Choosing Breast or Bottle

Choosing Breast or Bottle

The great debate: Breast or bottle? The seemingly simple answer: Do what is right for you and your baby. But figuring out "what's right" is easier said than done. On the one hand, breastfeeding may reduce your baby's risk of diabetes and other illnesses. On the other hand, if your body cannot produce enough milk, bottlefeeding ensures a steady milk supply for your baby, which is crucial for proper growth. Keeping yourself informed of the pros and cons to both the breast and the bottle will help you decide which route best suits your lifestyle.

Benefits of Breast Milk

Breast milk benefits baby and mom for the bargain price of $0. For starters, it contains just the right amount of nutrients your baby needs to grow and is easy for babies to digest. Also, breastfeeding mothers burn more calories than non-breastfeeding mothers, which aids in weight loss. No wonder the American Academy of Pediatrics calls breast milk "uniquely superior for infant feeding."

How to begin breastfeeding

Hormonal changes post delivery prompt your body to start generating milk. At first, when a baby nurses immediately after birth and for the first few days, it's getting colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid produced during pregnancy. Baby's suckling will help to release the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, triggering your breast milk.

You may experience some cramping the first few times you breastfeed, as oxytocin also causes uterine contractions. As your milk comes in post delivery, your breasts may get swollen, hard, tender and fairly full. You should experience some relief from the pain within a day or two. Nursing is the best thing you can do to eliminate the pain and side effects. Frequent nursing can sometimes prevent swelling altogether.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Find more on how to prepare for breastfeeding in our complete guide to breastfeeding.

Latching On

The secret to successful nursing is getting a good latch. To do so, it helps to keep a few things in mind: Grab a pillow and get comfortable. Find the right position for you and your baby. (One that might work is the cradle hold.) Make sure your baby latches on with a wide-open mouth and