Decisions, decisions well I thought I'd give breastfeeding a go. But, as fate would have it, that was not an option. I was receiving extensive dental work and was advised not to breastfeed. Just after giving birth to my baby boy this July I was using bleaching treatment prior to my new crowns being put in. I couldn't delay the treatment because we were due to move and my dentist needed to thus finish the work. So, formula it was. That was, naturally, after some coaxing from my pediatrician to slightly delay the dental work and breastfeed if only for a short while. No, I said. I think we all know how difficult it is to get a dentist appointment!
Formula turned out to be terrific for our family. My beautiful boy is now 5 months; he is tall for his age and perfectly chubby. His eyes sparkle, skin is like the purest silk, he is bursting with energy and is displaying all the signs of a rambunctious character. In short, my baby Alexander is the picture of health. Admittedly breast is best. But formula is pretty great too. It is stuffed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Alex has truly thrived on this good stuff.
Allow me to share with you my experience of comparison between breast milk and formula. A friend of mine had her baby boy 6 weeks before Alex was born. She breastfed we, as cited, went for the bottle. Her son became very attached to her; almost rejecting cuddles with his quite understandably aggrieved father. Alex is devoted to his Dad. Perhaps because Daddy often feeds Alex. He too can look into his son's eyes as Alex makes his usual sucking and groaning noises of satisfaction. He too can give Alex what he needs to sustain him. And, of course, 3 guesses as to who has more energy between us two mums? She, poor woman, is up every 2-3 hours nursing. I, on the other hand, was lucky to have a baby who slept through the night very early on but even when he was wakeful as a newborn my husband, being the night owl, obliged with the feed.
My friend and I used to frequent a tea room with our babies. It was so easy for me to whip out a pre-made up bottle. She, on the other hand, would have to wrestle with a blanket in the name of discretion. Was he latched on properly? Did he get enough to eat? Of course, unless you go through the labor of pumping, you can't really know how much your child is getting. Alex, although 6 weeks the junior, became much taller and heavier than his little friend in no time. I can only tentatively suggest that these differences are perhaps due to their source of food. It could well be genetic or luck or a differing style of parenting. But interpret as you will.
Please don't think I'm pro-formula and anti-breast milk. Absolutely not. In fact I intend to breastfeed my next baby. I think it a beautiful thing. However if by week 2 I'm exhausted and stressed by the usual pitfalls of breastfeeding then I shall not hesitate in jumping in the car, driving to the nearest 7/11 and purchasing a big tub of Similac formula. I believe a happy, energetic mother is far more conducive to a content baby (who let us not forget are very sensitive to energy) than an overwrought, deathly tired shadow of a woman. A load is suddenly lifted- your baby is not solely reliant on poor old you to feed him/her. ANYONE can! Phew.
You may have noticed from my use of language such as mum' that I am English. I live, however, in the States. Unfortunately I've noticed over here that there is a huge emphasis on breastfeeding compared to the UK. A new mother seemingly has to have a very valid excuse not to breastfeed. I experienced this particularly as I have friends from yoga who were confirmed earth mothers'. They would eat organic, home-school their children, bar TV and, yes, never dream of formula feeding their babies. Fine. Great in fact. I applaud them BUT don't you be made to feel guilty for choosing formula. You choose whatever works best for you and your family. It is of no concern to anyone else.
I do so hope this has opened up the other side a little. There seems to be overwhelming information on breastfeeding and hardly anything on the other (gasp) option. Take a look at the list of titles for this topic. I'm sure you'll see my point. Good luck to you on your decision. And please, remember it is your decision.