Breastfeeding or formula? This is the benefit of both

The international community celebrates the International Breastfeeding Week to highlight the importance of breastfeeding for the growth and development of children. Needless to say, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for children from birth.

Even in this case, not all mothers can breastfeed, for example due to certain medical conditions. Faced with this condition, formula milk can be an option to ensure that children grow and develop normally.

All about breastfeeding and breast milk

Breast milk is recommended as the best source of nutrition for newborns. It is recommended to breastfeed a child, at least in the first 6 months, after giving birth.

Excess breastfeeding and breast milk

When you have the opportunity and decide to breastfeed, breastfeeding has several benefits for you and your child. Some of these benefits, namely:

ASI provides antibodies that can prevent children from various diseases and infections.

Breast milk is more easily digested by children than formula milk. In breast-fed babies, the risk of constipation and stomach is lower.

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden death during the first year of life. Indeed, breastfeeding provides a stronger protective effect to the baby.

ASI makes children smart. Several studies have concluded that breastfeeding has a positive effect on children's cognitive abilities.

The benefits of ASI are long term. Adults who are breastfed in childhood tend to experience certain medical conditions. For example, obesity, type 2 diabetes, leukemia, asthma, hypercholesterolemia.

The challenge of breastfeeding

Although some mothers have no difficulty breastfeeding, others may experience difficulties and difficulties. These challenges, for example:

Personal Comfort Some mothers find it difficult to start breastfeeding. But this condition can be overcome by continuing to practice.

Aches and pains in the nipples. In fact, the pain that occurs during breastfeeding is normal during the first 10 days of breastfeeding. If the pain continues, it is advisable to consult with breastfeeding counselors, midwives and pediatricians.

Requires high commitment. Newborns will tend to breastfeed more often. This can give mom more time to adapt. In addition, breastfed babies are hungry faster than babies who are given formula milk.

Must be very careful with diet. Nursing mothers must take care of the food they eat, because this food will be a source of breast milk for baby's nutrition. For example, nursing mothers should avoid fish that are rich in mercury.

What about formula milk, to replace breast milk?

All mothers cannot breastfeed a child. Some of them are caused by personal choices, others are also triggered by various medical conditions, both for mother and child. Here are some conditions that prevent breastfeeding mothers, namely:

Mothers suffer from certain diseases, such as HIV infection or cancer, which require chemotherapy. Breastfeeding in this condition tends to be dangerous for children.
Babies who have certain medical conditions
Mothers have to work and it is impossible to breastfeed. Formula is choice.
Other personal choices

Formulas can be a substitute or complementary choice for breast milk. However, it is important to emphasize that you should not give cow's milk to babies under 6 months of age. Choose milk which is actually formula milk, after the baby's age.

Formula for Strength

Formula can be a savior when you can't breastfeed your baby. And choosing a formula is not without benefits, so you don't need to worry and feel guilty.
Here are some of the benefits offered by milk powder.

More flexible. You can ask your spouse or household help to prepare formula milk. This flexibility is certainly very helpful for you, especially for mothers who have to work away from home.

Spouses can contribute. The husband can help feed the baby, especially at night, when you need rest. In addition, an emotional bond between child and father is also made, while helping you prepare formula milk.

No need to worry about dieting. Nursing mothers need to pay more attention to the food they eat, because these foods will be a source of breast milk. When you decide to give formula milk as a substitute or supplement for breast milk, you don't need to worry about foods that can be allergens for children.

Lack of formula milk compared to breast milk

Although formula milk has advantages, this substitute or companion for breast milk also has certain disadvantages, for example:

Do not have antibodies. Unlike breast milk, baby formula does not contain antibodies. Antibodies play an important role in the prevention of various diseases in children.

The possibility of constipation in infants. Infants who consume formula milk are more likely to experience flatulence and frequent bowel movements than breast-fed babies.

Expensive You may have to spend more to buy formula milk than breast milk your child consumes directly from your body.

Breast milk or formula milk, up to you
Choosing between breast milk and formula milk, a decision that can be a dilemma for mothers. Breast milk clearly provides the nutrients your child needs. But in reality, many factors prevent a mother from breastfeeding.

All decisions come back to you. More importantly, you always ensure that the child receives optimal nutrition and observes the process of growth and development.