August marks both World Breastfeeding Week and Child Health Month, providing an ideal opportunity to explore the various factors that contribute to a child’s optimal development.
This journey begins from birth, with the first five years being particularly vital for a child’s physical, intellectual, sociological and emotional growth. These early years lay the groundwork for future learning, behaviour and health outcomes.
Nutrition and hydration are, of course, critical components for your baby’s growth and development, and while many opt to breastfeed, others prefer to bottle-feed. It’s a debate almost as old as time itself, and every mom and baby are different, so understanding the advantages of both feeding methods is important to enable you to decide what’s best for your baby.
Happiness is mother’s milk
Forty-six percent of newborns initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, about 48% of infants aged 0–6 months are exclusively breastfed. While the WHO and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund recommend breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond, the global median duration of breastfeeding is around 17 months.
Even though it may take some time for you and your baby to get it right, there are many advantages to breastfeeding if you decide to go this route, including:
Health benefits for baby
Breast milk not only has the right balance of nutrients that your baby needs, it also contains natural antioxidants and antibodies to help your baby build a strong immune system. Breastfeeding also helps prevent allergies, eczema, stomach problems, ear infections, respiratory illness, childhood obesity and diabetes.
Health benefits for mom
Moms also reap the health benefits of breastfeeding, with some finding it easier to lose weight after pregnancy. Breastfeeding helps your uterus contract to its normal size and, because your body produces stress-relieving hormones while breastfeeding, you’re less likely to be at risk of postpartum depression. More importantly, breastfeeding may help you lower your risk of various diseases including ovarian and breast cancers, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis and osteoporosis.
Save time and money
You don’t need to spend time sterilising bottles, measuring formula and making sure the milk is at the right temperature before feeding your baby. Breastmilk is always available, and if you are able to breastfeed, it is clean and always at the right temperature for feeding. You also save money on bottles and formula.
Enjoy a little formula
There has been a growing trend toward formula products that mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk, including the addition of probiotics, prebiotics and other nutrients. In fact, the global baby formula market was valued at around $70.98 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $153.26 billion by 2030, all of which is driven by increasing urbanisation, rising disposable incomes and more women joining the workforce.
Should you decide to bottle-feed your baby expressed breastmilk or formula, advantages to bottle-feeding include:
Formula doesn’t run low
There are moms who are unable to breastfeed as often as they would like, or are not able to breastfeed at all, due to a low supply of breast milk. Alternatively, your baby may also struggle to latch on to your breast to feed. Bottle-feeding a suitable formula milk, therefore, helps ensure your baby gets the nutrients they need.
You can keep track of intake
Measurements are usually visible on feeding bottles. It is, therefore, easier to keep track of your baby’s daily intake than it is when you’re breastfeeding. You will also get a better idea of much your baby needs to feel full.
Formula may help your baby feel full for longer
If your baby drinks formula, you may experience fewer feeding times. This is because formula takes longer to digest than breast milk. Breastfed babies usually need feeding every two to three hours.
Anyone can feed your baby anywhere, anytime
Dad can get on board to help feed baby in the early morning hours, giving them a good opportunity to bond. Babysitting and day care become easier for external caregivers, whether you choose to bottle-feed formula or expressed breast milk. You may also feel less awkward feeding your baby in public with a bottle, and you do not need to worry about not being able to breastfeed should you become ill.
Formula helps with lactose intolerance
If your baby is lactose intolerant, a rare occurrence in babies, a suitable formula could be used instead of breastmilk.
Whatever you decide, be confident in your decision and use growth and development assessments to guide you as you go. Most medical aids offer free assessments per year, along with preventative care benefits including immunisations for your growing family. For those not on medical aid, utilising the services of pharmacies or community clinics can go a long way to compare your baby’s development in relation to growth standards.
There is much to consider when it comes to your child’s health and growth development, but utilising the services of your GP, clinics and other sources of information, along with a good health plan, will help you every step of the way.
Denelle Morais
Manager: Marketing & Communications
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