“Breast is best” is something we hear almost daily — communities have banded together to raise awareness and normalize breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the most natural way to provide your baby with the nutrition he or she needs — there is really no argument there.

Some women are unable to breastfeed for a variety of reasons, and some must supplement with formula, and this is great, too.  So as long as your baby is fed, loved and growing, what’s the big fuss about breast milk? What are the important differences between formula and breast milk?

Benefits of breast milk

Breast milk has many advantages:

  • It is always available.
  • It’s free!
  • It contains active infection-fighting white blood cells and natural chemicals that help build and boost your baby’s developing immune system.
  • It can help prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics).
  • It contains the right amount of nutrients (such as proteins, carbohydrates, fat and calcium)
  • It is very easily digestible.
  • It may protect against allergies and asthma in the future.
  • It contains fatty acids that promote brain development.
  • Breastfeeding mothers lose weight more easily due to increased calorie burn stimulated by the production and expression of breast milk.

Feeding time to bond with baby

Breastfeeding may not be possible for all women, due to a number of different issues. If you are unable to breastfeed, do not feel guilty. Formulas have improved vastly over the past decade, and still provide your baby with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Bonding is a large concern with feeding your child, as it is a wonderful way to help form and nurture the mother-baby bond, but you won’t be missing out on this bonding experience if you need to bottle feed. You can shed your shirt, make eye contact, or do many other things to help experience bonding with a bottle fed baby!

Consider a breast pump

If you can produce breast milk but not breastfeed, you will need a breast pump. Pumps and other supplies may be covered at little to no cost to you through your health insurance. Find out if your policy is compliant by completing the three-step Qualify Through Insurance form. Your Breastpump Specialist will contact your health insurance, verify your policy, and contact you within 3-5 business days to discuss your options. No insurance? No problem. Check out Aeroflow’s line of breast pumps and breastfeeding equipment on our online store!