Question

A young mother approaches you regarding the issue of formula vs breastfeeding. How would you educate her and what are the pros and cons of the method that you recommend. What if she has to return to work? Should people be allowed to breastfeed in public eg a restaurant? What if the patient is from a third world country? Is there a federal/state regulation regarding breastfeeding? Does exercise affects the contents of breast milk?

Answer 1

Ans) Health experts believe breast milk is the best nutritional choice for infants. But breastfeeding may not be possible for all women.

- For moms who can't breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is a healthy alternative.

- Formula provides babies with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Pros and cons of formula feeding

Advantages of formula feeding include:

• It provides an option in cases where a mother cannot breastfeed.
• It provides an opportunity for other members of the family to get involved in feeding and holding your baby.
• It can give you a chance to rest.
• You have greater flexibility to return to work.

Disadvantages of formula feeding include:

• Formula does not have all of the same health benefits for you and your baby as breast milk.
• It can be expensive.
• Mixing the formula is time consuming.
• If it’s not mixed correctly it can cause constipation or other illness in your baby.

The federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers law requires employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to provide basic accommodations for breastfeeding mothers at work. These accommodations include time for women to express milk and a private space that is not a bathroom each time they need to pump.

- Exercising while nursing does notaffect milk supply. Contrary to some opinions, working out as a breastfeeding mother does notaffect milk supply.

- It may change the taste of your milk, as shown by studies concerning lactic acid levels in breast milk after vigorous exercise.