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breastfeeding vs formula
As far as the topic of breast feeding goes, is it really better to do that instead of feeing your baby formula? Does breast milk have any advantages besides beind cost free?
Is it true that breast feeding helps a mother lose pregnancy weight? Is it also true that breast feeding makes your breasts sag?
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Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Parenting?
breastfeeding can make your boobs droop early in your life. but formula can cause brain damage to the baby. so i would do breastfeeding and then just wear a pushup bra or a booblift.
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There are advntages to both, as well as disadvantages, instead of typing it all out here is a very helpful website, that should help you. As for the weight, I really did not see a difference in breastfeeding and formula. I gave formula to my first two kids and breastfed my last but I think I lost the weight at about the same pace.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
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Okay, here's two cents from the father of two breastfed kids.
Breast milk is best, according to the medical authorities. It has a better nutritional profile, it changes according to your baby's needs, and it contains antibodies from whatever bugs you pick up. You get a cold, but your baby doesn't because the immunity has been passed along. It's also darn cheap. Baby formula is static; it doesn't change, and there is always the possiblity of tainting (Nestle got into trouble in the '70s for dumping tainted formula on Third World markets).
Proper support is essential. La Leche League is an invaluable support system for new mothers, as is a lactation consultant at a hospital or children's store. My wife had a difficult time nursing my daughter initially, and we were about ready to switch to formula, but it all worked out in the end.
Not everyone can nurse. It can be painful if done incorrectly, and the mother may have physical problems. An option aside from formula is to get a breast pump: breast milk can be frozen for up to six months, and it may be more convenient to pump and store the milk. It all depends on your circumstances. Used pumps can be bought through children's resale stores or on eBay.
Breastfeeding can help get rid of pregnancy weight, but it's not surefire. It also acts as a natural contraceptive, but again it's not surefire. Your breasts will sag, as they will grow and reduce according to the demand. (My wife went up two cup sizes). Nursing bras will provide support, but some changes will be inevitable.
Ultimately, do what works best for you. There's no shame in using formula if you have problems nursing. But check out La Leche League in your area, and ask at local resale shops about lactation consultants.
Hope this helps,
Ignatz
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To answer your last two questions first:
It is true that breastfeeding does help a mother lose weight and yes it can make your breasts sag eventually.
There are advantages to breastfeeding in that it is convenient, always on tap, the right temperature and free. However, I found it extremely painful and very difficult to do. If you get the right support (which I didn't) you can feed successfully. I fed my three children each for about 3 weeks until I couldn't do it any more then put them onto formula. I didn't find it inconvenient to bottle feed them and they didn't suffer any adverse reactions. They are all slim, healthy adults now and don't appear to have had any problems bonding with me. It did give their Dad a chance to help out too and to feel the closeness feeding a baby by bottle can bring.
Hope my opinions on this help you out. All the best.
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