by Christa Abernathy

Created on: January 07, 2007   Last Updated: October 23, 2009

Let me start by saying congratulations. You're about to embark on a wonderful journey that's full of more ups than downs. Now let me say that when it comes to choosing between formula or the breast, the choice is ultimately yours. No matter what anyone else says or how they feel on the subject you're the one who has to weigh the pros and cons of both and decide. For me, the choice was easy. I was breastfed, as was my sister. My nephew self-weaned at 2 1/2 years old. Long before I even became pregnant, I knew that I would breast feed my baby. But it wasn't simply because of the breastfeeding in my life, I was well informed. I did the research.

Breast fed babies are traditionally healthier.

Because of the anti-bodies in a mother's milk, nursed infants have an added protection from common viruses. Even if they do catch the occasional cold, those colds are shorter lived than they would be without the breastfeeding.
The sucking action of breastfeeding, while similar to that of bottle feeding, allows a baby's ears to pop naturally and drain properly as well. This helps prevent ear infections and sinus blockage in young infants.

Breast fed babies are traditionally leaner.

There is evidence that breast feeding will not only make your baby skinnier in infancy, but also in later childhood. It lowers the risk of both Type I and Type II diabetes. Parents aren't trying to talk a breast fed baby into finishing a bottle, so you're already starting off on the best foot. Breast milk contains only the nutrients a baby needs - no fillers.

Breast feeding has been linked to higher IQs.

Ok, I'm not sure how much faith you should put in this one. But, there are studies out there that suggest breast feeding will make your child smarter. Can't hurt, now can it?

Breast feeding is better for the mother.

Studies have shown that breast feeding lowers a woman's risk for reproductive cancers, i.e. breast, ovarian, and cervical. It also lowers a mother's blood pressure and her risk of diabetes as well. Women who nurse have found it easier to lose their pregnancy weight also.

Bottle feeding has it's merits as well. Don't get me wrong.

Breast feeding can hurt. Formula feeding is relatively painless.
Bottle feeding allows others to feed your little one and you can go off and do your own thing. However, breast feeding allows you to have something that's just for yours. Formula feeding allows you to know just how much your child is eating at a time. With breast feeding, you just kind of have to know when your child is full.
What else are you going to use all those bottles for? You'll get fewer dirty looks for shoving formula in your kid's mouth than when you pull your shirt up in public to feed your baby.

Choose for yourself what you want to do. Don't let anyone judge you poorly for your choice, but kindly listen to the merits of both. For more information on breast feeding, contact your local La Leche League or visit www.Kellymom.com .

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