Bottle (Formula) Feeding

Easy to monitor the intake of milk – By feeding your baby from a bottle you know just how much milk he or she is getting.  While it easy to monitor the intake of milk with a bottle, one of the advantages of breastfeeding is that mothers typically don't have to worry about how much to feed their baby, nor do they have to worry about the frequency of feedings.  Your baby will give you signs (cooing, crying, sucking on hand, etc.) when he or she is hungry and will stop nursing when he or she is full.

Extended satisfaction for the baby – Formula stays in your baby’s stomach longer since it forms into large curds, which keeps him or her feeling full for a longer period of time.  However, this can turn to a disadvantage since formula is more difficult for the baby to digest, which can cause constipation, "tummy ache", gas, and colic-like symptoms in some babies.

Freedom for the mother – Since bottle-feeding doesn’t tie the mother down, she can feel free to go to dinner, go shopping, see a show, or take a weekend getaway while the grandparents watch the baby.  While bottle feeding can give you the opportunity to be separated from your baby if you have to, remember that nursing mothers don't have to take bottles and formula everywhere they go, nor do they have to worry about running out of food for their baby. If a nursing mom does need to be separated from her baby, she can always pump her milk wherever she is.

Easier in a public environment – Bottle-feeding can be done at any time and any place without embarrassment or looks from other people.  While bottle feeding is easy in public, keep in mind that breastfeeding can also be done at any time and in any place as well.  Most people will agree that breastfeeding is a natural part of life and should not be frowned upon in public; however, you will still find the occasional person who feels breastfeeding in public is unnecessary.  In general though, their is nothing easier than breastfeeding when you're on the go.  With breastfeeding, the breast milk is in the perfect package and is at the perfect temperature for your baby.

No interference with choice of clothes – a mother that is bottle-feeding doesn’t have to worry about nursing bras, nursing shirts, wearing breast pads to prevent leaking or wearing two piece outfits.  However, most mothers will find that with a little practice, breastfeeding actually does not interfere with their choice of clothes at all.  Once a new mother becomes accustomed to breastfeeding, they will find that they can actually wear anything they want and still nurse discreetly.

More participation for the father and older siblings – With bottle-feeding, the father and older siblings can take part in feeding the baby.  Keep in mind that you can also bottle feed breast milk to your baby and there are many other ways for the father and siblings to bond with the baby, such as, bath time, diapering, singing, reading, etc.