Breastfeeding
Types of Breast Milk
If you choose to breastfeed your baby, it is important to know what to expect. As the baby grows, your breast milk evolves. The three main types of breast milk are:- Colostrum: This early breast milk is thick and yellowish in color. It is packed with nutrients, antibodies, and proteins to help your newborn fight off disease.
- Transitional Milk: This milk has less proteins as colostrum, but is more calorie-dense.
- Mature Milk: As your baby grows, milk becomes thinner and takes on a whitish color.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
There are many benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers alike. Below are some breastfeeding benefits:- Helps babies fight disease
- Prevents the development of asthma and allergies
- Builds up babies’ immune systems
- Reduces the risk of childhood obesity for babies that were breastfed for at least 6 months
- Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Formula Feeding
What’s in Formula?
Formula is a synthetic food that is designed to be a replacement for breast milk. It contains all the nutrients that a baby needs to grow and thrive. Formula comes in different varieties, depending on the baby's age and specific nutritional needs. It is important to consult with a pediatrician before choosing a formula for your child.Benefits of Formula Feeding
There are several benefits to formula feeding:- Feeding is not restricted just to the breastfeeding parent
- Babies with tongue tie or lip tie can sometimes latch onto a bottle nipple better than a breast nipple
- Effective solution for mothers who are unable to breastfeed for a number of reasons.
- Babies still get the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong!