the choice between breastfeeding and infant formula can sometimes turn out to be a real headache for new mothers. There is no right or wrong solution and each woman must do according to her experience and her feelings. To accompany you, the editorial staff helps you make your choice in an informed way.
Breast milk adapts to the needs of the baby
During pregnancy, the body of the future mother prepares to nourish the child. For this, it stores lipids and manufactures breastfeeding hormones and modifies the breast. The composition of breast milk then will vary over time. The first three days is called colostrum. It is a substance produced during the last trimester of pregnancy and which is gradually replaced by breast milk. At the start of feeding, the milk is rich in water and sugar: this calms baby’s hunger and thirst.
As the feeding progresses, breast milk becomes high in fat and protein. One of the benefits of breastfeeding is that the qualitative and quantitative composition of the milk constantly adapts to the needs of the baby and as it grows. Milk production is dependent on sucking.
Finally, breast milk has the advantage, compared to artificial milk, of being a living liquid. It adapts to your baby and his development. Thus, if the baby falls ill, the mother’s body produces white blood cells and additional antibodies that pass into the milk and fight infections.
The WHO also recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the child is six months old. Afterwards, breastfeeding is done in addition to a solid diet until the child is two years old.
Infant milk: what is the difference with breast milk?
Sometimes breastfeeding is not possible or not wanted by the mother. It exists for this infant milks that provide the baby with all the nutrients he needs. Most often they are made on the basis of cow’s milk. There are variants based on goat’s milk, for example, which can be an alternative for children who are intolerant to cow’s milk. Each has a composition adapted to the nutritional needs of infants, particularly in terms of protein, fat, carbohydrate and vitamin intake.
It exists three main categories of infant milk :
- 1st age infant milk, from birth to 6 months;
- 2nd age infant milk (or follow-on milk) between 6 and 12 months;
- Growth milk from 12 months up to 3 years.
the breast milk provides the most suitable nutrition for the child. However, formula feeding makes the baby grow and fat just as well. To make the right choice, you have to take the time to find out more and above all to talk to a health professional: pediatrician, midwife, etc. It’s all about scrupulously follow the instructions for preparation and use.
To choose between breast milk and infant milk, you have to listen to yourself. Feeling coerced or forced is never the right solution. It is also quite possible to alternate between breastfeeding and artificial milk bottles for infants. It is possible to choose an intermediate solution with mixed breastfeeding. Mixed breastfeeding can be done at any time, and it is sometimes necessary from the start of breastfeeding in case of insufficient milk, for example.