Breastfeeding is great if it works for you, but formula is a fantastic option, too.
Remember, fed is best.
There are many important decisions new parents make, and one of them is deciding to breastfeed or use formula. Medical professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months after a baby is born and then a mixture of breast milk and other food until the baby is one. However, some parents are not able to breastfeed exclusively or at all for a variety of reasons, so let’s tackle the differences between formula and breastmilk.
A common misconception is that formula is the same as breastmilk. The three most common types of formula are cow milk protein-based, soy-based, and protein hydrolysate formula. Cow milk-based formula has been changed so its nutrients are closer to breast milk, and it is a little easier for babies to digest than regular cow milk. Soy-based formulas are also infused with nutrients and are a helpful alternative for babies with dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance. Protein hydrolysate formulas have broken down versions of certain proteins to make digestion easier. They are a good alternative for babies who have trouble with cow milk or soy-based formulas or who have food allergies. However, breast milk is the gold standard for infants because it aids brain development, boosts the immune system, and contains nutrients that are essential to the baby’s health. Formula does not boost the immune system as breastmilk does. Studies show that infants who are breastfed have lower mortality rates and lower rates of infection than those who are formula-fed.
Breast milk comes in three stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Colostrum lasts for about 2-4 days after birth and is thicker and yellower than future breast milk. It contains proteins, vitamins, and immunoglobulins (antibodies). Immunoglobulins give newborns immunity and can protect them from infection. Transitional milk lasts for about two weeks after colostrum ends and has lots of fat, lactose, and vitamins. Mature milk is produced after transitional milk and is mostly water, but also has carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to help with growth.
Another common concern is whether the baby is getting enough milk. With formula, it’s easy to measure exactly how much milk is used for each feeding. Breastfeeding can take time to get used to, but exclusive breastfeeding is possible. Prolactin is the hormone the body uses to make milk and breastfeeding increases prolactin production. The amount of milk produced is related to the amount the baby drinks.
There are many non-nutritional benefits to breastfeeding as well. First of all, it’s completely free while formula is a continuous expense. Secondly, breastfeeding can help shrink the size of the uterus and reduce the risk of diseases like breast cancer and cardiovascular disease in the mother. Additionally, it’s a great way to bond with a new baby through skin-to-skin contact. However, it’s worth noting that bottle-feeding can give another partner a chance to bond with the baby.
With that being said, there are a number of barriers that can make breastfeeding difficult or impossible, and there is nothing wrong with using formula. Studies have found that women who are unable to breastfeed feel shame or social stigma for using formula. It’s important to remember that every situation is different, and formula is a legitimate alternative to breastfeeding.
Working mothers often have a difficult time breastfeeding, especially in countries without paid parental leave. Breastfeeding and milk production rely on routine, so going back to work may impact breastfeeding. Formula can be supplemental and help alleviate the stress of working and being a parent, especially if the work environment does not have resources to support pumping or breastfeeding. With formula, anyone can feed the baby, so the mother has more flexibility.
Breastfeeding is also more successful when mothers are in a supportive environment. This is especially important for their first child. Family support and the availability of lactation consultants have huge effects on the confidence of breastfeeding mothers. There are issues mothers may run into while breastfeeding like nipple pain or inverted nipples, and without education and support, these may be difficult for her to overcome on her own. Formula helps ensure the baby is fed and the mother is taken care of as well.
Additionally, some women have trouble producing breastmilk or have a medical reason they need to use formula. HIV/AIDS-positive mothers risk passing the virus through their breastmilk, and certain medications can harm the baby through breastmilk as well. In these cases, formula is the safest option for feeding.
The breastmilk vs formula debate also has profound effects on the LGBTQ+ community. There are milk donor organizations for individuals who cannot produce breastmilk, but the process can be a hassle and may not be widely available to all parents. Formula allows more individuals to raise a child regardless of physical circumstances or abilities.
Finally, the most important factor to keep in mind is it’s the parents’ choice to breastfeed or use formula. Experts say that some breastmilk is better than none, but every situation is different. Talking with your doctor is the best way to figure out a safe and healthy way to care for a new baby.
Thanks to our amazing interns, Amy Zine and Shoshana Fishbein, for helping to create the content and graphics for this post.
Resources:
4. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/apa.13147
6. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/breast-bottle-feeding.html
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6069526/
9. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-we-shouldnt-demonize-formula-feeding-2018040313557
10. https://www.health4mom.org/lactation-options-strategies-for-lbgtq-persons/