5 things that are great about formula feeding

Of course, we are all well aware of the many benefits of breastfeeding. There’s no denying that breast milk is uniquely designed for human babies, but in promoting breastfeeding, we need to be careful not to demonise formula. Sadly, there is a lot of bad and false information out there regarding formula. At Newborn Baby, we believe in ‘informed is best’.

Infant formula feeding is a healthy and wonderful way to provide your baby with the best start in life.

Before we look at five things that are great about formula feeding, let’s consider some of the many valid reasons why a woman would bottle feed her baby:

  • There isn’t always a lot of support for new mothers who are feeling overwhelmed with breastfeeding, who are suffering from sore nipples, or who feel that maybe their baby isn’t getting enough milk.
  • When a baby has lost a risky amount of weight, the mother may need to supplement their milk with formula.
  • If she has returned to work, a woman’s workplace might not support breastfeeding, or she might not have the time in her day to pump.
  • Some health conditions (the mother’s or the baby’s) can make breastfeeding harder or impossible.
  • Some women find breastfeeding too stressful or tiring.
  • Postpartum depression or anxiety can have a huge impact on breastfeeding, and vice versa.
  • Body image issues, or physical discomfort, that might lead to insecurities, particularly when it comes to feeding in public.

5 things that are great about formula feeding

1. You don’t have to do all of the feeds

Motherhood can feel incredibly isolating and all-consuming, particularly when you’re the only one who is responsible for feeding your baby 24/7 (among everything else!). With formula feeding, you can get your partner, mother, friend, or even your older kids involved in this lovely bonding experience (while you have a well-earned break). Your baby can be fed anytime, anywhere, and by anyone.

2. You can eat any diet you like

Rather than conforming to a breastfeeding-friendly diet or eliminating certain foods that your baby might be sensitive to, you don’t have to worry about what you eat or drink. There’s no guesswork involved, no trying to determine if it’s the onion, the garlic, the tomato, or the coffee that’s causing your baby to fuss. You can also take medications without worrying about it transferring to your milk.

3. You know exactly how much your baby is consuming

You’ll never need to wonder if your baby is getting enough milk or not. If they’re unsettled, you will be able to generally rule out hunger if you know how much they’re getting is appropriate for their individual needs. Your baby’s growth will be charted by your maternal and child health nurse, so they will let you know if you need to increase or decrease their intake. Here is our baby formula feeding guide by age to help you.

4. It can be an important tool to support breastfeeding

If a baby loses a risky amount of weight, supplementing with formula can be critical for a baby’s and mother’s wellbeing. It may help a mother to continue to breastfeed who would otherwise give up entirely. Naturally, it’s better that a baby gets some breastmilk than none at all, so it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing situation.

5. Bottle feeding is less invasive and uncomfortable

Bottle feeding doesn’t come with the pain that breastfeeding does, including mastitis, sore and cracked nipples, and engorgement. You won’t have leaking boobs, you can still have a social life or go to work without having to worry about pumping while you’re out. You also don’t need to feel uncomfortable feeding in public.

Conclusion

There are any number of good reasons why a woman can’t or chooses not to breastfeed. There is much more to motherhood than breastfeeding, and we need to support mums more in their choices, rather than shaming them. For mums everywhere, giving their baby formula can mean less stress and frustration, more rest, and an ability to enjoy motherhood. And that’s what your baby needs from you more than anything.

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