However, we also very much wanted to breastfeed, primarily due to convenience and cost.
Getting started was very difficult. We used a small number of premixed formula bottles, two of which were “free samples”. We almost gave up.
A lactation consultant helped us find a comfortable position, and eventually ended up with the “rugby hold”, which makes no intuitive sense whatsoever—the infant is held under the arm, legs almost behind the mother.
Once started, breastfeeding turned out to have several clear advantages, some of which were very surprising to us:
Low poo volume. Breastfed babies produce very little poo early on, as almost everything is absorbed. Formula produces a lot more poo. (This is apparently well-known among midwifes & health visitors, but not mentioned until we actively asked)
Low to no poo stink compared to formula. (Anecdotal) In discussion with other parents we found that the formula fed infants poo smelled a lot worse, even accounting for volume and parental preference (your own child’s poo stinks less than that of all other children)
Reduced rate of constipation. Formula fed infants are at a much higher risk of constipation, as a side effect of the above.
Reduced posseting. Bottle fed infants swallow a lot more air due to the mechanics involved, which makes them need more burping and bring up more milk when they do. Obviously this is due to the bottle itself rather than what’s in it, but formula fed is 100% bottle while breastfed is some lower percentage.
Night feeds didn’t require full waking. The mother can do it half asleep and the infant is fed almost instantly, as mentioned elsewhere. However, this can only be done by the breastfeeding mother. The partner cannot assist.
(Anecdotal) Flying was easy. When disturbed, simply insert nipple and infant is immediately calmed. However it is possible a pacifier would work similarly well for a bottle fed infant.
The advice we were given was “Fed is best”.
However, we also very much wanted to breastfeed, primarily due to convenience and cost.
Getting started was very difficult. We used a small number of premixed formula bottles, two of which were “free samples”. We almost gave up.
A lactation consultant helped us find a comfortable position, and eventually ended up with the “rugby hold”, which makes no intuitive sense whatsoever—the infant is held under the arm, legs almost behind the mother.
Once started, breastfeeding turned out to have several clear advantages, some of which were very surprising to us:
Low poo volume. Breastfed babies produce very little poo early on, as almost everything is absorbed. Formula produces a lot more poo. (This is apparently well-known among midwifes & health visitors, but not mentioned until we actively asked)
Low to no poo stink compared to formula. (Anecdotal) In discussion with other parents we found that the formula fed infants poo smelled a lot worse, even accounting for volume and parental preference (your own child’s poo stinks less than that of all other children)
Reduced rate of constipation. Formula fed infants are at a much higher risk of constipation, as a side effect of the above.
Reduced posseting. Bottle fed infants swallow a lot more air due to the mechanics involved, which makes them need more burping and bring up more milk when they do. Obviously this is due to the bottle itself rather than what’s in it, but formula fed is 100% bottle while breastfed is some lower percentage.
Night feeds didn’t require full waking. The mother can do it half asleep and the infant is fed almost instantly, as mentioned elsewhere. However, this can only be done by the breastfeeding mother. The partner cannot assist.
(Anecdotal) Flying was easy. When disturbed, simply insert nipple and infant is immediately calmed. However it is possible a pacifier would work similarly well for a bottle fed infant.