For expectant mothers, deciding whether to breastfeed or formula feed is one of the biggest choices they will make. Some mothers feel sure of what method they want to use, while others are less certain. Breastfeeding has been medically proven to be the better of the two, but it does require a certain amount of dedication to be successful. So, the choice may not be as clear cut as some think. There are definite factors to consider and new moms do well to look at them carefully before making their decision.

Working vs. Staying at Home

The first factor for many mothers is whether or not they will be returning to work after the baby is born. For mothers who plan to stay at home, nursing is usually easier than for mothers who will be going back to work. A nursing relationship between mother and baby is usually based on the mother being available whenever and wherever baby wants to nurse. This can be difficult for working mothers to simulate, even if they pump regularly.

Pumping breast milk is certainly advisable for baby's health, but it does require that working mothers take frequent pumping breaks during work to keep up their milk supply. Most likely, a high efficiency pump will be needed to stand up to frequent use and these can be expensive. Depending on the kind of work they perform, working moms also need to consider if they will physically feel up to nursing their babies when they come home, especially since breastfed babies generally wake up to nurse during the night.

Financial Considerations

Nothing puts more stress on a family's finances than a new baby. Having already bought the baby's nursery items, diapers and possibly a larger home or car, families will be under pressure to keep expenses to a minimum. This can be a difficult situation for mothers who plan to formula feed. Infant formula is one of the most outrageously overpriced items available today. A week-long supply can easily cost $25 and if the baby has allergies to lactose or soy, up to $35. Breastfeeding, of course, is free.

Low income families may qualify for WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Assistance, which covers the cost of infant formula for those who will be formula feeding. Signing up for WIC Assistance, however, brings its own set of challenges, with required clinic visits for each child and appointments that usually take all morning.

The Mother-Baby Bond

Breastfeeding creates a beautiful and unbreakable bond between mother and baby, but this means that the baby will generally prefer mom to anyone else, especially when it comes to feeding. Many breastfed babies will not take pumped milk from a bottle and all breastfed babies have times when they will want to be fed by mom and no one else. Mothers desiring to breastfeed should consider if they will be able to provide that kind of attention to their babies.

Breastfeeding also requires a certain amount of self control for mothers. Alcohol should be consumed rarely and preferably not at all and tobacco is a definite no-no. When baby has a growth spurt, he or she will want to nurse around the clock for 24-48 hours, which can be a strain on a single mother or a mother with other responsibilities. There are times when nursing mothers will desire a break from the baby and may literally be unable to take one. On the other hand, formula feeding has the advantage of being able to be done by anyone at any time in any location.

In the end, every mother has to decide for herself how she will feed her baby. Both breastfeeding and formula feeding have their advantages and disadvantages. All mothers need to carefully evaluate their own situation and then make the choice that is best for their family.

Learn more about this author, Selena Robinson.
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