Breast or Bottle: Which is best?

Breast or Bottle: Which is best?

If 70% of British women choose to breastfeed, you can be certain that most of them have hundreds of questions. Here are some answers from the experts at www.nanniesinc.com to help you find your path to the Milky Way…

Is breast milk better?

Breast milk provides real protection against germs. It possesses an immune system-boosting quality that no other milk can ever provide. Apparently, it protects babies against digestive infections during the nursing stage and throughout the whole of the first year, provided they are breastfed for at least 13 weeks. Another huge advantage is that it contains a mixture of nutrients that are fundamental for a baby's growth. Made up of 85% water, soluble fatty acids, proteins and mineral salts, it offers twice as much Vitamin A, B, C, D and E than cow's milk.

What if I change my mind mid-way through?

Not to worry, you can give breastfeeding a try, and then stop afterwards. The increase in milk production can be halted around 15-17 days after birth. If you have stopped breastfeeding for a few days, or even weeks, nothing is stopping you from having another go.

Is it possible to do both bottle and breast?

Of course! This is what we call mixed feeding. The child can be fed with a bottle from time to time. For example, over seven feeds, give two from the bottle and five from your breast. So as not to dry out the production of milk, it is advisable to still include some feeds with breast milk during the day. Breast milk can be kept for 48 hours in the fridge, and can be easily frozen, so don't hold back on making reserve supplies in order to gain a little extra time.

Which bottle milk brand is best?

Usually, the maternity ward will automatically assign milk depending on the brand with which they use. If it seems to be going down well with your baby, it is best not to change it. However there is nothing stopping you from asking advice from your paediatrician. Don't waste your time trying to work out their formula in pharmacies or in big supermarkets. Apart from hypoallergenic products, all of them are made from cow's milk.

Choose milk that is right for your baby

The most popular milk for younger ages has a high casein (protein) content, which slows down the baby's digestion and speeds up the feeling of being full. It also reduces vomiting, but can cause constipation. Other milk types, referred to as 'adapted', have the advantage of high soluble protein content. The good thing is that these proteins make it the closest thing to mother's milk, but it doesn't settle as easily, and can cause regurgitation.