Breast milk against formula milk
Formula milk does not contain many of the nutrients found naturally in breast milk and therefore it may not offer the baby the same protection against infection. Formula milk is also not as easy to absorb as breast milk and some babies may struggle with colic and stomach ache as they get used to formula milk.
One of the most beneficial aspects of formula milk is that it is often more convenient if you are planning on going out for the day or going away; many women feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in public places and being able to give the baby a bottle is often an attractive alternative. Bottle feeding also enables the mother to have a rest, as other people can give the baby their bottle; only the mother is available to breastfeed and this can be exhausting and very painful after a while.
On the flip side, most parents will agree that preparing formula milk is a bit of a hassle- when the baby is small everything has to be sterilised and preparing bottles can be a time consuming process. In contrast, breast milk is always available and ready to go so it can be a lot more convenient.
Research has shown that babies who were given breast milk for at least three months have a higher average IQ than those who were fed on formula milk.
Breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding
- Breast milk against formula milk
- How to breastfeed
- How do I know that my baby is feeding properly?
- Tips for breastfeeding
- Expressing and breast pumps
- Breastfeeding and Jaundice
- Extended Breastfeeding
- Foods to avoid when breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding myths
- Breastfeeding after a caesarean
- Breastfeeding and birth control
- Baby refusing to breastfeed
- Factors that may have an effect on breastfeeding
- Lactation Consultant
- Breastfeeding and Medication
- Breastfeeding Premature Babies
- Nursing bras
- Formula milk
- Breastfeeding when ill
- Breastfeeding in public
- Oversupply of breast milk
Mother, Baby and Beyond
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Mother, Baby and Beyond
- Baby calendar
- Newborn Baby’s Check-ups and Tests
- Newborn Babies’ Appearance
- Bonding with Your Baby
- A Guide to Sleeping for Mother and Baby
- Coping with a Crying Baby
- Sibling Bonding
- The Father’s Role
- Postnatal Health
- Baby Predicaments
- Sex after Childbirth
- Weaning and Moving onto Solid Foods
- Travelling with a Newborn Baby
- Losing Baby Weight
- Baby Health Concerns
- Breastfeeding
- Caring for your child
- Looking after Twins
- Baby vaccinations
- Caring for your newborn
- Mother and Baby Myths
- Mother and baby development FAQ
Related Guides
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Guide to Getting Pregnant
- Guide to Pregnancy
- Guide to Giving Birth
- Guide to Pregnancy Tests
- Mother, Baby & Beyond Guide
- Guide to Pain Relief in Labour
- Guide to pregnancy scans
- Pregnancy calendar guide
- Baby calendar guide
- Child development calendar guide
- Guide to miscarriage
- Guide to breastfeeding
- Guide to sleeping for mother & baby
- Guide to birth defects
- Guide to Post Natal depression