Welcome to the journey of parenthood, where every decision feels like it could shape the course of your child's life. One of the first choices you'll face is how to nourish your newborn, breastfeeding vs. formula feeding. We, at Allied Physicians Group, are here to help you make an informed decision that’s best for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Breastfeeding is the body's natural process of preparing a custom meal for your baby. The milk changes its nutritional profile as your baby grows, tailored to their exact needs at each stage. Additionally, breastmilk is full of immune factors, including antibodies, that help protect your baby from infections.
Breastmilk gives babies exactly what they need to eat with the extra immune support. Studies have shown that breastmilk-fed infants have a lower risk of asthma, allergies, and some cancers, and breastmilk even boosts cognitive development.
There are benefits of breastfeeding for moms as well. Breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract preventing postpartum bleeding, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and decreases the risk of future heart disease and diabetes, among many other health benefits to mom.
Formula Feeding Your Baby
There are situations where a baby needs to be fed something other than human milk. A baby may have a metabolic disorder where they need a specialty formula. There are some parents whose own health or medical conditions require infant feeding and/or supplementation with formula. There are also parents who do not desire to breastfeed. Formula is available as a safe and nutritious option to support infant growth. There are other options, such as donor breast milk.
Commercially available formulas have the calories and nutrients infants need to develop. Correctly prepared formula is a safe form of infant nutrition but does not provide the immune factors found in breast milk.
Combination Feeding Your Baby
Many babies are breastfed but also require additional supplementation to support their growth. These babies still receive the immunologic benefits of the breastmilk they are fed. Your pediatrician will help guide you, if and when additional supplementation is needed.
Professional Recommendations: Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
Breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for both babies and mothers, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For babies, breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of several health conditions. For mothers, breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of several health conditions as well. Breastfeeding is the norm for infant feeding and nutrition, and breast milk is uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of a growing baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months of a baby's life, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, up to 2 years of age or beyond. This recommendation is based on the comprehensive benefits that breastfeeding provides, serving as a key preventive health measure for various diseases.
Making Your Choice: Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
In the end, the best choice is the educated and informed one that works for you and your baby. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or both, you are doing great and your baby will feel loved and cared for. At Allied, we value happy and healthy babies with happy and healthy parents. Parenthood is a great joy and a great challenge all at the same time, and your Allied Pediatrician is with you every step of the way.
If you are interested in starting your breastfeeding journey, Allied is here to support you. Please visit our Breastfeeding Support page, for information on our Breastfeeding Physicians and Lactation Consultants that are available to you and your baby, as well as many resources!
Your Partner in Pediatric Care
As you navigate the early days of parenthood and face the myriad of decisions about your baby's care and well-being, know that you're not alone. Allied Physicians Group provides reliable pediatric services and care to newborns, children, adolescents, and young adults in New York, offering guidance, support, and medical expertise to ensure your little one's health and well-being from the start.
Visit us to find a pediatrician near you and schedule your baby's first appointment. Let's embark on this journey together, ensuring your little one's health and well-being from the start.
Allied Physicians Group is a partnership of more than 150 dedicated, caring physicians and 350 highly trained support staff. We offer pediatric care, family medicine, and other specialties at our practice locations. Allied Physicians Group has office locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange Counties. If you are looking for a physician near you click here, or for more information, please visit: https://alliedphysiciansgroup.com.