Fed is Always Best: 5 Benefits of Formula Feeding

We’ve all heard the saying “breast is best,” but the fact is breastfeeding just doesn’t come easily to all mothers. When mothers can’t breastfeed due to medical or physical reasons (or if they simply don’t want to), the shame and guilt caused by the stigma attached to formula-feeding can feel devastating.

Unfortunately, the public health “breast is best” campaign has contributed to a maternal mental health crisis. Mothers feel that they are “failing” at motherhood when they choose, for whatever reason, not to breastfeed.

When it comes down to what will suit you and your baby’s needs, fed is always best. Here are five reasons why using breast milk substitutes make them a great alternative.

POSITIVES OF FORMULA FEEDING

You Can Eat and Drink What You Like

Formula feeding means that you don’t have to worry about what you eat and drink or what medications you take.

If your baby has intolerances, you don’t have to worry about eliminating common allergens like dairy and soy from your diet. Baby formula is available in soy and dairy-free options.

You Can Wear What You Like

When you feed your baby formula, you regain some of your body autonomy. Your choice of clothing is no longer limited to what you can comfortably breastfeed in.

Travelling is Easier with Bottle Feeding

When you’re feeding your baby formula, you don’t have to worry about planning your activities around pumping and breastfeeding.

You can leave the house without worrying about where you can pump or breastfeed in public.

Going Back to Work is Easier

In the modern world, most women are required to go back to work to help support their families, but maternal leave is usually only a few months. If you are breastfeeding, you have to work around your baby’s breastfeeding schedule.

If you are using baby formula, you can plan ahead and leave bottles with a caregiver without having to worry if your baby is getting enough to eat.

Feeding Schedules Can be More Predictable

Scheduling your baby’s feeding times may be easier because formula takes longer for a baby to digest, meaning that your baby may not need to eat as often because they are fuller for longer.

Sleep Patterns Can be More Predictable

Because milk takes longer than breast milk to digest, your baby may sleep for longer periods – especially at night.

Formula Feeding Promotes Shared Responsibility

Anyone can feed your baby at any time. This gives you a much-needed break and promotes shared responsibility between you and your partner.

An added benefit is that other family members can bond with the baby, too.

Baby Formula is Readily Available

Instead of relying on your own milk supply, you can buy baby formula to ensure that you always have enough food for your baby.

Baby formula is available in every supermarket and most drugstores, making it an easy and convenient option.

Intake Accuracy

Monitoring your baby’s calorie and nutrient intake is much easier with baby formula than with breastfeeding. You can always be assured that your baby is getting enough food to thrive.

Less Pressure

With formula feeding, there is less pressure to meet all your baby’s nutritional requirements by yourself.

Studies have shown that women who continue to try and breastfeed with difficulty are more likely to suffer from post-partum depression.

Formula Fed Babies Let Moms Sleep More

Generally, babies who are fuller for longer have fewer interruptions in their sleep. An added benefit of using formula is that when they do wake up, a partner can take over some of the responsibility while you rest.

If you’re well-rested, you’re likely to be a happier, more patient, and more productive mom.

Are formula-fed babies healthy, in your opinion?