Breast or Bottle

What are the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding and bottle feeding for both mother and baby?

The advantages and disadvantages of breast and bottle feeding is a huge subject, and I will try to give you as much information as I can.

Breastfeeding is the way that nature intended women to feed their babies. It is a complete nourishment, being all the food and drink he or she needs for around six months. It continues to be a valuable source of nutrition long after this, as well.

Breast milk is always available at the right temperature - no sterilising, mixing, heating or bottle washing necessary!

Breastfeeding can help with developing a close and loving relationship with your baby due to the hormones involved.

Breastfeeding can help with weight loss - breastfeeding uses up around 500 extra calories a day.

There is evidence to suggest that breastfeeding lowers the mother's risk of certain diseases

You can read more reasons in our feature Why should I breastfeed?

There are no real disadvantages to breastfeeding. However, it takes time and dedication to establish breast feeding if you have never done it before. Breastfeeding usually takes some practice before it becomes more like second nature. Many mums feel that bottle feeding is more convenient - it does not require much practice in the early days, anyone can feed the baby, and it is possible to tell at a glance how much the baby has taken. However, once mum and baby have become used to breastfeeding, it is possible to express milk occasionally for someone else to give the baby. If a baby is doing plenty of wet and dirty nappies and is gaining weight, it is clear that he/she is getting enough milk without needing to see exactly how much milk has been taken at each feed.

There are plenty of disadvantages to bottle feeding. These mainly stem from the fact that formula is artificial and derived from cows milk and not human milk!. It does not contain all the immunity benefits, it does not change to meet the specific needs of the individual baby.

It is absolutely clear that breastfeeding is best for mums and babies. However, it is important to realise that if for some reason you are unable to breastfeed, your formula fed baby is likely to grow up perfectly healthy and you should not feel guilty for not breastfeeding.