For a new mother, making the decision between breastfeeding and bottle feeding is a challenge. There is a ton of information out there to help make the decision and we are here to sort through it!

Pros of Breastfeeding:

• This method can help mothers lose weight faster after pregnancy.
• Breast milk contains fatty acids, which helps promote brain development.
• It can decrease the baby’s risk of obesity in the future.
• It is easier to digest than other methods.
• Breast milk contains many nutrients that your baby needs such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, and calcium.
• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk can help prevent against SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
• Breast milk has infection-fighting white blood cells that give protection against infection in the first few months, when they are the most common and can be the most serious.
• It’s always available and it’s free.
• Breast milk has different flavors, depending on what the mother has eaten. This means that a breastfed baby will be introduced to different foods through their mother’s milk and will most likely accept solid foods faster and easier.
• Some studies show that breastfed babies are smarter than those that are formula fed.

Pros of Formula Feeding:

• Infant formulas have become more advanced over the years and are able to match the proportions and ingredients of breast milk almost perfectly.
• Breastfeed babies are usually less prone to infections; however, the majority of both breastfeed and bottle fed babies will not get an infection within the first few months.
• Formula feeding is more convenient. Either parent or caregiver is able to feed the baby at any given time with this method.
• Formula feeding provides more flexibility. This can be done anywhere at anytime.
• Formula fed babies usually eat less often than breastfed babies due to the fact that formula is less digestible.
• Women that opt to formula feed do not need to worry about their diet. Breastfeeding mothers need to monitor their diet to ensure that their baby is getting the correct nutrients.

There are maybe more pros to breastfeeding than to bottle feeding. However, this does not mean you should feel obligated to breastfeed. The choice is ultimately yours and you will know which is best for you, your body, and your baby.