Not sure if you should be bottle feeding or breastfeeding? Advantages and disadvantages of both feeding options should be reviewed before you make a choice. This decision should ultimately be made by you and your partner, with some helpful guidance from your healthcare provider.
There are many advantages of breastfeeding. Some of the health benefits for the infant include:
- Providing antibodies that help build up the immune system
- Getting sick less often and needing to see the doctor fewer times in the first year due to illness
Improved
digestive system function and decreased chance for infections within the digestive tract.
There is no question about the health benefits of breastfeeding. However, there are also some disadvantages, such as:
- If you haven't pumped a bottle in advance, as the mother, you can't go far (no one can step in for the feeding).
- Babies digest breast milk efficiently. This can mean more frequent feedings compared to formula.
- There is always the possibility of pain from a clogged duct or mastitis, or sore nipples.
(Click Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding and for information about the benefits and drawbacks of formula feeding.)
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