Formula Feeding – Debunking Myths About the Best Alternative to Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding versus Formula - All you need to know
When a baby is born one of the first pieces of advice from experts (and relatives alike) is about the paramount importance of feeding the baby. It is the basis of providing nutrition and nourishment to the little one in its developing years. This, as is obvious, is provided through breast-feeding and/or Formula Feeding.
While breastfeeding is considered a conventional way of feeding the baby, formula feeding is also an equally nutritious alternative for babies. For the uninitiated, Infant formulas come in the form of powders in a seemingly endless variety of formulations and are reconstituted with water before use. While many brands advertise specific ingredients, the majority contain the same basic components. The most important aspect is to ensure that infants get enough nutrition in a safe and stable formulation.
The reasons to formula feed can range from the inabilities, certain medical or family situation, feasibility, or simply by choice. It is a matter of decision, and most importantly a choice, that solely belongs to the parents.
Yet somehow there’s still uncertainty around formula feeding and is somewhat frowned upon. Let’s go ahead and debunk 3 major Myths about Formula Feeding, so there’s free-flow feeding stripped off of any guilt.
Infant formula has the same nutritional value breastmilk possesses, and provides the exact nutrients a baby requires. This is due to its composition. At the heart of it, infant formula is made of vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and protein. The formula is created under stringent regulations and undergoes thorough checks to ensure it is nothing but excellent for the baby’s intake. One can also get infant formulas that would suit best for allergy prone babies, and also ones that are fortified with probiotics. That’s a great benefit, without a doubt!
Have you heard people say formula feeding is a lazy choice and is inferior to breastmilk?
We request you to not fall for these, and you do you! As mentioned earlier, there can be several reasons a parent would opt to formula feed their little one and it is just fine.
- The mother cannot produce enough milk at the literal beck and call of the baby
- The mother might be consuming prescribed medications not suitable for the baby
- The pediatrician has advised
- Formula feeding sone by choice
The above and so many more reasons do exist to choose to bottle feed an infant. Repeat after us for a good measure – reasons, not excuses! With the same nutritional value as of mother’s milk, infant formula is a safe and a much-needed alternative choice. Formula or breast fed, at the end all that matters is that the baby is well fed.
This one takes the cake, when it comes to bizarre myths. There are more than one factors when it comes for a mother to bond with the baby, and is not solely dependent on the act of breastfeeding. It is the level of happiness and comfort the mother feels, through which the baby connects. It is an emotional and physical investment a mother puts in her child, and it is all right if breastfeeding does not make the list. And just to further prove our point – Men do not breastfeed, but that does not take away the bond a father has with his child, does it? Yes, we think it is quite ridiculous too.
So Mummas and Papas out there, please do not hesitate. Pull out the warm bottle with pride and be content when you see your baby suckle happily and thrive. For all the right essentials and support, we have an awesome array of bottle-feeding products, which you are most welcome to check out.
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