Bringing a baby home from the hospital is full of surprises. They go through more diapers than you thought was humanly possible. There are a million nooks and crannies to be cleaned in the bath. Their projectile range for spit up is out of this world. While in the midst of discovering all of these little miracles, you quickly learn something else- their appetite is insatiable. For many, breastfeeding is not an option. There's work, other kids, or pain to be considered, and so many will turn to formula as an alternative. However, for whatever reason, so many new parents feel guilty about relying on baby formula. This article seeks to dispel myths about formula, and talk about why it is perfectly fine to use it as a source of nutrition for your child.
First, let us consider the benefits of using baby formula. Initially, there is no real adaptation time for a child. Learning to breastfeed is taxing for both baby and mom. Some kids take to breastfeeding right away, but usually, they have to be taught how to latch on. Bottles take no adjustment. This makes baby formula easier right off the bat. Moreover, breastfeeding can be painful and frustrating for the mother. When you aren't getting any sleep to begin with, that is just an unnecessary form of torture. With baby formula, you can make bottles for the night in advance, keep them in the fridge, and heat them as baby demands it. Not a bad deal, if you ask most mothers. Finally, baby formula allows the father a little more bonding time. Breastfeeding usually excludes the father from intimate feedings, but with baby formula, the dad can partake too. This is especially helpful for those 4 am feedings!
Many people believe that breastfeeding is superior for nutrition reasons. However, this is not necessarily true. Baby formula today is specially blended with a mix of nutrients to ensure that your child is getting everything they need as their body continuously grows and changes. Others argue that the bonding process during breastfeeding is critical to making a child feel safe and well-adapted. However, this had been proven wrong time and time again. When feeding with baby formula, the child is still held close to the parent, safe and warm, and nurturing occurs. If anything, baby formula feedings are better for the child because they get to bond with mother and father in the same capacity!
We all want our children to be well cared for. We want them to have the best. Fortunately, that does not mean that baby formula is not an option. Baby formula is a perfectly healthy and caring selection that you can make for your little one. If it fits the needs of your family better than breastfeeding, do not hesitate to try it out.