Formula vs. Breast Milk

Formula:

Historically formula was designed as a source of nutrition for babies whose mothers were ill or had died; babies who were ill, premature or had a malformation of the oral cavity. Numerous factors influence a woman’s decision regarding her choice of infant feeding method. A woman might choose formula over breast feeding because of painful nursing due to cracked nipples; she has a health condition and the prescribed medication is not safe for baby; religious and cultural beliefs; she wants family members to help feed the baby; she received free samples of formula at the hospital; she lacks knowledge about breast feeding; she works outside the home and does not have a place to nurse her baby or pump milk and store it safely. However, choosing formula comes with a cost; on average the cost of infant formula during the first year of life is approximately $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the brand.

Breastfed:

The benefits of breast feeding are well documented; it is an excellent source of nutrition, antibodies in breast milk protects baby against ear infections, diarrhea and meningitis. Breast milk is easily digested by the digestive system of a newborn; it prevents allergies and is also cost-effective. A woman might choose breast feeding over formula since it is always fresh, convenient, sustainable, safe and free. In addition, breast-fed babies are healthier; this means fewer visits to the doctor and less time taken off work by the mother to care for a sick baby. Breast feeding is also beneficial to a new mother since it burns calories and helps the uterus shrink to its pre-pregnancy state.

In some cases, breast feeding is not an option. My daughter was unable to latch on, I tried pumping but barely any milk came out; I tried nipple shields and tubes; and breast feeding clinics but all unsuccessful. The hospital introduced formula to my baby while only being 2 days old. I found formula very conveinient as it was ready to go, but the cost was riddulous. I was spending $50 a case/week and for the brand of formula there wasn't any manufactures coupons. I would wait until Wal-Mart or another super store had it on sale and buy in bulk.

If you do choose to formula feed your child, determine if you can afford powdered or the ready to feed; and look onto the manufacture's website such as nestle to see if they do offer manufacture's co
upons.