What Are the Reasons as to Why Parents May Opt to Use Formula Over Breast Milk?

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months, followed by a combination of breastfeeding and other appropriate foods up to the age of 2 years. However, many mothers choose to formula feed their babies, for a variety of reasons. It is an important decision and one which may be affected by many factors, including lifestyle, health and comfort.

Convenience

Formula feeding is easy when out and about with baby.

Many parents consider formula feeding to be more convenient than breastfeeding. The baby's father and other relatives or caregivers can take over some of the feeding duties, which gives the mother a chance to rest. Babies can be formula fed anywhere, at any time, whereas breastfeeding mothers often feel the need to find a discrete, appropriate place to feed in public.

Father-Child Bonding

A father can bond with his baby while he feeds him.

Some fathers feel sidelined when their baby is being breastfed, because it is something they are physically unable to do themselves. Parents may choose to formula feed to give the father as much opportunity to bond with the baby as the mother. Whether a baby receives formula or breast milk, feeding is a crucial part of the bonding process, says Kids Health, a program of nonprofit child health organization Nemours. It is the perfect time for a baby to make eye contact and enjoy her parent's touch and smell.

Flexibility

Bottles of formula can be prepared in advance.

Formula feeding gives a mother flexibility when it comes to her career and social life. Women who run their own businesses may not be able to take a long period of maternity leave and breastfeeding at the work place may not be an option. Formula milk takes longer to digest than breast milk, says Kids Health, so formula-fed babies typically need to be fed less often than breast-fed babies. This makes feeding easier to fit in with the mother's other commitments. Formula feeds can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until required, which allows the mother to be organized ahead of time.

Diet

Mothers who formula feed don't need to worry about alcohol intake.

A mother who chooses to formula feed doesn't need to worry about the effects of what she eats and drinks on her baby. According to the United Kingdom's National Health Service, certain foods and drinks should be consumed only in moderation when breastfeeding, such as oily fish, alcohol and caffeine. There are no such limitations when formula feeding, although a nutritious, balanced diet is of course recommended for the mother's own health and well-being.