Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding

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Water Versus Love: An Analysis of Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding Many mothers are still questioning which method of feeding is best for their infant as nutrition is essential. According to Gloria Leifer’s Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, during the first few months of a newborn’s life, nutrition is especially important in the involvement of brain growth (221). In addition, Leifer states energy consumption is high because of the rapid growth of the infant (221). Coupled with the fact mentioned in the article “Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding” by Melissa Conrad Stӧppler, the majority of weight gained by the infant depends on the milk that he or she drinks. According to Stӧppler, whether to use formula or to breastfeed should be decided prior to delivery, because production of milk in the breasts diminishes after childbirth due to the non-stimulation of breastfeeding (“Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding”). Although formula feeding has substantial convenience for the mother, breastfeeding is the superior feeding method due to the nutritional benefits serving as an essential part of rapid growth and brain development of an infant, together with providing for the mother’s wellbeing. Mothers hope to provide their baby with the best possible nutritional source from birth through to the first year of life. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the most preferred feeding for infants is human milk due to the numerous health benefits it provides (qtd. in Stӧppler, “Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding”). Since infants are initially born without immunity, in “Advantages of Breastfeeding” Natural Parenting Advice indicate, an infant’s immune system is most vulnerable for the first two years of life. With this in mind, according to the Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, breast milk is abundant with infection fighting antibodies

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