Breastfeeding or Formula: Which Is Right for You?

Congratulations on your newborn! You’re probably excited and nervous at the same time – and have lots of questions about the best way to care for your baby. A common question among new parents is whether they should breastfeed their baby or use formula.

While the American Academy of Pediatrics and other health organizations recommend breast milk for your newborn, breastfeeding isn’t always the right decision for every mother. So how do you know what you should do? Board-certified pediatrician Sima Stein, MD, at Sima Stein, MD, in San Jose, California, can help you make the right decision for you and your family.

Here, Dr. Stein shares the pros and cons of breastfeeding and formula to help you determine which feeding method is best for your baby, lifestyle, and health.

Benefits of breastfeeding

The AAP recommends that you breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months of life and then continue to breastfeed as you introduce solid food until they’re a year old. With this recommendation, it’s not surprising to learn that, according to the CDC, the number of newborns that receive breast milk has slowly increased over the last 15 years. The most recent report found that 83% of new mothers initiate breastfeeding. 

One strong benefit of breastfeeding is that skin-on-skin contact promotes bonding and is a special experience for the mother. Additionally, breastfeeding is free and convenient. You never have to run out to the store or stock up on breastmilk. There are also numerous health benefits for both the baby and mother that include:

• Breast milk contains antibodies passed on from mother to baby and helps boost your baby’s immune system
• Breast milk helps prevent allergies, eczema, and ear infections
• Breast milk has all the nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive
• Breastfed babies are less likely to be obese or overweight

Breastfeeding also has benefits for moms. For one, it’s easier to lose the baby weight if you breastfeed. It also helps reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.

Benefits of formula feeding

While the benefits of breastfeeding are clear, it’s not necessarily the right choice for every parent. For example, if you can’t breastfeed for health reasons or have problems getting your baby to latch, feeding your baby formula can be beneficial. For one, you don’t have to worry about what you eat or drink, and you don’t have to be concerned if you want to have a glass of wine at the end of the day.

Additionally, Dad can take on the feeding in addition to Mom. Also, leaving your baby with a caregiver is easier (although pumping breast milk is common). Because formula doesn’t digest as easily as breast milk, your baby stays fuller longer and doesn’t have to feed as frequently.

Many factors go into the decision to breastfeed or formula feed. Dr. Stein can help you sort through the pros and cons for your family and help you make the best choice. If you’re pregnant and want to learn more about breastfeeding and caring for your newborn, call Sima Stein, MD, to make an appointment or schedule one online.