Breastfeeding vs. Formula: When the baby formula is a tough but necessary decision
The best food for babies is mother’s milk. But if for some reason there is too little or no milk at all, you have to switch to artificial feeding. There is no problem with this, just feeding a baby on artificial nutrition will be somewhat different from breastfeeding. It should be remembered that with a sensible approach and compliance with all the rules on artificial feeding can grow up healthy, strong children.
Artificial feeding from the very beginning is not inherent in the development and growth of the child. But modern technology has made it possible to create a wide range of formulas that can be fed to your baby. And there are sources of reliably high quality formula, such as HiPP UK. They will give her all the necessary nutrients and strengthen the body in its development. Here are some considerations of breastfeeding vs. formula.
Indications for switching to formula feeding
Feeding even the highest quality formula will not be able to fill the micronutrients that the child receives with the mother’s milk. Therefore, the introduction of adapted nutrition should always be justified.
Pediatricians identify several circumstances when artificial feeding is considered necessary:
- Difficult childbirth, after which the mother must recuperate
- Taking some groups of life-saving medications by a woman
- Infectious diseases of the mother
- Lack of milk in the breast gland or its insufficiency. Lack of milk is determined by control weighing the baby after feeding
- Inability to feed the baby due to temporary absence. This evidence is justified when there are no conditions for storing the decanted milk or the period of absence of the mother is counted in weeks
Artificial formulas and the peculiarities of their use
Lack of milk production must initially be restored with the help of drugs that strengthen lactation. Artificial feeding of the child is started only if these drugs do not bring the expected result. Choosing a quality baby formula will help your pediatrician. But it is not necessary to introduce a mixture at once. Even a few grams of breast milk are useful for the baby’s body. And to deprive him of these benefits can not be.
Any artificial formula does not contain immunoglobulins (antibodies, body protectors), in contrast to breast milk. But if parents have decided on an organic baby formula, which is the best balance of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements necessary for the child’s growth and development, there should be no problems. Do not forget about tempering, daily walks, hygiene rules – these factors have a significant impact on the formation of immunity.
There’s More
When your baby is fed artificially, do not forget about tactile contact. After all, in his mother’s arms, the baby feels needed and protected. It is scientifically proven that breastfed babies are more often in the arms of the mother. So do not deprive this emotional baby of artificial.
If during breastfeeding pediatricians are increasingly inclined to the free schedule of feeding the baby (or rather, at the request of a small hungry stomach), the daily regime of a child on artificial feeding should be observed meticulously – feed your newborn approximately every 2.5 hours, followed by increasing the pauses between meals.
Sometimes with artificial feeding, the baby does not eat all the prepared portions. In this case, offer him to eat later. The baby must eat a certain amount of food per day.
So, if you had to feed your baby formula, it does not mean that you have to leave him alone. The baby can get choked with milk or lose the bottle. Emotional contact between mom and baby is important. So holding her in your arms, you can quietly watch the concentrated face of the crumb and rest from household chores.