We’ve heard time, and again that breastfeeding has several benefits for both the mother and the baby. Breast milk is the elixir that every baby should be given to improve their immunity and help them grow. Breastfeeding also reduces stress by producing oxytocin and prolactin in nursing moms. It promotes baby-mother bonding and increases confidence and self-esteem in mothers (1). But what about mothers who cannot breastfeed? If a woman cannot breastfeed because of low milk production, health concerns, or simply because she chooses not to, does that reduce the chances of her bonding with her baby?
When you’re a working mother, breastfeeding your baby can be pretty challenging. Feeding your baby on a regular schedule is a privilege that several working mothers don’t have. Some mothers have a low milk supply, which means they have to switch to formula milk and bottle-feed their baby. So what happens with these babies, and how does it affect your child? You might have heard tons of theories about this topic, and you’re probably confused about what to believe. We are here to shed some light on the topic.
Bottle-Feeding Requires More Attention
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You might have heard that breastfeeding is the gold standard of feeding your baby. But when you’re a working mother, it’s tough to breastfeed your baby. Many mothers pump milk during their free time and feed their babies via bottles. Don’t worry; that does not make you any less of a mom. When you’re bottle-feeding your baby, you have to pay more attention because you are in control of the bottle. You have to hold it right and cannot zone out like you probably do while breastfeeding.
Therefore, whether you are sleep-deprived or not, you pay more attention to your little one while they satisfy their hunger. You notice their squishy cheeks and pudgy fingers and appreciate them a little more by being “present” with them.
Bottle-Feeding Lets You Know How Much They’ve Eaten
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When you become a new mom, there are tons of things you worry about. Starting from their sleep patterns to their milestones, you tend to note every little thing and worry about them. It’s normal to do so, and you’re in the same boat as every other parent.
One of the good things about bottle-feeding is that you know exactly how much your little one has eaten. The bottle helps you measure the exact quantity, leaving you with an accurate measure of your child’s food consumption.
Bottle-Feeding Gives You A Break
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Let’s face it; every mom deserves a break. Starting from pregnancy and childbirth to diaper changes and postpartum recovery, moms do not get a break. With bottle-feeding, mothers can take a little time off to get things done — even if that means getting some much-needed rest.
Sure, you still have to pump milk into the bottle, but you don’t have to be the only one feeding your child, unlike with breastfeeding. Your partner can pitch in as well. Any other trusted family member or friend may lend a helping hand, and you can finally get that break you deserve!
Bottle-Feeding Doesn’t Affect Your Closeness
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Some reports say that breastfeeding enables the mother-child bond, but that doesn’t mean that bottle-feeding reduces it. Every new mom has probably heard, “Breast is best”, and that can stress you out, especially if you’re choosing to bottle-feed. However, remember that the bond with your baby doesn’t depend only on your feeding technique. It also depends on how much time you spend with your baby.
You might hear several things about how you should raise your baby, feed them and care for them. But you’re the parent, so you should do what feels right for you and your baby. Lend the others a deaf ear. They might mean well, but that’s no excuse for them to make you feel bad about your choices. Therefore, embrace your feeding technique and enjoy those precious moments with your baby! Did you bottle-feed your baby? We would love to hear about your experience! Share them with us in the comments below.
