Cebu Technological University

in consortium with
Cebu City Medical Center- College of Nursing

Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding

SUBMITTED BY:

Miole, Eurielle Audrey S.

Silario, Naomi Neriah S.
Level II

SUBMITTED TO:

Ms. Shailen E. Franciso

Clinical Instructor

Mr. Romeo D. Piansay JR.

Clinical Instructor
BREAST FEEDING

-The method of feeding a baby with milk directly from the mother's breast.

It is universally agreed that breast milk is the preferred method of feeding a newborn,
because it
Provides numerous health benefits to both the mother and the infant

BREAST MILK
Breast milk is specie-specific for human infants and offers many advantages over
formula. The nutrients in breast milk are proportioned appropriately for the neonate and
change to meet the newborn’s changing needs. Wherein it also provides protection
against infection

CHANGES IN COMPOSITION
-Colostrum
-Transitional milk
-Mature milk

ADVANTAGES

For the Infant:

-No allergic reactions to breast milk
-Immunologic properties help prevent infection
-composition meets infant’s specific nutritional needs
-Breast milk easily digested
-Unlikely to have constipation
-No possibly improper dilution
-less likely to result over feeding

For the Mother

-oxytocin release enhances involution of uterus
-Mother more likely to rest while feeding
-May help with postpartum weight loss
-Frequent close contact may enhance bonding
-convenient
-economical
-traveling easier

Formula Feeding Definition

Formula feeding, is another method for feeding human infants which uses a formula that
closely resembles human milk. This is often used when breastmilk is not available like
when some women who are uncomfortable with the thought of exposing their breasts to
breastfeed or women who develop breast abscess may also not be advised to
breastfeed. There is little opposition to the concept that breastfeeding is the best
method for feeding human infants unless it is contraindicated because of the many
benefits breastfeeding has compared to formula feeding.

Comparison between formula feeding and breast feeding

Breast feeding and formula feeding has its own similarities and differences. Both has its
own situational convenience (for example, breast milk is always available anytime,
anywhere and an infant formula is convenient for working women) and both provide
energy, hydration and nutrients, so an infant will grow whichever milk he is given.
However, breast feeding has an important protective function, reduces your baby’s
likelihood of diarrhea, gastroenteritis, ear infections, colds and flu, and thrush and
halves his risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding is also cost
effective, time saving and is the perfect food for an infant’s digestive system since it is
easily digested compared to formulas. In addition, the foods a mother eat flavor her milk
so the baby experiences new tastes at every feed. The only disadvantages for the baby
in breastfeeding occur when things are not going well, for example, if there's an
inadequate supply of breast milk or an inefficient suck reflex in the baby. However, it is
unusual for a mother not to produce enough milk for her baby unless she is not
breastfeeding correctly or frequently enough.

Formula feeding on the other hand does not have the antibodies found in breast milk
that can't provide an infant with the added protection against infection and illness that
breast milk does and requires extra time to prepare as this need to do as much washing
up, sanitizing, boiling water and prepping bottles of formula. Formula-fed babies may
also have the risk of developing an allergy to a particular formula. Formulas are costly,
and the fact that no formula can exactly duplicate the ideal composition of breast milk.
Formula-fed babies need to eat somewhat less often since formula is less readily
digested by the baby than human milk.

There is also a difference in color and consistency of the stool of a breastfed baby and a
formula fed baby. A breastfed baby stool is considered normal when it’s mustard yellow,
green or brown color. It is typically seedy and pasty in texture and may be runny enough
to resemble diarrhea. Healthy breastfed stools will smell sweet. A formula fed baby stool
on the other hand is typically a shade of yellow or brown with a pasty consistency that is
peanut butter like. Formula fed babies also pass fewer, but bigger more odorous stools
that breast fed babies.
References:

Breast milk vs formula: How similar are they? (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/mums-journey/breast-milk-vs-formula

Joseph, E. B., MD. (n.d.). Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding. Retrieved from
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/breast-bottle-feeding.html

Stoppler, M. C., MD. (n.d.). Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding. Retrieved from
https://www.medicinenet.com/breastfeeding/article.htm

Pillitteri, A. (n.d.). Maternal & Child Health Nursing (6th ed., Vol. 1). p. 504