At some point before your baby is born you’ll have to decide what feeding method you’ll opt for – breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

 

 

Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your baby and, over the nine months of pregnancy, your breasts will have been gearing up for the task. There are many known benefits of breastfeeding and breastmilk contains antibodies that offer health benefits. For example, it’s been proven that babies who are breastfed for three to four months gain extra protection against:

 

 

What’s more, mums are protected too. If you breastfeed, you’ll gain some protection against:

 

 

If it’s your first baby and you’re unsure of what to expect, it’s a good idea to find out all you can about breastfeeding in advance. Help and advice should be available at antenatal classes or through your midwife, or you could ask a friend who you know has breastfed. It’s not something that everyone automatically takes to and does involve practice to get it right.

 

By reading up on tips and techniques in advance, you can begin to prepare yourself for what’s involved, but there may still be other issues you’ll need answers to once you start breastfeeding. Don’t be afraid to ask if for help or tips, from health visitors or other health professionals, if you’re unsure about anything.

 

Breastfeeding should ideally be tried as soon after the birth as your baby is interested, as research suggests that the sooner you begin, the more likely it is to be successful.

In the first few days, your breasts will contain a concentrated, creamy milk called colostrum, which is packed with vitamins, proteins, antibodies and infection protectors. After two to three days, this will be replaced by thinner and whiter milk; more of it will be produced and you’ll notice your breasts getting bigger and heavier.

 

 

Not all women get on with breastfeeding, some may combine breastfeeding with bottle-feeding and others may decide to opt for bottle-feeding from the outset. Whatever your reason, it’s equally fine to bottle-feed your baby.

 

Whilst bottle-feeding will be giving your baby nutrients, they won’t be exactly the same as breast milk and it won’t provide protection against infections and diseases. But there are other benefits to be had. It’s easier to measure the amount a baby needs in a feed and there’s some evidence to suggest bottle-fed babies sleep for longer than babies fed with breastmilk.

 

It’s also a more useful method for sharing the responsibility of feeding, as your partner can help out too and you don’t have to worry about changing feeding methods if you decide to go back to work.

 

Formula milk is designed to mimic breast milk as best as possible and is usually based on cow’s milk, but there are various types. Whey-dominant milks are most suitable for newborn babies, whereas casein-dominated milks are more suitable for older babies. Dried formula has to be reconstituted with water, but you can also buy ready made formula in cartons. Whatever you buy, you must always follow the instructions on the packet, especially when making up formula, so that you include the right proportion of water.

 

Bottle-feeding will inevitably involve having to buy more equipment than if you’re breastfeeding. It’s a good idea to equip yourself with at least six bottles and teats, a good brush for cleaning the bottles and sterilising equipment.

 

Whether you’re bottle-feeding as an alternative to breast-feeding, or using it in conjunction, you should be able to establish a good feeding routine and will notice, as the days and weeks go by, that your baby’s appetite will increase.

 

Whatever method you use, happy feeding!

 

Rachel Newcombe