Choosing to breast feed or bottle feed (or to use a combination of both) is a personal decision which every mom and soon-to-be mom must face. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to both. The method of feeding chosen should be one that incorporates personal views, health, emotional and physical well-being, and promotes a happy and healthy home for parents, infants, and siblings.

Breastfeeding: The Advantages

Breast milk is the most ideal food for your baby and is cost-effective, readily available, and easy to digest. The composition of human breast milk is unique to each individual and provides your growing baby with all the nutritional components needed during growth and development. Unlike formula, breast milk provides your baby with immunoglobulins which help protect your baby against illnesses and potential allergies. Research suggests that breastfed infants are at lower risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and cancer1 than their formula fed counterparts.

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