Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding

When it came to having my second child, the thing that caused me to stress the most was deciding how to feed her. So I decided to create a guide for mama’s to help them know the pros and cons from someone who has done both. Ultimately, whether you decide to formula feed, or breast feed, remember that a healthy and happy baby and mama are what’s best!

Breastfeeding

Pros

1. Allows you to have a special bond with your baby. 
2. It is FREE.
3. You don’t have to worry about washing bottles or running out of formula.
4. Your baby’s immune system benefits from the nutrients received from you.
5. Breastmilk is always with you!
6. It can help with loosing baby weight after pregnancy, and if it doesn’t, that’s okay too! 
7. If you choose to pump, baby still gets the same nutrients, but it allows you to get a break and for someone else to have bonding time while feeding. 
8. Many women don’t experience a period while breastfeeding, and we all know that’s a major plus!
9. Breastfeeding is somewhat of a natural birth control, however I don’t recommend relying on it solely. 

Cons

1. Breastfeeding is painful for most of the first few weeks. However, If you find yourself in pain at any point, make sure to talk with a specialist about it. They are wonderful, and most hospitals have a lactation specialist that you can talk with for free. 
2. Some women just don’t enjoy breastfeeding, and if you are one of those women, I want you to know it is okay! You are still a good mama!
3. Some women have a difficult time keeping their supply up despite trying multiple tactics to have enough milk.
4. It’s harder to get a break. You are the only one that can feed that baby at a moments notice, and it can cause for some long nights.
5. It requires more planning to be able to take a break or go on a date. Many mamas choose to pump, and then freeze extra milk so it is available to a babysitter, spouse, of friend to feed baby. 

Sometimes breastfeeding doesn’t work out and that’s okay! In the end, its better that you and your baby are healthy and happy. That’s why other alternatives, like formula, are available so that you can do what is best for you and your baby. 

Formula

Pros

1. Other people can help with feeding your baby easily.
2. It requires little planning to be able to take a break. As long as your bottles are clean, and you have your formula your good!
3. Many mamas feel more freedom while formula feeding. This can help with the difficult transition into motherhood. 
4. It isn’t painful!
5. It’s easy to take with you, and you don’t have to worry about finding a place to nurse.
6. If your baby gets hungry in the car, or in a store, or on a walk, you can feed them their bottle in a carseat or stroller (if they are old enough) if necessary without having to have pumped prior to leaving your home.

Cons

1. Formula doesn’t last as long outside of a refrigerator. Most formulas recommend that it be refrigerated within an hour of being made. Once in the fridge it is only good for 24 hours. Meaning if you make a bottle, and your baby doesn’t finish, it can be difficult to not waste formula while on the go. 
2. it is possible to run out of formula. It takes careful planning to make sure that you buy enough for baby, and to make sure you don’t run out in the middle of an event where formula would be difficult to buy. 
3. You have to remember to pack formula with you. I promise you don’t want to forget it!
4. It is expensive to feed your baby formula. 

No matter what way you choose to feed your baby, you are a good mom! I had the best of intentions to breastfeed my children, and for completely different reasons it didn’t work out for either of them. I felt so much mom guilt, but in the end formula really was the best choice for our family. 

So, if you are loving breastfeeding, I am so happy for you! If you are loving formula feeding, I am so happy for you! If you are struggling to decide what is best for your family, I empathize with you, and I give you permission to do whatever is best for your family, even if that isn’t what you originally had planned. You are the best mom for your babies. You’ve got this!

Lacey is a young stay-at-home mama of two little girls. She enjoys all things outdoors including, kayaking, hiking, and camping (but only in an RV). She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies, and loves learning about how relationships function. She lives for spending free time with her husband, Hunter, having late night chats, and enjoying life’s little moments.