Running Head: Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding

Breastfeeding vs. Bottle feeding

Karissa Davenport
University of Central Arkansas
Advanced Nutrition

Running Head: Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding

There is an age old question of which is best at providing nutrition to a baby. Is breast
really best? Will bottle feeding suffice? There are several factors in which a mother must
consider in choosing which is best for her child. Each method has its own benefits at providing
what the baby needs to thrive. Breast feeding seems to provide the most nutritional value
according to several studies. However, for some, the choice of bottle feeding works just as well.
Breastfeeding offers several health benefits to both baby and mother. According the
article, A comparison of breastfeeding womens, peer supporters and student midwives
breastfeeding knowledge and students, mothers who breastfed are at lower risk of ovarian and
breast cancer. There was also a decreased risk in post-menopausal fractures. Breastfeeding burns
about 500 calories per feeding. This may help a new mother lose weight more easily. Lactation
also serves as a form of birth control. This could be a plus for a mother who would not want to
become pregnant again right away (Darwent and Kempenaar 319).
The first year of life and how a baby adapts is very important. Breastfed babies have a
higher ability of fighting off diseases than one that is formula fed. They are at a reduced risk of
respiratory, gastro-intestinal, ear, and urinary tract infections (Darwent and Kempenaar 319).
Also, breastfed infants are less likely to develop seasonal allergies, such as eczema and
wheezing. The chances of developing type one diabetes is also reduced. It can also help prevent
sudden infant death syndrome. Moreover, human milk is ideal for infants. It provides the perfect
proportion of nutrients such as calcium, protein, carbs, and fats. It is also easily digested. In the
first few days of life, human milk provides colostrum for the infant. It serves as a source of
immunologic substances (Mahan 380).
Also, human milk provides anti-infective factors not found in formula. Secretory
immunoglobulin A protects the infants gut from infection. Another important factor found in

Running Head: Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding

human milk is lactoferrin. This deprives bacteria of iron and slows the growth of the bacteria.
(Mahan 380). Fatty acids found in human milk are important to the development of the brain.
Cost is something a mother must consider when weighing her options of breastfeeding or
bottle feeding. Breastfeeding is practically free unless a mother invests in buying a breast pump.
Since breastfeeding is free, it can also keep the number of doctors visits down. Appointments
can become very costly, especially for those who are uninsured. Formula can become very
expensive depending on how much the baby feeds. Breast feeding offers a convenient factor.
There is no getting up in the middle of the night warming or washing bottles. The milk is always
fresh and available.
Breastfeeding also introduces the baby to different tastes. Since breastfeeding requires
extra calories a day, a mother should have a well-balanced diet. This means the baby is exposed
to a variety of different foods through the breast milk. According to the article, Risk of Bottlefeeding for rapid weight gain during the first year of life, breastfed infants more easily accept
solids later on in infancy (Li).
Breastfeeding can be challenging to some new mothers. Many mothers may feel
uncomfortable with the breastfeeding (Li 431). They may experience discomfort with getting the
baby to properly latch on. This often discourages the mother and causes her to switch to formula
feeding. Time and frequency is another factor that plays a role in choosing to breast feed or
formula feed. Breastfeeding takes a lot of commitment and requires a lot of time, especially for
new infants who feed more often than older babies.
Also, some medical conditions such as HIV or AIDS can make breastfeeding unsafe.
Over the counter medications can also make breastfeeding unsafe. The supply of milk can be

Running Head: Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding

difficult and cause breastfeeding to be hard especially after a surgical procedure, such as a breast
reduction.
There are several positives to formula feeding. Breast fed infants need additional
vitamin D supplements shortly after birth and iron by 4-6 months of age (Mahan 379). Formula
feeding is convenient. Anyone other than the mother can feed the baby at any time. This gives
the mother flexibility to take care of other household duties if needed. It also allows the partner
to bond with the baby. Unlike breast milk, which is readily available, formula is not. One must
have all supplies ready when it is feeding time. This includes clean bottles and nipples. The
bottle must be the right temperature. Since formula is less digestible than breast milk, formula
fed babies have no need to be fed as often as those who are breastfed.
However, formula does not provide the antibodies present in breast milk. It can also
cause diarrhea and stomach issues in the baby. Bowel movements are a lot firmer in bottle fed
babies than breastfed babies (Darwent and Kempenaar 323).
Formula feeding is also more socially acceptable in the work force (Darwent and
Kempenaar 321). Women who formula feed have no need to find a private place to feed their
baby.
Ultimately, it is up to the mother on how she wants to feed her child/ren. She knows what
is best for her individual case. Breast milk offers the best benefits in helping a child thrive.

Running Head: Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding

Works Cited

Darwent, Kristy L., & Kempenaar, Larissa E. (May 2014). A comparison of breastfeeding
womens, peer supporters and students midwives breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes. Nurse
Education in Practice, 14, 319-25. Retrieved from http://proquest.com.ucark.uca.edu
Li, Ruowei. (2012). Risk of Bottle Feeding for rapid weight gain during the first year of
life. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 166, 431. Retrieved from
http://proquest.com.ucark.uca.edu
Mahan, L., Kathleen. Escott-Stump Sylvia., and Raymond L. Janice., (2012). Krauses
Food and Nutrition Care Process. St Louis, MO.