Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding

1. Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding You be the Judge

2. Breastfeeding: The Advantages • Infection – fighting • Ear infections • Diarrhea • Respiratory infections • Meningitis Develop baby’s immune system • For premature baby’s, breast milk can also protect against: • allergies • Asthma • Diabetes • Obesity • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

3. Breastfeeding Benefits Continued… • Nutrition and ease of digestion • Called the “perfect food” • Lactose • Protein • Fat • All vitamins and minerals that newborns require • FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! • Breast milk doesn’t cost a cent • Infants receive antibodies from the mother and are sick less often • Fewer trips to the doctor • Mother’s taking fewer days off work to care for a sick child Easily digested by newborn’s immature system

4. Breastfeeding Benefits Continued… • Obesity Prevention • Cannot be over-fed • Reduces chances for obesity later in life • Convenience • Always fresh • Always available • No bottles to wash and sterilize • No warming bottles in the middle of the night • Smarter babies • Recent studies suggest that children who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months have IQ’s 5 to 10 points higher than children who were formula fed

5. Breastfeeding Benefits Continued… • Skin – to – skin contact • Nursing mothers enjoy the bonding experience • Can enhance the emotional connection between mother and infant • BREASTFEEDING GREAT FOR MOM • Burn more calories • Mom can return to “pre-baby” weight faster • Helps shrink the uterus • Lower the risk of premenopausal breast cancer • May decrease the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer

6. Breastfeeding…The Drawbacks • Personal Comfort • Time and Frequency of feedings • Limiting Caffeine • Maternal medical conditions, medicines, and breast surgery

7. Formula Feeding: The Advantages • Convenience • Either parent or caregiver can feed the baby a bottle • Mother can share the feeding process and the boding that goes with it

8. Formula Feeding: The Advantages • Flexibility • No need to… • Use a breast pump (can be very time consuming for working moms) • Schedule work or other obligations • Find a private place to nurse • Time and Frequency of Feedings • Formula digests slower than breast milk • Formula fed babies need to eat less often Breastfed baby: Every 2-3 hours Formula fed baby: Every 3-4 hours Bottle fed baby: often a better sleeper

9. Formula Feeding: The Advantages • Diet • Women who opt to formula feed do not have to worry about the food or drinks they consume affecting their baby

10. Formula Feeding: The Challenges • Organization and Preparation • Enough formula on hand at all times • Bottles must be made • Formula must be prepared • Bottles and nipples need to be sterilized • Prepared bottles only last 24-48 hours • Must be warmed NEVER heat a bottle in the microwave

11. Formula Feeding: The Challenges • Lack of Antibodies • None of the important antibodies found in breast milk can be produced in formula • Formula lacks extra protection • This is most true in the beginning when the colostrum is in. The “newer” formulas that are available are much better than those of the past and some are very close to breast milk.

12. Formula Feeding: The Challenges • Expense • Formula can be costly

13. http://www.breastfeeding.org/bfacts/costs.html

14. Formula Feeding: The Challenges • Possibility of producing gas and constipation • More gas • Firmer bowel movements

15. Make and Informed Decision • Read the Following Articles: • “Breast is Best’ until mom, baby are ready” Use the information from this PowerPoint, from the Jimmy Kimmel video clip, from the articles, and any information you may have prior to this to form your opinion… Write 2 paragraphs describing your opinion: If you had to make the decision to breast feed or not, which would you choose? Take into consideration career choices (full time job and other commitments) that might influence your choice. Also, consider personal comfort with breastfeeding.