Breastfeeding vs.

Bottle-feeding
Breastfeeding Bottle-feeding With Formula
Nutrition
A perfect balance of nutrients Not as efficiently utilized/absorbed as
breast milk
Contains high levels of nutrients Nutritional content depends on proper
preparation (human error)
Easily digested and absorbed Some babies have difficulty tolerating
certain nutrients
Content varies according to the milk Pediatrician/caregiver determines the
production stage, which meets amount consumed
the changing nutritional requirements
Infant determines the amount
consumed
Costs
Milk is free Formula ranges from $54 to $198 per
month depending on the brand
Nursing pads, nursing bras, etc. Bottles, nipples, etc.
Breast pump (optional)
Advantages
Always the perfect temperature Anyone can feed the baby
No preparation time
Milk is readily available at any time
and any place
Mother’s milk contains
Immunoglobulins, providing passive
immunity for baby
Skin-to-skin and breastfeeding latch
releases bond-supporting
the hormone in mom (oxytocin)
Disadvantages
The mother must be available for Warming formula to the proper
feeding or must provide pumped temperature
milk if she is absent
The mother must pump if feeding is Preparation time varies
missed (engorgement)
Early breastfeeding may be The baby may not tolerate formula well
uncomfortable (diarrhea)
Certain medications can interrupt Always have to carry bottles,
breastfeeding formula/mixing items with you
Formula does not contain
Immunoglobulins (no passive immunity)
Possible formula recalls