Breastfeeding VS Bottle Feeding..

Bottle feeding : Pros : Anyone can help with feeding baby

: You have control over how much milk baby consumes per feed

: You have flexibility and alot more freedom when going out

: Makes return to work much easier

Cons : Baby does not have the added benefit of breastmilk with all its immune boosting properties

: Miss out on incredible bonding with your baby

: More expensive

: Alot more work with cleaning and sterilising bottles

It is totally your choice though- make sure you have selected the bottles you want, I opted for Tommee Tippee as I wanted to still breast feed and the shape of the teet is the most similar to the nipple so it does help with the transition. Usually 4 - 6 bottles are enough.

For formula you can choose between so many, initially we tried Nan formula and that worked for us. Another popular choice is S26 Gold. When feeding, keep baby in an upright position and put a face towel under his/ her chin to absorb any milk that may fall. Make sure the vent for your bottle is facing the right direction. Many these days have anti-colic teets so that helps alot with gas build up as well. It is important to try and burp your baby or at least try to keep him/ her up for at least 5-10 minutes after feeding.

Popular burp positions are :

1. Support baby at the buttocks and hold him upright and rub his back gently

2. Have baby sit over your lap and gently rub his back

3. Lay baby over your lap and pat/rub his back gently

Remember you are not listening for a loud burp but a tiny one. It is helpful to use a burp cloth/ face towel in case baby takes out some milk.

You will also need a bottle steriliser/ Milton , Bottle brush and a drying rack for bottles is a huge help for easy access and keeping your kitchen a little organised- I got mine from Dischem.

If you choose Milton then make sure you have a large bucket as well as tongs to sterilise your bottles.

Breastfeeding :

Pros : Huge help with immune boosting properties for baby

: Inexpensive

: Ensures excellent bonding with baby

Cons : You are the only one able to nourish your baby

: Can be sore if not done correctly

: Can be uncomfortable in a public place

: You are not certain how much of milk baby consumes

: Can be time consuming

Make sure you have a feeding pillow, makes it much more comfortable for you and baby. I got mine from Dischem. Always use a face towel to absorb excess milk. Your milk flow may be too fast for baby so try to keep his / her head higher than the rest of his body and pull out a little to avoid choking. Your flow will adjust and so will he depending on his needs at the time. Ensure baby's mouth is covering your areola properly and that you don't feel pain when breast feeding. If you do its very possible your latch is not good. A lactation specialist can help alot with this or your nurse at baby's follow up appointment. A good cream is the Lansinoh nipple cream, use after every feed. Usually feed times should be between 10- 15 minutes per side. Baby usually falls asleep while feeding or pulls out on his/her own.

Another helpful must have is a breast feeding shawl, the varieties are many but you need to choose what works for you. Alot of places have baby feeding and baby change facilities, helps with privacy.

My doctor recommended Jungle juice which is a mixture of different ingredients to aid breastmilk production. I used it for both my kids immediately after delivery and it has helped me alot. It varies according to each person though as well as your preference.

Please drink alot of water, it really does help!

Jungle Juice Recipe :

1. 50ml of the above mixture

2. 1 sachet of rehidrat solution

3. 1 litre of apple juice - I used sugar free BOS Ice tea instead

4. 2l of water

5. Add 10 drops of rescue remedy per glass

The more baby feeds the more your supply will increase, like a supply and demand situation.

A breast pump will also help if you are going to try bottle feeding. I used the Medela electric Pump. It was amazing ! Super fast and effective.

Ultimately the choice is yours, this is just a tiny bit of information to help guide your decision. Read more and make an informed choice. You can always change and adjust as you need.

All the best and enjoy the bonding with baby either through bottle or breast feeding.