Newborn Nourishment

When people have children I wonder how much thought is put into what methods they will use to nourish their newborns. For instance, will the child be breast fed or formula fed? From the beginning of time I’m pretty sure breast feeding was the way to go. But if a child was motherless or no one else was available it was necessary to feed the baby by other means. “Feeding vessels” were created around 2000 B.C. and have since then matured into what we know as the “baby bottle”. Using manufactured formula and breastfeeding are the only ways to nourish a newborn, but they have undeniable differences that have been debated on throughout the world. The real question is… which one is the best method for you?

Drinking breast milk helps the baby fight infections and it contains vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It’s also good for the baby’s digestive system. Antibodies passed from a nursing mother to her baby can help to lower the occurrence of many conditions, including: ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections and meningitis. Drinking breast milk also contributes to the infant’s immune system. Breastfed babies are known to have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula fed babies. Breast milk is often called the “perfect food” for a baby’s digestive system. That is because it contains the components lactose, protein and fat. All three are easily digested by a newborn’s immature system.

Unfortunately manufactured formula does not help to fight infections. It also lacks the presence of antibodies. Antibodies and enzymes could be added to formula but they would be inactivated by the commercial processing methods. And besides the proteins added would not have a very long shelf life anyway. Manufactured formula cannot ...

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...he feedings when using formula. This lets everyone share in the responsibility and bond with the baby. There is no need to pump or to schedule work or other commitments and activities around the baby’s feeding schedule. Once the bottles are prepared, the mother can leave the baby with a caregiver, knowing that the little one’s feedings are taken care of.

Breast milk and manufactured formula do have undeniable differences but they are not all that different. Both methods serve a purpose, the nourishment of babies. I like the idea of breastfeeding but I was never comfortable with it. I chose to use formula for the sustenance of my three kids. It is said that breast milk is better for the baby but I think as a mother you have to find what works best for mother and baby.

Works Cited

Foundation, T. N. (1995-2010). Kids Health. Retrieved from www.kidshealth.org