Benefits And Myths About Bottle Feeding
There are many misconceptions about bottle feeding and its alleged disadvantages. Many statements are in fact completely false, or at best give a misleading picture that does not agree with how bottle feeding looks today.
Many women receive unjustified criticism for choosing bottle feeding over breastfeeding. For many, it is also not a choice, as there are many things that can put sticks in the wheel for successful breastfeeding. For some it is easy to play, while for others it is extremely difficult or even impossible.
Today we want to take the opportunity to sort out some of the misconceptions about bottle feeding. We will also give some tips on how you can make feeding even nicer and more intimate with your baby.
The baby does not get enough nutrition from milk replacer
Breast milk is naturally good for babies, but modern milk substitutes have been perfected after years of research. The milk contains everything a baby needs and enables excellent growth and development for your baby.
A baby who receives a breast milk substitute will be just as happy, curious and full of mischief as a baby who is breastfed in the conventional way.
Today’s infant formula actually contains several nutrients that breastfeeding babies may need to get from other sources. These include vitamin D.
We must also not forget that the nutritional content of breast milk can vary based on what the mother eats. This is something you do not have to consider when feeding with a bottle.
Bottle feeding is not as intimate as breastfeeding
It all depends on how you set up the feed. If you want the procedure to be just as intimate and nice as when breastfeeding, it is entirely possible. The best thing is of course to be at home at the feeding, where it is calm and quiet for both mother and baby.
What many do not think about, and which makes many people perceive bottle feeding as less special, is the lack of skin contact. In addition, it is also important to place the baby in such a way that you get eye contact.
Taking care of your baby while nourishing it is what creates the amazing bond, not where the fluid happens to come from. If you are at home, it is a perfect opportunity to take off your upper body and place the baby close to your chest. Instead of the nipple, however, he gets the bottle, and he will be just as happy anyway.
Breast milk substitute must be heated
Many people point out that it is awkward to use milk replacer because you have to have access to a stove or microwave to heat it. What happens if you do not have access to these appliances – does the child have to go hungry then?
Absolutely not, because the statement is not true! Namely, there are plenty of pre-packaged replacements that do not need to be heated. They often come vacuum-packed, but make sure it is a variant that does not need to be heated before feeding your baby with it.
Like all other people, however, babies also have preferences, and it may be that your child prefers warm or lukewarm replacement. This is often the case if you get the baby used to receiving warm compensation and then try to change.
On the other hand, there are also babies who prefer cooler or room temperature replacement, so you simply have to try it out.
Conventional breastfeeding has many benefits, but bottle feeding is not entirely without positive aspects either.
Mom and dad get an equal role
If you use bottle feeding, mom and dad can have an equal role in feeding. Of course, the child’s well-being should always come first, but as a new father, you can feel a little out of place.
With bottle feeding, you can shoulder an equal share of the responsibility, and the father can also benefit the child with his warmth, love and skin contact during feeding.
Less pressure when feeding among people
If you use bottle feeding , you never have to worry about the pressure of having to bring out your breast among people when the baby gets hungry. Of course, breastfeeding mothers can use pumps and the like, but with infant formula, there is nothing to spend time on or consider.
There are many different types of compensation
Many babies suffer from various nutritional deficiencies, which must then be met with supplements. Many breast milk substitutes already contain these extra nutrients, which means that you can stick to something that satisfies all needs.
