There is no one right way to parent a child. Every family has to figure out what works best for them. Some parents choose to breastfeed, while others opt for formula feeding. What matters is that the child is fed and healthy! There are pros and cons to both choices, and it ultimately comes down to what the parents feel is best for their child. In this article, we will explore some of the differences between breastfeeding and formula feeding.

Breastfeedingbreastfeeding vs. formula feeding

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. 
Each type of breast milk has the nutrients and vitamins that your baby needs throughout its different stages of infancy.

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)
Our team at New Beginnings Pediatrics is happy to discuss breastfeeding benefits with you, and answer any questions you may have.

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!
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to breastfeed or formula feed is up to the parents. Many women are unable to breastfeed, and formula is a perfectly good alternative. Speak to your doctor about your options!Our lactation specialists at New Beginnings Pediatrics are happy to discuss feeding options and answer any questions you may have. Request an appointment or call (540) 739-3623 to get started.