“What is the best feeding method for our new baby? This is one of the common questions and first decisions parents have to make as they await the arrival of their new baby.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods of feeding, but most health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Medical Association (AMA), recommend breast feeding as the best source of nutrition for babies and should be considered if at all possible.
This recommendation is supported by research that has found that infants nursed for more than four months have less frequent ear, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, fewer childhood cancers and lower rates of juvenile diabetes than infants who were not breastfed. Additional studies have shown an increase in I.Q. and a decrease in obesity rates among breastfed infants. In addition, mothers have health benefits including a reduced blood loss after delivery and help with postpartum weight loss.
|
Breast Feeding v
s. Formula Feeding
|
|
Contains a perfect balance and high level of nutrients
|
Nutritional content depends on proper preparation
|
|
Easily digested and absorbed
|
Some babies have trouble digesting certain nutrients in formula
|
|
Free
|
Formula ranges from $54-$198 per month depending on the brand
|
|
Always the perfect temperature, no preparation time and milk is available any time and place
|
Enough formula must be on hand at all times and bottles need to be prepared
|
| |
Need to wash bottles and nipples
|
|
Mother must be available for feeding or have pumped milk for baby during her absence
|
Either parent (or caregiver) can feed the baby a bottle
|
|
While breast feeding is recommended, infant formula is a good alternative for mothers who are unable or choose not to breastfeed.
“A new mother who is unable to nurse due to health issues, or has made several attempts and for a variety reasons was not successful, may have to make the decision to not breastfeed her baby. However, she will still be able to bond with her infant and the baby’s nutritional needs will be met”, says Detlef Gerlach, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist with WellSpan’s York Women’s Health Center.
The decision on which feeding method is right for your baby is a personal one. Discuss the options with your health care provider and take advantage of educational sources such as the childbirth education classes offered through York Hospital and Gettysburg Hospital.
International board certified lactation consultants, nurse experts who can help prevent, recognize and address any breastfeeding concerns, are also available in the maternity services departments of both hospitals. They can be a valuable resource for questions and support after discharge from the hospital as well.
Below are some points to consider when making the decision regarding whether to breastfeed, bottle-feed or a combination of both.
How WellSpan Can Help
WellSpan’s team of lactation consultants at York Hospital and Gettysburg Hospital are available to help new mothers prevent, recognize and address breastfeeding concerns. At least one consultant is available every day to see patients and to take phone calls. Outpatient consultations are available at no charge for those who have delivered at a WellSpan hospital. In order to allow us to reserve time for your visit, please call (717) 851-2953 in advance to arrange for a consultation. For information about breastfeeding and childbirth education classes, call (717) 851-2241 (York), and (717) 337-4272 (Gettysburg) or visit our website at www.wellspan.org.
|