Breastfeeding Vs. Bottle feeding The Disadvantages this time~

 
As well as considering the benefits of breastfeeding and bottle feeding, when deciding how to feed your baby it is also worthwhile bearing in mind the disadvantages of each feeding method.

Disadvantages of breastfeeding

The disadvantages of breastfeeding are described below.

• If you have a blood-borne virus, such as Hepatitis B, or HIV, or if you are taking certain types of medication, such as an anticonvulsant, it can be passed on to your baby through your breast milk.
• If you are employed, you may need to arrange to breastfeed your baby during working hours, or you may need to extend your maternity leave, which could have financial implications for you.
• You may feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public places.
• In rare cases (about two per cent) you may not be able to produce enough breast milk to feed your baby.

Disadvantages of bottle feeding

The disadvantages of bottle feeding are described below.

• Babies who are bottle fed using formula milk are more likely to develop illnesses, such as diarrhea, or a chest, ear, or urine, infection. There is also an increased risk of premature babies who are bottle fed developing a rare, but serious condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), where the intestines are damaged due to infection and a poor blood supply.
• When making formula milk, it is possible to get the mixture wrong and make it too strong, too weak, or too hot.
• There is also a lot of work involved in thoroughly washing and sterilizing all of the equipment that is needed for bottle feeding.
• In studies that compared breastfed babies with those who were bottle fed, bottle fed babies were found to have an increased risk of obesity, at least until six years of age.
• Bottle feeding using formula milk can be expensive.
• Once you have decided not to breastfeed your baby, it is difficult to reverse the decision and begin breastfeeding.

Combined feeding

If you decide to combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, you should not introduce bottle feeding during the first six weeks of life. This is because the difference between nipples can confuse the baby, causing feeding problems, and interfering with the establishment of breastfeeding.