Many infants start out breastfeeding, but by six months of age, only about half of these infants continued to breastfeed. There are various reasons why a family would want to choose formula feeding over breastfeeding. Sometimes it’s a result of a lack of resources to support the hardships of breastfeeding, and other times it’s because of physical situations preventing mothers’ from producing breastmilk.
No matter what the situation, it’s a difficult decision to choose between breastfeeding and formula feeding. There is misinformation that can make mothers feel inadequate if they don’t choose to breastfeed. No mother should have to feel guilt from societal expectations of feeding their child.
Luckily, many improvements have been made, resulting in the best infant formulas on the market. This appeases moms worried about problems that could arise from not breastfeeding. To further debunk some myths surrounding formula feeding, keep reading to keep your mind at ease.
Myth: Formula-Fed Babies Sleep Longer
A baby’s sleep schedule is not entirely dependent on their eating habits. While how much they’re feeding and when they’re feeding do make a difference in a sleep schedule, formula versus breastmilk is not the primary factor in sleeping habits.
The myth consists of saying that formula is heavier than breastmilk and harder to digest. However, a baby can just as easily have a hard time digesting breastmilk if there are triggering foods in the mother’s diet. As a result, formula-fed babies do not sleep longer.
They might have a more set routine when they get a bottle of formula on a timed schedule, rather than a breastfed baby who nurses on command. Also, babies wake up in the night for various reasons besides being hungry.
Motherhood is hard enough. If you’re worried about your new sleeping schedule, formula feeding may allow you to get more sleep, but not because it keeps your baby asleep longer. Your partner can help feed your child when you’re exhausted.
Myth: Formula-Fed Babies Become Obese
There is a correlation between babies who are formula-fed being more prone to obesity later in life. Though, this does not equate to causation. Research on obesity disputes this causation.
Other factors play into what causes obesity. It is mostly a condition of overeating inflammatory foods in combination with getting little to no exercise.
Researching different types of baby formulas helps make sure you’re providing your baby with the best baby formula possible too. Using an organic European formula lets your baby get vital nutrients as the formula is designed to mimic breastmilk. This also lessens their chances of other health-related complications that are linked with formula feeding.
Myth: Formula-Fed Babies Don’t Bond With Their Parents
While there is no doubt that breastfeeding creates a strong emotional bond between mother and child, you can still achieve this when formula feeding. Use the best baby formulas to provide them with the nutrients they need, and then be attentive while feeding them. This process also allows the baby’s father to be involved in feeding time.
Both parents get to establish a connection with their baby this way. Your baby will know to rely on both parents whenever they need to.
Formula Feeding Debunked
With everything said, formula feeding has many misconceptions surrounding it. It’s true that it’s not right for every family. However, don’t feel like because you had a healthy pregnancy, you need to breastfeed.
It’s okay to experiment and find out what works for you. For more tips on a healthy, family-oriented lifestyle, read more on our ‘Health’ blog page.
