Pre-baby I knew you could feed your baby by either breastfeeding while pumping or giving a baby formula. Since giving birth, I have learned that both methods of feeding are extremely different with their own unique challenges and benefits. Below is a quick overview of some of the pros and cons of breastfeeding while pumping as well as formula feeding.
Feed you baby by breastfeeding while pumping
Challenges
- Not producing enough milk
- Babies not latching to their mother’s breast
- Inverted or flat nipples
- Dietary restrictions for mother
- Time-consuming
- Feeding and pumping can be physically/mentally exhausting
- When a bottle isn’t in use, mom is the only one feeding
- Producing milk is the mother’s sole responsibility
- Mother may no want to exclusively pump for the first six months as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
Benefits
- BREASTMILK IS FREE
- Naturally nutritious
- Prevents against certain diseases
- Easier for babies to digest
- Can provide skin to skin contact bonding
- Most insurances cover cost of breast pump
Feed your baby with formula
Challenges
- EXPENSIVE
- Must be purchased
- Bottles not covered by insurance
- Relies on stores being open and stocked
- Can be hard to digest
- Baby may have milk or soy sensitivities
- Cannot prevent against certain diseases
- Cannot replicate the complexity of breastmilk
Benefits
- No latching or nipple issues
- Milk production is not an issue
- Anyone can buy formula
- No dietary restrictions for mother
- Doesn’t take much time to make
- No pump is necessary
What should I feed my baby? The choice is yours.
The way you choose to feed your baby is an extremely personal choice. No one should guilt you into your choice. No one should make you feel bad for how you feed your baby. You do not have to explain or defend your choice. No one also includes you. Be kind to yourself in whatever choice you make. At the end of the day, no matter which you choose, your baby needs to be fed. Whether you chose to breastfeed while pumping or formula feed, the choice should be based on what’s best for you as a mother.
