It has been a common saying that breast milk is the best and has no alternative. Yes, that is true, but quite a sensitive topic to debate. It just goes around and points at the mother eventually. Judging a new mother who cannot breastfeed her baby is quite easy. But it’s hard to understand the reasons behind it. No mother wants her baby to starve, and neither see them crying out of hunger. Breast or no breast: she just doesn’t want to starve the baby.
While breast milk is best for a baby, there may be a variety of reasons that a mother may not be able to breastfeed her little one. These reasons can vary from lack of breast milk production to underlying health issues in the mother or the baby. So breast or no breast, the mother or caregivers should ensure that the baby meets the nutritional requirements through alternative sources such as formula.
In This Article
- Breastfeeding Does Not Work For Everyone
- The Undue Stress on Breastfeeding
- Formula Feeding Can be Alternative
- To Breastfeed or Not – Every Mother’s Choice
- FAQ’s
Breastfeeding Does Not Work For Everyone
Yes, it does not, and it is vital to understand this point. The moment she holds the baby for the first time, thousands of overwhelming emotions run through her mind. She is coping with everything that has happened during those nine months, agitated and eventful. Sometimes, the baby doesn’t latch properly, and she doesn’t know what to do. Such situations require attention and guidance that can help her cope with a sprinkle of some warm and comforting words.
Most new mothers can lactate after they have given birth. But, some may not, for they may have their reasons. Each body is different, and so are the hormones. Breastfeeding may bring excruciating pain to some new mothers, while some might have undergone surgery. Some may just not lactate at all. Such cases exist, and yet their babies are doing healthy.
The Undue Stress on Breastfeeding
Many studies comprehend that the immunity and health of a baby are based on certain ethnic factors. In a bird’s eye, breast-fed babies are healthier than bottled fed. But, when observed within families, they found no significant difference in their health and immunity. This is vital to know before throwing an inappropriate verdict on a new mother. The undue stress of breastfeeding may create a chaotic environment in their minds which leads nowhere. Instead, helping them understand why breastfeeding is vital or comprehending their reasons for not being able to breastfeed can play an integral role. It can be the first and best step in bringing up the baby healthy and thriving.
Some factors that may not allow a new mother to breast feed properly include
1. Personal Comfort of Moms Wanting to Feed
Imagine a public place and the baby crying: some may not feel comfortable feeding the baby in such a huge rush. It is a notable point and doesn’t imply her negligence. It is her choice whether she pumps her breast milk to carry along, or sometimes it is impossible. But, no mother wants to see her baby starved and crying for food. She has her alternatives planned and executed well for her baby.
[Read : 18 Useful Tips To Breastfeed In Public Without Feeling Guilty]
2. Commitment From Mothers to Timely Feeding
More than the mother, it is society creating an image of perfect motherhood. Often displaying it in their definitions based on which they will start judging. It is vital to understand that a new mother is still an individual, trying to stand still, with a new life in her hand and a plethora of changes in her body. It may not be possible for every new mom to be so committed to timely feeding. She may feel exhausted, and her breasts may not support her, or she may not be able to produce milk at regular intervals. There are many unsaid reasons why a mother chooses to formula feed her baby.
3. Medical Conditions or Breast Surgery Can Make Breastfeeding Unsafe
Medical conditions like certain infections can pass through breast milk. In such situations, breastfeeding is not suggestible as it may harm the baby. Infections like Herpes and active tuberculosis are some of the examples of which a mother cannot breastfeed her baby.
Certain surgeries like nipple surgery, breast reduction surgeries, and mastectomy (removal of the breast due to breast cancer) can inhibit milk production. Surgeries are a huge procedure where the body takes up a new shape post-recovery. These may affect the primary duct and nerves that are involved in lactation. Such situations make breastfeeding difficult and sometimes impossible.
[Read : Breastfeeding After a Breast Surgery]
Formula Feeding Can be Alternative
For all the above reasons that we have discussed, or for the choice of a mother to formula feed her baby, it can be a better alternative. Although breast-fed milk benefits the baby’s immune system, formula-fed babies are equally healthy with a well-made immune system to fight diseases.
1. Convenience And Flexibility
Formula feeding is a nutritious alternative to breastfeeding. A mother can prepare the bottles and share the responsibilities of timely feeding with her partner. It can make both the parents feel more involved during the initial days of the baby’s growth. There are no diet restrictions if the baby is formula-fed. It is convenient and flexible and can help a new mother stay stress-free.
To Breastfeed or Not – Every Mother’s Choice
It is vital to learn that there might be many unsaid and painful reasons why a mother can not breastfeed her baby. It can also be her choice considering her mental health and stress. If not helping her, let us at least play a crucial role in leaving her to make decisions for her baby.
Be it breastfeeding or formula, the only thing that matters is a happy and thriving baby. Being a mother, her instincts are far more correct than external voices that keep throwing their version of being perfect. There is nothing called ideal motherhood, it is all about the best she can give to her baby.
[Read : Know Answers To All Your Questions On Infant Formula Feeds]
FAQ’s
1. Why is Mixed Feeding Not Recommended?
Although it is the personal choice of a mother to supplement her baby with formula, it can hurdle the production of breastmilk if you choose both.
2. Why is Formula Feeding Better Than Breastfeeding?
For convenience and flexibility, formula feeding is better than breastfeeding for new mothers. There might be several reasons why a mother chooses formula feeding. Breastfeeding also needs a hectic timely commitment during the initial days postpartum. Hence considering all the above factors, formula feeding can be a nutritious alternative.
Read Also: Not Breastfeeding? Come Out Of Your Guilt!
