude on bottle feeding mothers: regardless of what you choose to believe, NOT EVERYONE IS CAPABLE OF BREAST FEEDING!!!!!! Your comments are hurtful and insensitive and meant solely to make a mother who made a different choice than you feel inferior.

Trina, I'm sorry you feel that way. Many breastfeeding moms are not trying to make "holier-than-thou" statements, however they are trying to express some of the information which research has affirmed.

I'm aware that not everyone can nurse their children. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) 1-2% of women cannot breastfeed their babies. Additionally the WHO, along with some other organizations, have stated the order of child feeding preference: 1) Breastfeeding 2) Breast Milk Feeding (mom's milk) 3) Breast Milk Feeding (from milk bank or screened direct donor) 4) Infant Formula Feeding.

Nevertheless, many parents are not told about all the options when is comes to infant feeding. Additionally, I'm not in your circumstance, I didn't go through what you when through and cannot state with fact what I would have done.

However, according to my experiences, education (in lactation) and research I originally answered the question about what I prefer and why. It was all about me and so are most of the other posters comments. You have every right to your feeling, and should be able to express them. However, many of the comments were not meant to be, as you say "hurtful and insensitive and meant solely to make a mother who made a different choice than you feel inferior", they where answering the question with an "I" statements which is bases on their stories and their experiences. ((HUGS))

Joy - posted on 04/25/2009

I believe that a mother should do what she thinks is the right thing to do. Is breast best? Yes. Are there legitimate reasons a woman might not BF? Yes. Do formula fed babies still get the nutrients they need? Yes. That being said, I chose to breastfeed but was only able to for the first 6 weeks. I desperately wanted it to work out and used every bit of help I could get but it was just an unsuccessful, miserable experience for both me and my son. The moment I fed him his first bottle, we both relaxed a little...a LOT....and those are the moments I always imagined I would have. Me feeding my little baby and having that bonding experience....that's what I got when I went to formula. If I ever have another, I will attempt breastfeeding again but I am totally open to formula if the need arises.

Brittany - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Ashley:

I feel very strongly about this. I don't think that breastfeeding/bottlefeeding is a choice or just a preference. I have a degree in psychology and have read numerous studies about the protective benefits of breastfeeding. If anyone took the time to read these, or even listen to to a midwife, they'd realize that bottlefeeding (formula) is one of the worst decisions you can make as a parent. Breastfeeding builds the child's immune system, protects against jaundice, promotes bonding between mother and child by the release of the hormone oxytocin (the some hormone that induces labor and also shrinks your uterus after birth by way of breastfeeding), protects against ear infections, and also children who are breastfed score higher on IQ tests than children who are not. Also, breast milk is the most nutritious food for your baby. All those formulas out there contain too much protein, among other things. Your breast milk is designed specifically for YOUR baby. No formula can provide complete nutrition for your child. Plus, breast milk is free! The American Pediatric Association insists that a child should be breast fed for AT LEAST six months, but preferably a year. Even breastfeeding your child up to two years of age has been shown to be beneficial to the child. Anyway, I could go on and on. That's my two cents.

I got out of the hospital from having my first baby last night. They told me that because I'm breastfeeding my daughter has a higher chance of getting jaundice. According to the info they gave me, it has something to do with something that is high in breastmilk not being filtered well by the liver. My paperwork is upstairs and it's too painful to go up there, but I want to say bili something is what it is.

Krisanne - posted on 04/25/2009

i prefer breast feeding becuase they say that there is a bonned between you and your baby

Aliya - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Leslie:

I originally posted a response before I read the previous posts, and since it seems there's a lot of disrespect to posters, have deleted my response. I also believe I'll remove myself from this circle. When I originally joined, I was looking forward to finding helpful posts, not people disrespecting others. We're individuals and allowed our differences. No one is always right or wrong - we are after all, only human. Best wishes and I do hope everyone learns respect for each other rather than feeling hurt because someone has a strong opinion on something.

Leslie, I so agree with you! I am a mom who

Aliya - Vancouver, BC (Canada). Leslie, I totally agree. This site is such a great tool to help us all learn ways to better help raise our children - for guidance, support and encouragement.

Here is my experience with breast vs. bottle. I had an emergency C-section and have struggled with my milk supply from the beginning. I have tried everything including prescription domperidone - but in the end, I do a combo. Feed from both breasts till they are empty and then bottle feed. I will also pump when I can to try and increase supply. I felt really guilty in the first two weeks because of the whole BREAST IS BEST mentality - but if you don't make enough milk - you have to do what's right for your child. My son Terran is great - and I prefer his smiles to his constant wailing because he was hungry all the time.

I use Enfamil A+ Formuloa - it was recommended by a public health nurse. It is the closest thing to breast milk and has lots of vitamins. I buy the condensed liquid - and add water. You can also find ready to serve liquid (expensive) or powder, but many sources including the nurse said do not give babies under 6 months powder.

I have also decided to try the domperidone once more. I had only used it for 20 days when I got home from hospital. I have read that some mothers use it for the first 18 months. Turns out it is covered under my medical plan through work. If it works - it will save me a bundle in formula! If not, doing the combo breast/ formula will be fine. Also, in two months Terran will be on solids:)

I hope this is helpful to other moms and to each of us - good luck and keep having fun!

Leslie - posted on 04/25/2009

I originally posted a response before I read the previous posts, and since it seems there's a lot of disrespect to posters, have deleted my response. I also believe I'll remove myself from this circle. When I originally joined, I was looking forward to finding helpful posts, not people disrespecting others. We're individuals and allowed our differences. No one is always right or wrong - we are after all, only human. Best wishes and I do hope everyone learns respect for each other rather than feeling hurt because someone has a strong opinion on something.

Katha - posted on 04/25/2009

Breastfeeding can never be "over rated" , I had to bottle feed one of my babies due to a health problem he was born with and I breast fed the other two babies till they were old enough to start drinking regular milk out of a sippy cup ( about 9 months old) . I sat down and held my son each time I fed him with that bottle just as if I was breastfeeding him and we bonded as close as either of my other two , but on my part bit was just a bit disappointing to me as a mother that my child was getting artificial substance instead of what nature intended for him. As far as a child being more or less healthy I can not say because of the health problem from his birth factored into his over all health from the start.

Michelle - posted on 04/25/2009

Bottle feeding! I have three totally healthy and strong kids and I had help when I needed it because I could give the bottle to someone when I needed a break. I tried breastfeeding with my twins, but had no luck so with my son, I just kept with the bottles, by then I needed the bottles--with a new born and two three year olds, I needed to be easily mobile and bottles helped me do that.

Heather - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Trina:

If you feel cheated out of a relationship with your mother, I assure you it's NOT because she didn't breast feed you. I'm sure if you talk to other women who don't have a good relationship with their mothers, you'll find that a lot of them were in fact breast fed.

i really hope you werent referring to me???? well if you were then you didnt read my entire post. i understand it when women have to bottle feed for reasons like yours, that is fine, i would too if my baby was starving. any i do truely believe that me being bottle fed contributed to the distant relationship i have with my mother...along with other things. i never once said women who bottle feed are doomed to have poor relationships with their children. so dont ASSURE me of anything, you don't know me... thanks

Crystal - posted on 04/25/2009

i am a breastfeading mom all the way i loved it!!!! for me it was a matter of being cheaper one less thing i had to buy plus a convince thing i did not have to worry about bring bottles and being out longer then i thought it was just that easy this is really weird but their poop smells better when they are breastfead but thats just what i have found if you are really stuck do both if you want or at least try to breastfeed if you eat health and you breastfeed then so will your kid only difference is they might have to be feed more oftern at first to bring in the milk because it is a supply and demand kinda thing either way it is your choice but i loved it their is about 2 weeks wear it will hurt for a bight but if you stick with it then that goes away i breastfead for a year both my kids and very rearly did they bight when they got teeth i found because i breastfeed my kids could drink out of straws and sippy cups sooner casue they new how to suck wear other kids learn to bight the bottle to get their milk.



it really is your choice both is healthy for the babby or their would not be formula it is not makeing kids cronicly ill or anything like that is is simply your choice this whole thing has been blown totally out of perportin it is what you feelmost coforatble with i breastfeed but i did not look down my noise at some one who choose not to just like i would think people who bottle feed would not look down their noise at me to be honest i do not think one is better then the other it is just a choice

Andrea - posted on 04/25/2009

I have 3 happy, healthy and fit children...all bottlefed from birth. Breast feeding may well be best, but if you can't or choose not to breast feed, as I did, you should not be made to feel inadequate or a bad mother. Being a mother is a hard enough job without people making you feel guilty because you chose to bottlefeed...



My children are rarely of school with illnesses and are all sporty and bright... so make a choice thats right for you and your baby.

Amanda - posted on 04/25/2009

I breastfed my daughter and one twin until about 8 months, the other twin was bottlefed from 3 months, on the midwife's advice, as 1 twin refused to 'top up' from a bottle and wasn't getting enough when sharing the breastfeed - you can't give 2 babys 2 full breasts at every feed - impossible!!!! Watching my twins grow up alongside each other you wouldn't know which was breastfed or bottlefed from their development - they are roughly developing at the same rate, except the breastfed twin (now 11months) has begun to say recognisable words and the bottlefed twin hasn't, but all babies develop at different rates anyway. Having said all that, breastfeeding is my personal choice and I would definitely breastfeed again if we had any more children.

Trina - posted on 04/25/2009

I'm sure this question was not meant to cause a huge debate, HOWEVER I am so tired of hearing asinine comments from breast feeding mothers. Something to take into consideration when you're spewing your holier-than-thou attitude on bottle feeding mothers: regardless of what you choose to believe, NOT EVERYONE IS CAPABLE OF BREAST FEEDING!!!!!! Your comments are hurtful and insensitive and meant solely to make a mother who made a different choice than you feel inferior.

Of course, midwives & La Leche League would have people believe that ANYONE can breast feed - it's their JOB! However, unless you were one of the women that CAN'T for whatever reason, you refuse to believe that for some it's just not possible. Do yourselves a favour and do a little research - ever wonder why wet nurses have been around since the beginning of time? Whether or not to breast feed is not always a choice a mother gets to make - sometimes that choice is made for her and no amount of medications, herbal supplements, pumping and extensive suckling by the child can change that.

I was unable to breast feed either of my children. It's kind of hard to feed a baby when there is no milk! With my daughter I tried for 1 month, with my son for 3. It didn't change the fact that both children were only getting less than an ounce from me per feeding - if any - and still needed to be fed formula at EVERY feeding.

Personally, I'd much rather feed my baby what you have referred to as "inferior" and "the worst thing you can do" than have them STARVE!

As for the bonding issue, I assure you, bottle fed babies are capable of bonding with their mothers JUST as easily as breast fed babies are, not only that, but they can bond with their fathers as well, and anyone else who feeds them. My baby doesn't need to suck on my breast to feel close to me - he just needs to be held close and loved. If you feel cheated out of a relationship with your mother, I assure you it's NOT because she didn't breast feed you. I'm sure if you talk to other women who don't have a good relationship with their mothers, you'll find that a lot of them were in fact breast fed.

Breast feeding mothers certainly don't like it when they are told that they can't or shouldn't breast feed in public places or around certain people, so perhaps they should think about THAT when they decide to make hurtful comments to bottle feeding mothers!

Okay, stepping off my soap box now!

Tanya - posted on 04/25/2009

Hi, after reading all of the replies below, I will answer as such.

I did not breastfeed my first son, it was a decision based on youth and inexperience, and the knowledge, that after my husband had left i was going to have to return to work quite early. As it happened my son was very poorly, he was born with a tumour in his stomach and luckily, because i was bottle feeding him, i was able, with absalute positivity tell the medicall staff that he was vomiting, everything he had taken. In this case it probably saved his life.. However i breastfed my second son 13 years later, and I have found it ( after a bit of a slow start) to be a wonderful, rewarding experience. My son is a big, bouncing healthy baby who has not had a days illness in these 7 months, when i compare this to two of my cousins children born within months of him and with whom he has a lot of contact, they have colds regularly, gastroenteritis, chicken pox etc. However the antibodies etc are only good for the first 6 weeks, i know this as my friend has a PHD in biochemistry, anything else is not adding any further benefit to your child ( whatever the medical professional say) breastfeeding is a very personal relationship between mother and child , and it takes two, sometimes your child will not play ball, and you may have to give up, that is fine too, Do not feel guilty.



On balance I feel that the breastfeeding has helped me and my son to bond even closer, if that it is possible, it is our own personal time together. However now that he has teeth, I am definately weaning him off and onto the bottle!

Good luck with watever you choose.

Sara - posted on 04/25/2009

that's fine i was just sharing a story. My son co-slept with us till he was 8 weeks old

Carys - posted on 04/25/2009

Breastfeeding.

I've heard all about the IQ thing, the benefits to general health and digestion, increased immunity, better hearing and lower likelihodd of getting glue ear and ear infections....................... but found breastfeeding much simpler (once I got the hang of it) than the whole bottle thing.

My son also knows when he's full because of being breastfed, so there's little chance of him overeating and getting as round as me (a bottle baby).

It's tough to begin with, but worth it.

Wendy - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Heather:

   i also get a ton more sleep...when my baby is hungry in the middle of the night i just roll over and feed him laying down while i still am half asleep, we both end up dozing off and go right back to sleep. :

I know someone who lost her baby that way. Her breast fell on her baby's face and smothered the baby

 

It is wonderful that you are so concerned about the child's health. However, studies have shown that co-sleeping and breastfeeding results in fewer SIDS cases than any other combination.

http://www.nd.edu/~jmckenn1/lab/articles... 

Sara - posted on 04/25/2009

AMEN CINDY!

Cindy - posted on 04/25/2009

I wanted to breast feed my eldest child, and believed that women who didn't want to breastfeed just didn't care. Until I was the one who had trouble breastfeeding.



I was permanantly feeling guilty because I couldn't breastfeed my son, I felt like a failure when I told my husband that he had to go and get formula because the baby was hungry, and because of those feelings I "lost" the first couple of weeks with my son, and it also didn't help with my post natal depression. Every time he cried I cried because I am such a bad mother that I can't breastfeed. And all of the guilt was because of people who say that breastfeeding is the "ONLY" option. It turns out that my son is much much healthier than any of the kids I know who has been breastfeed. His IQ is also very high, not that it would make a difference, because no matter how high your IQ is if you don't want to learn you won't.



So I decided to give my daughter formula as well. She also reached all her milestones early, and is healthy and very smart. I still wish I could breastfeed, but when I look at my healthy, smart and happy children and know that we have a bond that couldn't have been stronger, I know it doesn't matter.

Wendy - posted on 04/25/2009

Breastfeeding and there are SO many reasons why I would not choose any other way. However, I will name a few:



1) Breastfeeding is more than feeding my child. While breastfeeding I'm also meeting my child's emotional, physical, social and psychological needs.



2) Foe every 6 months that I nurse, the chances my me developing postmenopausal breast or cervical cancer drop! Additionally, studies show that a woman who has BF a total of 7 years has 0% chance of developing postmenopausal breast cancer!



3) Not BF puts my child at a higher (life long) risk of developing: Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disease, etc!



4) The release of oxytocin (called the mothering hormone) when my child nurses helps to relax me when we are having a hard day, so after the nursing session we can "start" again....



There are SO many reasons why I feed that BF is the only way I will feed my child (unless for some horrible reason, such as illness or death) I cannot!

Lori - posted on 04/25/2009

One more thing to consider is that during an emergency if you formula feed you have to find a clean water source and a way to heat it up! Also there was the scare a little while ago about the cans formula was sold in. Breast milk is always ready, always the right temp, always safe and always there. However formula and bottle feeding is sometimes the only option and it does not mean you are a bad mom..... moms need to decide what is right for THEM. Just b/c I breastfeed my child does not mean every mom should or even can! It is most important for you to be a happy collected mom, to provide a safe and happy environment for your child to grow and learn in.... The more you stress out the more the baby will pick up on that and neither of you will be happy. Do what makes you comfortable, but be informed about the benefits/risks.

Heather - posted on 04/25/2009

well that cant happen to me, my breasts cannot fall and smother him...they are rather small....but thanks for the concern???

Sara - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Heather:

   i also get a ton more sleep...when my baby is hungry in the middle of the night i just roll over and feed him laying down while i still am half asleep, we both end up dozing off and go right back to sleep. :

I know someone who lost her baby that way. Her breast fell on her baby's face and smothered the baby

Heather - posted on 04/25/2009

i think formula should only be used in certain circumstances and should not be used as another option to feed your baby. women are meant to breastfeed their babies, our milk is especially designed for each child. it is such an incredible mystery and women should at least want to breastfeed. not only is breast milk healthier, breastfeeding allows you to truely bond with your infant which buils your relationship from day 1. i personally was bottle fed and do not have a great relationship with my mother, i feel almost cheated out of having that bonding time with her.

on another note...you cannot deny the convienence of breastfeeding. never have to warm up any bottles (or clean them). dont have to worry about packing bottles when you go out on trips, the food is with you. i also get a ton more sleep...when my baby is hungry in the middle of the night i just roll over and feed him laying down while i still am half asleep, we both end up dozing off and go right back to sleep. :)

Renee - posted on 04/25/2009

I've breastfed both of my biological children, and I prefer it for the convenience and health benefits to both mother & child. It was especially helpful with my first son because I'd had a rough delivery that ended with an emergency c-section. In the midst of postpartum depression & feelings of inadequacy, successful breastfeeding gave me confidence as a new Mom and helped me to bond with my son. My younger son was premature, and being able to pump & provide breastmilk for him while in the NICU gave me the sense of making a huge contribution in helping him overcoming his situation. Moreover, he was able to leave the NICU within 2 & 1/2 weeks even though he was just 1710 grams! I also have two adopted sons who I was not able to breastfeed. One of my sons was adopted at birth, and I made sure that I was the primary person who fed him. I always gave him his bottle while cradeling him closely (& alternating arms) in order to give him the advantages of bonding time, eye & neck development. I really feel like this is a more complex issue than most people make it. There are many factors to consider when making your decision.

Lori - posted on 04/25/2009

I am not going to go on about all the health benefits of breastfeeding, seems to me everyone knows about them, and you are aware... kinda like telling a smoker about the risks.... they already know! I will give you some things to consider that I didn't see any one else mention: Bottle fed babies have a higher chance for gas and colic, meaning a much fussier baby. Breastfed babies poop won't smell nearly as bad, it is kinda sweet or popcorny smelling. (makes dad a little more willing to change the diaper, not that he wouldn't anyway) Breastfeeding saves money on very expensive formula and diapers! The breast milk is so efficient breastfed babies don't poop very often, at about a month old they will drop down to a poop every other day or less, so less diapers to change and to spend $ on!

BUT it is also so efficient it is digested quickly and the baby will wake up more during the night hungry.

Sara - posted on 04/25/2009

I really can't stand people that say breastfeeding is the ONLY way to go. Some women (myself for example) just stop producing breast milk for whatever reason. I tried EVERYTHING I could to get production going but was unsuccessful. Although I wish I could have breastfed for longer than 2 weeks, I have a perfectly happy healthy little guy who still has yet to get sick.

Sara - posted on 04/25/2009

both! I breastfed both my kids for a year, and pumped to have the convience of a bottle when needed.

Jennifer - posted on 04/25/2009

Do whatever you feel comfortable with. I was open to either but ended up all 4 kids were on the bottle. If your not sure, plan on giving breastfeeding a try and then you can decide. I tried with my first and my last (now 7 weeks old) and decided it just wasn't for me. I know it's supposed to be natural and all that but it just made me feel uncomfortable. I had no problems getting them to latch on or holding them or anything - it just did not feel right to me. I tried a couple of feedings with each and then went to bottle. The middle two I just started on the bottle from the beginning. It's just a personal choice. As far as all the reasons to breastfeed - there is nothing wrong with bottle fed babies. I could probably count on one hand the number of times my kids have been sick (the oldest is 7) so there are no problems with their immune systems from being bottle fed. In fact they are healthier than a lot of kids I know who were breast fed. As far as bonding, there was an immediate bond between me and my child. We connected just fine while I was feeding them a bottle. I don't feel any differently to the two I tried nursing for a while versus the two that started off on the bottle.

Bottle feeding was a lot easier and convenient to me. It's a lot easier when I'm out shopping to just pop a bottle in while I'm walking instead of having to stop, find a restroom, go sit for 30 min. while they eat (and keep 3 other kids happy while I'm doing that), then go back to what I was doing. It's your decision and whatever you choose is what is right for you. Don't feel pressured to do one or the other - it's whatever makes you comfortable.

Karen - posted on 04/25/2009

Although the convenience of a bottle is nice...breast feeding is a wonderful bonding experience...not to mention the nutritional and developmental advantages.

Abby - posted on 04/25/2009

Ashley, stating that bottle feeding is one of the worst things you can do makes some women feel awful....i had no choice i produced NO milk and therefore my child STARVED for the first few days. my child and i have an amazing bond but he is extremely outgoing too. his father and granny got to bond with him too because of bottle feeding. my child is an extremely intelligent child, he hit all his milestones long before he should, he crawled at 5 months, smiled at 16 days.

so please dont say those things, sometimes breast feeding is not possible and people who go round saying things like you do hurt women who tried theur hardest and struggled for months feeding with a bottle as my child hated it.

Amanda - posted on 04/25/2009

I bottlefed both my kids. My son now 28 mos. is the happiest healthiest child. He is very intelligent for his age. Has not allergies to anything that I know of and has never been sick other than a cold his whole life. My daughter is almot 9 mos. and she has not yet been sick and no food allergies yet. Neither of my kids had jaundice either. I have never heard the whole IQ arguement but in my opinion that is the craziest fact I have ever heard!!!! So my two cents is that I don't think it matters whether the food comes from the breast or a bottle of formula if it comes from love that is all that matters.

Bukuola - posted on 04/25/2009

breastfeeding!!! but I had to stop nursing when my daughter starting gettin teeth... Then she was just using me as a pacifer!!!

Megan - posted on 04/25/2009

I preferred breast feeding but had to give my children bottles since I was working. I feel that the breastmilk is the best even if it comes from a bottle. I used an electric breast pump for 9-12 months so that my children could get the best nutrients possible.

Danielle - posted on 04/25/2009

Breastfeeing! I love the bonding that takes place not to mention the health benifits for both Mom and baby.

Rabaab - posted on 04/25/2009

well i prefer breast feeding. I bottle fed my first child, and breast fed my second. when they say that if you breast feed your children , it helps in development of your child, this is so true. For me i have seen the remarkable difference between my first and second child. if i had a third child then i would breast feed it any day... Breastfeeding should be overrated as it is one of the best things. If you cannot breast feed as your child does not take from you or is ill then that is different..

Rozalyn - posted on 04/25/2009

Breastfeeding for sure! It is what is best for baby. That being said, I started using a breast pump the first day my milk came in. I made sure to give my son one bottle of breast milk every day, so that when I went back to work he wouldn't refuse to eat when my sitter had to feed him that way. Also, it was really convenient for nighttime feedings.

Morag - posted on 04/25/2009

Breastfeeding... It has been an amazing experience knowing that I have been responsible for nurturing my child...Its felt so natural and instinctive. And most recently, has protected her from a stomach bug which we all sadly suffered from except her... It really bolstered my belief that I chose the right thing for us.

Ashley - posted on 04/25/2009

I feel very strongly about this. I don't think that breastfeeding/bottlefeeding is a choice or just a preference. I have a degree in psychology and have read numerous studies about the protective benefits of breastfeeding. If anyone took the time to read these, or even listen to to a midwife, they'd realize that bottlefeeding (formula) is one of the worst decisions you can make as a parent. Breastfeeding builds the child's immune system, protects against jaundice, promotes bonding between mother and child by the release of the hormone oxytocin (the some hormone that induces labor and also shrinks your uterus after birth by way of breastfeeding), protects against ear infections, and also children who are breastfed score higher on IQ tests than children who are not. Also, breast milk is the most nutritious food for your baby. All those formulas out there contain too much protein, among other things. Your breast milk is designed specifically for YOUR baby. No formula can provide complete nutrition for your child. Plus, breast milk is free! The American Pediatric Association insists that a child should be breast fed for AT LEAST six months, but preferably a year. Even breastfeeding your child up to two years of age has been shown to be beneficial to the child. Anyway, I could go on and on. That's my two cents.

Lindsay - posted on 04/25/2009

Both of my kids were bottlefed. They are totally healthy. That was my decision though. And I know a lot of people probably don't agree. When I was trying to decide my obgyn said to me to do whatever I felt more comfortable with and suited my lifestyle more. She said that there wasn't as huge of a difference as poeple tend to make, that both are very healthy choices. I was only able to take 6 weeks off work after each baby so we opted for the bottle. We have no allergies or any other complications. Just two healthy, happy kids!

Amanda - posted on 04/25/2009

Bottlefeeding...breastfeeding is highly overrated!