Have you ever heard the term, “breast is best”?

Feeding your little bear, of course, will have amazing developmental benefits.

However, when deciding which way you’d like to feed your little one. Is there really a better option? And if so, what is it?

 

 

Breastfeeding

Nursing your baby can be a lovely way for Mamma and baby bear to bond. Not only is it a great way for both to bond Breats milk is also packed with goodness! For example, breast milk is loaded with antibodies, Vitamin D, carbohydrate, protein, and fat the little one needs to kick-start development!

Breast milk provides vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, and hormones. It also contains antibodies and lymphocytes from the mother that help the baby fight infections.  How cool is that?!

Breastfeeding is wildly promoted and encouraged in today’s society, rightfully so! However, this was not always the case! In the 15th century, breastfeeding was viewed as an uncultured, lower class thing to do! Woman of royalty would often have a ‘wet nurse’ who would breastfeed their baby for the woman of power. Up till the 20th century, breastfeeding was still viewed negatively especially in Canada and the US this then accelerated after World war 11. Surprisingly even up to the 1960’s breastfeeding was still viewed negatively causing many women to be shamed and denied access to public spaces!

Thankfully, in today’s society views and slowly but surely changing! Thanks to many strong and brave woman, we are pushing breastfeeding into a much more positive light!

 

 

Formula feeding

The first formulas were developed during the 15th century, were cows and goats milk was substituted for breastmilk. This was due to the negative connotations around breastfeeding at this time and also for any woman who was unable to breastfeed.  Cows and goats milk, unfortunately, did not have enough of the nutrients to match up to breast milk at this time!

With more education and time, people were eventually able to create formulas which were very substantial for little ones!

Although formulas will not have the exact same amount of nutritional value as breast, there are many reasons a family may choose this option and the results are still spectacular!!

For example: 

 

-Some infants cannot tolerate the carbohydrate or protein in breast milk!

-Feeding will not always be the right choice for some woman and this is perfectly okay!

-Many women find, their little ones will simply not latch on at feeding time. This can be incredibly frustrating for the Mother and if she finds it just isn’t happening then a formula is the way to go!

-It’s also important to note that medical situations, surgery also either make feeding difficult or sometimes impossible!

-Some Mother’s find the idea of feeding very uncomfortable and this, of course, is absolutely fine!

 

 

Although they do not work out exactly the same, formulas are created to replace as many components of breastmilk as possible! The main components of formula tend to include:

-Carbohydrates (essential for a growing bambino)

-Nucleotides (compounds found naturally in milk),

-Polyunsaturated fatty acid fortification as fatty acids play an important role in infant brain development,

-And iron which is amazing in helping little ones grow and develop!

 

As both options may not have the exact same components there is no reason to suggest babies cannot grow healthy either way! Breast or bottle, let’s take a step towards a brighter society and ensure we support families regardless of their decision!!

 

See also- Article for Motherknowsbestcase