Comparison: Breastfeeding vs. Bottlefeeding

Every mother of a newborn baby must choose one of two methods available to feed her infant -bottle feeding or breastfeeding . This choice is a personal preference and each is nutritionally sound . Either method has its advantages and disadvantages , however Peter Chen , M .D . of the University of Maryland states that How and what to feed your baby is a decision that should `fit ' you , your baby and your family (Chen na

Breastfeeding is most often recommended by pediatricians as the best natural nutritional source for the first six months of life

. This natural source of nutrition is said to contain the appropriate amounts of carbohydrate , protein , and fat , and provides digestive enzymes minerals , vitamins and hormones ' required by infants (Chen na Infants also receive the mother 's antibodies naturally , which help the newborn fight infections (Chen na

Breastfeeding can be one of two ways - directly from the breast or expressing the milk from the mother to be fed to the infant through a bottle . If directly from the breast the mother is solely responsible for providing nutrition to the infant - however , if the mother is unable to remain with her infant at all times it is possible that feeding her newborn can be supplemented with bottle feedings . Most healthcare professionals agree that choosing one method of breastfeeding during the first two months of life will avoid nipple confusion ' in the infant the mother must realize that choosing this method directly from her breast is a major commitment . Once newborns reach the age of two months they are prone to adapt easily to the change in nipple (Chen na

Researchers have found that breastfed infants have a lower occurrence of ear infections , stomach as well as intestinal infections skin diseases and allergies . Research also shows that breastfeeding an infant lowers the infant 's chances of obesity as well as developing other conditions such as high blood pressure or tooth decay (Chen na Mothers who breastfeed should consult their doctor regularly any medications or food consumed by the breastfeeding mother can affect the newborn child (Chen na

Disadvantages of this feeding method include nipple soreness from regular feedings , breast engorgement and leaking . Other disadvantages include the inability to measure the infant 's intake of milk as well as the possibility of inadequate milk supply . Mothers may also feel as if they lack experience with this process or the support of others and become sensitive and reluctant to asking for assistance . The commitment can be overwhelming and the mother may become exhausted . Infants may also have a condition that will not allow breastfeeding as an option such as prematurity , weakness in physical conditions or other birth defects (Chen na ) Many mothers report the lack of sex drive when breastfeeding , which leads to marital frustrations (SafeKids .org

Bottle feeding an infant through store-bought formulas is considered a healthy choice of nutrition for an infant and mothers choose this option for several reasons . Many mothers have health issues that will now allow breastfeeding to...