Not every woman will choose to breastfeed their child. For those who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, bottlefeeding is a healthy alternative. So many women are made to feel guilty because they do not opt to breastfeed their children. All the advances made with formula have helped make it a healthy alternative to breast milk.

There are many reasons a woman may not breastfeed. Women with medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, heart disease, kidney disease or prolactin deficiency, to name a few, will find themselves unable to breastfeed. Also, the baby may have a medical condition that prevents it from being able to breastfeed, such as those babies born with a cleft palate. And for some woman it is simply a matter of personal choice.

Bottlefeeding does carry with it some advantages that breastfeeding does not.

• Bottlefeeding provides more freedom, like allowing others to provide more assistance with the care of the baby. Fathers can take one of the nighttime feedings without having to wake you up!!

• Babies who are bottlefed often go longer between feedings, meaning longer periods of sleep at night, which is a very good thing.

• It is a lot easier to learn how to bottlefeed than it is to learn how to breastfeed.

• Planning your return to work becomes easier if you bottlefeed since you won’t have to worry about finding a time and place to pump.

• Most importantly bottlefeeding does allow dad to take a more active role, which is good for both father and baby.

We have all heard that “breast is best”, and I am an advocate for breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding is not an option for every woman, either by choice or by circumstances. It is important for every mom to educate herself on the options out there and choose that option which she feels is best for her and her baby. Getting dads involved in the discussion is important too. They may have some very strong feelings about which option you choose and may come up with some points that you hadn’t thought about. If you have specific questions be sure to ask your prenatal caregiver or a pediatrician for advice.

It is important to choose the option that is best for you and your baby.

(source Your Pregnancy Week by Week)