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Bottle vs. Breast
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When weighing your options for how to feed a baby you may stumble upon the grand ole’ bottle vs. breast battle. There are so many factors that play into that decision, and those choices are so much more than simply bottle-feeding or breastfeeding. The truth is – there is no ‘right way’ to feed your baby, and there is no need to fear because there are endless options that can best suit the needs of your baby. If you are pregnant and wondering how to plan for feeding your baby for the first time, you have come to the right place.
Let’s begin with breastfeeding. Breastmilk is considered the biologically optimal food for babies. Breastfeeding is also an opportunity for parents to bond with their baby through nourishment, and this is wonderful, however…
Breastfeeding is not easy.
If only it could be as simple as placing a baby to your breast and calling it lunch. There are so many things that can discourage new parents from breastfeeding, including but not limited to a poor latch, low milk supply accompanied by breastfeeding-related ailments.
The most important thing to remember during the breastfeeding process is that: If you cannot breastfeed your baby, YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE.
Despite what society says.
Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of other options if breastfeeding starts to just suck. (Pun intended)
A great method for those parents with a strong milk supply who are having latching struggles is pumping the breastmilk and putting it into a bottle.
Another key point I want to highlight as well is that formula is not the enemy.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with formula feeding your baby if that is what is best for you and your family.
For many new families, there is a lack of education on infant indicators that mean it’s time to change feeding techniques. That is where we come in. Doulas of the Valley in Arizona, with ProDoula Certified Postpartum Doulas, we can help to guide your new family as you settle into life with a new little one. We will educate you on how to navigate feeding queues, as well as provide suggestions regarding feeding techniques, and much more!
Read next: if feeding is difficult in either direction, Tongue Tie and Feeding: Signs and Next Steps covers the mechanical causes worth ruling out first.