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Breast Feeding Vs. Bottle Feeding: Pros and Cons
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) indicates that breastfeeding is the best way to nourish babies and should be the main source of nutrition for the first 12 months. Breast-fed babies will generally nurse every couple of hours, eating more often than bottle-fed babies as human breast milk is more easily digested.
Not all new mothers are able to breast feed, so some must rely on bottle-feeding. Although no infant formula is the exact same as human breast milk, they are supplemented with vitamins and minerals to help ensure that nutritional needs are met. If you choose not to or are unable to breast feed, your baby’s pediatrician can help you decide which infant formula is best for your baby.
Infant formulas come in three forms: Ready-to-use, concentrated liquid
or powdered. When preparing formula, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly. Adding too much water may prevent your baby from getting the calories and nutrients necessary for proper growth, while not adding enough water to the concentrated formula may cause diarrhea or dehydration, or be higher in calories than needed.
Cow’s Milk vs. Breast Milk or Formula
Your baby can digest breast milk or formula more easily and completely than cow’s milk. Cow’s milk contains a high concentration of protein and minerals that can stress your baby’s immature kidneys and cause dehydration. In addition, this feeding lacks the proper amount of iron and vitamin C that is needed. In some babies, feeding cow’s milk may cause iron-deficiency anemia. The protein can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestine, leading to blood in the stool.
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