Breast feeding vs. bottle feeding

As a pediatric occupational therapist and a mother, I have experienced this subject from both a personal and professional point of view. Many people argue that breastfeeding is so important that it warrants any necessary sacrifice. However, as with any child, each situation must be judged on a case-by-case basis. There is no one right or wrong way, and no one should be made to feel guilty for using the method that is best for them.

Medical professionals and even formula makers agree that breast milk is best for an infant in most circumstances. It has the advantage of providing an increased immune system for the baby (at least for the first 6 months of breastfeeding). The nutrients in breast milk are intended for this purpose and are best suited for the digestive tract of a baby. Those who use formula often struggle to find the formula that is best for the child, and even the best formula can cause digestive upset in the baby. The advantages provided by breast milk are numerous. However, the simple nutrition benefits are not the only factor in this debate.

Many mothers become very stressed about breastfeeding, either by the pressure to do it or even by the pressure not to do it. Those who want to breastfeed and are stressed about this often have difficulty with the process and/or producing enough milk. Lactation consultants should be contacted, and enough time should be dedicated to the process before giving up. If the milk supply is limited, the baby should receive supplements of formula to ensure enough nutrition is being supplied.

Many mothers do not have the luxury of staying at home with a child or have demanding jobs that limit their ability to stay home. Whenever possible, pumping milk for the child to use in bottles by the daycare provider is a great solution. Many employers are willing to work with mothers to provide this time and private space for pumping rather than have these mothers quit their jobs. Some mothers are not so lucky to have employers like this. Mothers who wish to pump and are employed by superiors who do not allow this can usually find that they have legal rights in many situations. Le Leche League has been known to support these types of cases (as well as mothers who breastfeed in public places). Some mothers just are unable to pump and must work, and they should not feel guilty for this. We do not live in an ideal world, so we must do the best we can with the situations we are dealt.

The issue of bonding comes up with breast vs. bottle feeding as well. I feel that when a baby is loved and cared for properly, she will not care if she is being cuddled and fed a bottle or is suckling on a breast. In either situation, the bottle can be given while the provider looks at and swaddles the infant. In fact, the advantage of a bottle is that the father or grandparent can enjoy feeding time as well. This can be a real advantage in the middle of the night when dad can get up with the baby and give mom a break once in a while! Giving a child a bottle does not mean formula. Even if you are strictly breast-feeding, you can still pump and use breast milk in a bottle. In my personal experience, I found that giving an infant a bottle once in a while, breast milk or formula was a welcome relief and allowed me to have some freedom in my life. I never had a problem switching my child from breast to bottle (mostly breast), but I know some are not as lucky.

The point of this article is not to say there is only one way to approach this subject. This topic gets debated so heavily on one side or the other that mothers are made to feel unnecessarily guilty for their personal choice (or guilty even if they could not breastfeed). If you can breastfeed - DO IT. It is a natural, wonderful, and healthy experience for you and the baby. However, if it is not possible, don't stress about it, and don't allow others to make you feel guilty. The most important thing is that you love and cherish your child with every ounce of your being.