But, what if you can’t or do not want to breastfeed your child? The next best option is infant formula, but is it just as good and are there other alternatives?
Nursing can be a wonderful experience for both mother and baby. It provides ideal nourishment and a special bonding experience that many mothers cherish.
A number of health organisations — including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) — recommend breastfeeding as the best choice for babies. Breastfeeding helps defend against infections, prevent allergies and protect against a number of chronic conditions.
It is recommended that babies be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months. Beyond that, breastfeeding is encouraged until at least 12 months and longer if both the mother and baby are willing.
But, it isn’t always easy for mothers to breastfeed their babies. Sometimes, they can’t and sometimes there are those who don’t want to.
Here are Several Reasons Why You Can’t or Won’t Breastfeed
- Sore nipples
- Baby not latching onto breast
- You’ve had a mastectomy
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Mammary Hypoplasia
- Personal commitments and reasons
If mummy can’t or does not want to breastfeed, fret not. There are several options available that will come in handy.
Formula Feeding
Infant formula is a nutritious alternative to breast milk and even contain some vitamins and nutrients that breastfed babies need to get from supplements.
Commercial formulas are manufactured under sterile conditions using a complex combination of proteins, sugars, fats and vitamins that aren’t possible to create at home.
Why do some mothers prefer infant formula over breastfeeding?
- Convenience. Either parent or caregiver can feed the baby a bottle at any time. This allows mum to share the feeding duties and helps her partner to feel more involved in the crucial feeding process and the bonding that often comes with it.
- Flexibility. Once the bottles are made, a formula-feeding mother can leave her baby with a partner or caregiver and know that her little one’s feedings are taken care of. There’s no need to pump or to schedule work or other obligations and activities around the baby’s feeding schedule. Formula-feeding mums also don’t need to find a private place to nurse in public.
- Time and frequency of feedings. Formula-fed babies usually need to eat less than breastfed babies because formula is less digestible than breast milk.
- Diet. Women who opt to formula feed don’t have to worry about the things they eat or drink that could affect their babies.
Organic Formula
Although organic formula still has questionable ingredients, it is still better than the non-organic formula. Organic formula comes from healthy cows that weren’t given antibiotics or fed GMO feed and the sweeteners and oils weren’t grown with nasty pesticides. Read in-depth articles on the matter and consult a professional doctor before going about in feeding your baby organic formula.
Milk Share
This may sound a little weird especially in Malaysia but if it is possible and in the best interest of the baby, why not?
So, for those of you who are still clueless on what ‘milk sharing’ is all about, if you can’t or do not want to breastfeed, there are plenty of women who are breastfeeding and capable of providing breast milk and may be of service to you and your baby.
Yes, you receive breast milk from another participating and willing woman. Of course there are risks associated with milk sharing.
Prior to giving someone else’s breast milk to your baby, you need to ensure the person you’re getting your milk from doesn’t have any communicable diseases, their diet is adequate, and they are preserving their milk properly.
To be on the safer side, you should also ask for medical screenings and blood work results.
But, as mentioned earlier, this practice isn’t common or favoured upon among Malaysians. Should you wish to pursue this, try asking around on parenting blogs, websites or among parents.
As far as payment for the breast milk goes, that depends on your relationship with the milk donator. If both of you find it awkward to pay for breast milk, you could always help with paying for other supplies and shipping.
The Best Choice
Deciding how to feed your baby can be hard. Some may decide to breastfeed before the baby comes but when the baby finally arrives, mummy might have changed her mind.
While you’re weighing the pros and cons, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. These health care providers can give you more information about your options and help you make the best decision for your family.
References
Verywellfamily.com
Nourishedkitchen.com
Kidshealth.org
Eatrealstaysane.com
