Breastfeeding is the best source of food for newborns thru at least 6 months.
That said, there are many factors, though, that can influence a mother's decision. Women (and men) need to realize that every mother has the right to choose between breastfeeding or formula, and not to judge others based on their decisions.
Advantages of Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice in that it provides all the nutrients, vitamins, essential fats, carbs, proteins, antibodies, etc that are essentail for a newborn's growth. The antibodies help babies stay healthly because the mother's body fights illnesses and passes this immunity on to the baby through breastmilk. Another advantage is always having food on hand, no need to worry about packing bottles and formula for outings & trips; the food is already there! Also, there is no preparation needed to mix and heat formula. Breastmilk is already ready, so you don't have to worry about burning baby's sensitive tongue with too hot formula or making a hungry baby wait for a meal. Breastfeeding can and often does create a special bond between mother and baby. Babies are comforted by the closeness and warmth of the mother's body while breastfeeding, and for a mother to be able to provide such an essential part in the raising of the child is absolutely amazing. Breastfeeding is also the right choice in terms of price versus the costly formula.
Disadvantages of Breastfeeding:
These points I am making only to give the whole picture & truth about breastfeeding, as I believe breastfeeding to be the best choice. Breastfeeding can hurt, quite frankly. Women's sensitive nipples are not used to the constant use by babies, and thus nipples can become very sore at first. The pain, however will subside with time (it took me about 3 wks), and on the bright side, some women do not experience this pain. Secondly, breastfeeding can be difficult because many women feel the need for privacy while feeding. In today's fastforward society it is often difficult to find a private, clean & quiet place to breastfeed your baby. An easy solution-get a good breastpump and make bottles for the baby when you need to be in public places if you are one of the many women who feel the need for privacy while breastfeeding. Another disadvantage of breastfeeding is embarassing leakage; breast pads usually need to be worn the first couple months to soak up the leaks, but its not so bad. Lastly, breastfeediing can really tie down the mother, as she is the baby's main source of food for at least 6 months, until solids are introduced and become a more regular part of a baby's diet. This means the mother is the one doing all the nightly wakes and taking all the time during the day for feedings. It can be hard for mothers who HAVE to go back to work. A mother who is very committed to her child can continue to breastpump after going back to work in order to still breastfeed. Remember, IT IS A MOTHER's RIGHT to be able to take time to breastpump at work. These disadvantages are nothing, though, in comparision to the benefits of breastfeeding.
Advantages of formula:
There is no need for privacy when feeding baby a bottle, although many young babies can become distracted by noise and other factors while feeding, so you may need to find a private place after all. A big advantage is that the father and other caretakers can help with baby's feeding when formula is used, giving the mommy a break. Breastmilk though can be pumped into bottles as well, though, giving the mother this same freedom. Formula can also be used when a mother is unable to nurse, such as for certain medications that the mother is REQUIRED to take.
Disadvantages of formula:
Formula is costly. Breastfeeding is free! Formula is machine-made! Just pick up a can and read through the list of ingredients-it will stun you how many of the ingredients you are unable to even pronounce. How safe is it to feed a baby all that artificial crap! Formula does not provide baby with antibodies as breastmilk does either. Formula must be mixed and heated, breastmilk is ready to go! Proper cleasing of the bottles & nipples is required or baby can become ill & this is very time consuming. Formula stains clothing, breastmilk doesn't, & its pretty much guaranteed that your baby will spit up on his/her clothing & yours! Formula has a really foul odor as well; breastmilk barely has any smell to it.
Raising a child is a constant committment, and mothers an fathers alike should be constantly reminding themselves of that. No one ever said it was easy & all decisions should be made for the benefit of the baby, not for our own selfish reasons. Don't take the easy way out by choosing formula if you are able to breastfeed. Make the sacrifice for at least 6 months, time really does fly, & you'll be happy & proud that you chose breastfeeding. At least consider breastfeeding as the best option, and as before: DO NOT JUDGE OTHERS BASED ON THEIR DECISION TO BREASTFEED OR FORMULA FEED.