Breast Feeding vs Infant Formula

With a pregnancy mothers start reading about the arguments about going for breast feeding vs Formula milk for their infants. Both the sources provide DHA in milk for your infant which is necessary for good infant health. If you are conceiving a baby then lots of question would be rising in your mind like, what brand of milk will be better for health of children, breast feeding, soy-based formula, or generic brands. After reading this article you can find out answers to these sorts of questions.

Infant formula:

There are three main types of the infant formulas:

· Cow's milk formulas: In most of infant formulas cow’s milk is formulated to make it more beneficial like mothers for a good infant health. This formula contains right balance of DHA in milk and other nutrients necessary for health of children and it is easier to digest by your infant. Though, this formula is perfect for most of the infants but, for some babies who are allergic to protein that is present in a cow’s milk require other kind of infant milk formulas.

· Soy-based milk formulas: This formula is preferred if you want to avoid animal proteins from the diet of your baby. Soy-based infant formula can be a substitute of cow’s milk formula or mothers who or nor breast feeding due to some complications. But, in most of the cases if an infant is allergic to cow’s milk, there is a possibility that he/she perhaps allergic to soy-based milk as well.

· Protein hydrolysate milk formulas: A Protein hydrolysate formula is also called hypoallergenic formula. It is easier to digest and have minor allergic reaction as compared to other infant formulas. This is a good alternative to soya-based and cow’s milk formulas and doctors have started recommending it for the benefits it offers to infant health.

Breast Feeding:

Breast milk is a natural and complete source of diet for a newborn baby. Mothers milk contains almost everything that is required for the development, growth and health of an infant. some of the key ingredients of the breast milk are as follows;

Fats: Amino Acids and DHA are present naturally that is important for brain building and vision development of an infant, and also contains cholesterol, lipase, and fat-digesting enzyme.

·         Protein: It contains soft, easily-digestible proteins essential for the health of a baby i.e. sleep inducing, brain, and body building proteins, Lysozyme and Lactoferrin proteins etc.

·         Carbohydrates: Mothers milk contains lactose and oligosaccharides, which are effective for intestinal infant health.

·         Immune Boosters:  Breast feeding provides your infant with immunoglobulins and white blood cells to provide natural immunity required for health of children.

·         Vitamins and Minerals: Mothers milk is rich in zinc, iron, calcium, and an antioxidant selenium to boost the growth of an infant.

·         Enzymes and Hormones: Breast feeding provides digestive enzymes like amylase and lipase, and hormones like oxytocin, prolactin, thyroid, and other important hormones for good health of children.

Cost Effectiveness: 

Breast feeding does not only provide essential nutrients for infant health but is also cost effective. The cost of different infant formulas is varied from $1,200 to $2,500 per years, while breast milk of a mother cost around $600 per year because of extra food is given to her. So breast milk is not only rich in with every kind of nutrients but, also a cost effective source of diet for your children.