Pregnant moms have to face many important decisions, one of which is what milk to feed their child during the first months of life: “Should I breastfeed or should I use formula?” Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s take a look at them.
Nature’s Own Mix
Human breast milk is made for the needs of the baby. The content of the milk changes as time passes to adapt to the changing needs of the infant.
After a woman gives birth, breast milk contains a lot of colostrum, a thin yellowish fluid rich in protein and antibodies that help boost the immune system of the infant. It also helps in the development of the newborn’s digestive system.
Later on, the content changes and begins to contain more fats and carbohydrates. This change becomes obvious as the milk goes from watery, thin, and sweet to thick and creamy. This increase in fat and carbs help the baby’s brain to develop, and the additional protein and antibodies satisfy their hunger and other developmental needs.
But What If I Can’t Breastfeed?
That’s totally fine, as you can always turn your attention to baby formula. Just remember that other milk such as animal, condensed, and evaporated milk are not made to feed a human baby and will NOT be enough to satisfy their needs.
Baby formula may not be as nutritious as breast milk, but it can be more convenient. It takes longer for the baby to digest, which means that baby’s fuller for a longer period of time, and you won’t have to insert further pumpings into your schedule.
So What Should I Do?
It is highly recommended that you breastfeed an infant especially during the first month, as breast milk will help prepare the baby’s digestive system for other kinds of food. Though it’s okay to offer baby formula to your infant, it’s really hard to beat Mother Nature’s own making.
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