Posted on March 9, 2010.
Breast milk or formula for your newborn - Some facts A critical decision that every new mother must make is whether she will feed her baby formula, or opt for breastfeeding. This probably seems like an easy decision for most. But there are many women who ultimately struggle with the choice. The media and family members can exert pressure on new moms make the "right" choice, or it may be faced with the decision to return to work is still breastfeeding difficult.
Research continues to show that breast milk is best for infants. But there are many reasons parents, especially mothers, choose to follow the path formula. It can be for health reasons or simply a matter of convenience.
It can also cause a feeling of inadequacy, especially for mothers for the first time. (These mothers trying to breastfeed at first, but soon switch to formula, because they think their baby is not getting enough food.)
It is recommended that the mothers who contracted HIV or hepatitis B, only choose to feed their babies formula. Mothers who undergo treatment against cancer fall into this category. In these situations it is best to consult a doctor before taking a final decision.
In general, the formulas can be grouped into three categories: cow milk, soy based and special needs. (Special Formulas based on needs are not intended for general use and are generally recommended by physicians.)
Formula milk cow is the most common. It represents over 75% of all formulas sold in the U.S.. It has been modified so that it is much easier to digest. More sugar is added to replace part of the fat.
Of course, soy formulas are made from soy protein. In general, they are used when a child turned out to be allergic to cow's milk.
The formulas can be purchased in three forms. These include: powder, concentrated and ready to use (or RTF).
Milk powder is the cheapest of the three. It also takes more time to prepare, but many mothers are still comfortable. This is because the powder can be pre-measured in a bottle and stored in this way. At lunchtime, all that is needed is adding the appropriate amount of sterilized water. (Usually, a ball of formula for every 2 ounces of water.)
Concentrated formula is more expensive than powder, but less expensive than ready to feed. This type of formula is usually with sterile water ... 50% and 50% water formula.
It can be stored in the refrigerator up to two days.
Ready to feed formula is ready to right the bobbin. It is also available in several sizes of disposable bottles ... which a very practical to use when you travel.
Since infant formula is manufactured to FDA standards in the minds of some, there is little difference between a formula to another. For this reason, many mothers decide to buy the store brand formula instead of big brands. This can save a considerable sum of money, over time.
