Humza Khizer

Giving formula milk to infants is sometimes inevitable. Avoiding formula milk due to societal pressure can cause deficiencies. Read more at Meri Sehat.

Your Baby Drinks Milk Out Of A Bottle?

This article or video has been vetted and verified by Meri Sehat’s specialists. It contains citations and research from validated sources.

Madeeha Syed

This article or video has been recorded by a subject / domain specialists with a proven track record of excellence in their area. 

What You Need To Know Before Having Milk

Overview

Were you also a baby once? If yes, then chances are milk was the first thing you ever had. As we grow up, the importance of that daily glass of milk is drilled into us. Which begs the question what really is milk? Why is this one liquid so precious to us?

Milk is a nutrient-rich liquid produced by mammals such as cows, sheep and goats. None of us have been able to escape the barrage of information about how essential milk is to our existence. But is it all it&rsquo;s made out to be? Let&rsquo;s see the pros and cons:

&nbsp;

pros and cons

<ul>
	<li>Packed with all kinds of nutrients, vitamins, fats and even antioxidants</li>
	<li>Great source of protein</li>
	<li>Essential for bone and teeth health. Women can especially benefit a lot from consuming milk as they are prone to <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/osteoporosis-80">osteoporosis</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Some people can&rsquo;t digest lactose, a major component of milk. This can lead to bloating, diarrhea and a wide array of problems</li>
	<li>Some people are allergic to the protein present in cow milk</li>
	<li>Whole milk contains fats and cholesterol that are not safe for children with family history of heart disease 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Locally, whether we put it into the tea we drink 3-4 times a day (sometimes more!) or the various delicacies (kheer),&nbsp;we consume milk in enormous quantities. So, what are the options available to us? The main choice is between these two:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul dir="ltr">
	<li>
	<h5 dir="ltr">Fresh Milk</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

The milk man carrying steel containers full of milk on either side of his motorcycle and the huge trough at the milk shop are familiar sights. Most of our population prefers this based on the assumption that it does not contain chemicals and you get what you see. It&rsquo;s also what most of us can afford. But is it safe?&nbsp;

Milk that comes straight from the dairy farm to your home can be found to contain bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella. There is no strict check and balance when it comes to this option. We don&rsquo;t know what the animal was fed, what kind of cloth was used to filter it, whether the container it comes in was clean, what about the person who handled it? If you happen to walk past an open container of milk, you might see flies buzzing about, which begs the question: how hygienic is that? Another worst-kept secret is the fact that sometimes water is mixed into this milk, and sometimes even detergent is added to increase froth! All this can lead to myriads of health issues and stunted growth in children.

&nbsp;

<ul dir="ltr">
	<li>
	<h5 dir="ltr">Pre-packaged Or Milk In A Tetra-pack</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

A quick google search will tell you that Pakistan ranks second on the list of countries with contaminated milk. What is to be done then? Several brands of pre-packaged or tetra-pack milk are now available locally. Most of these are affordable for the general population.&nbsp;

Tetra-packs are sterile packaging containing milk that undergoes pasteurisation or UHT treatments which removes all impurities. The milk is heated and cooled to kill the bacteria and this is done following strict guidelines. So, what you eventually end up consuming has the least possibility of causing disease and infection.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) tested 16 different brands that are available locally and found that only six of them were safe to consume. These were Olper&rsquo;s, Nestle, Milk Pak, Day Fresh, Good Milk, and Nurpur Original.&nbsp;

We also have a bunch of brands that give us the option of hormone free milk such as Safe Milk, Prema Milk, PakMilk, Anhaar and Day Fresh.

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Lactose Intolerant

If you are, the good news is you have options.&nbsp;

Lactose is the main culprit (protein) that your body can&rsquo;t process. So, lactose free milk essentially contains the molecule already broken down into smaller bits. This way your milk won&rsquo;t end up wreaking the havoc that you might usually experience.&nbsp;

Lactose-free milk is as nutritious as regular milk and might be sweeter as well. Locally, we have brands such as Day Fresh that give us this option. Some other options are your plant and nut-based milk such as almond, coconut, cashew, soy and oat milk. These are as nutrient packed but have low quantities of protein. Now you can go ahead and enjoy your daily smoothie without having to pay for it heavily.&nbsp;

Dr. Safia Mehmood

Breast Is The Best!

Introduction

Breastfeeding is not as challenging as it is typically portrayed. Of course, the entire idea of breastfeeding your baby is up to you. But if you&rsquo;re giving up solely because you are unsure about it, then let&rsquo;s just discuss some benefits of breastfeeding today (both for the mom and the baby), so you can make an honest choice. 
&nbsp;

Well, to begin with, breastfeeding is an organic process. Initially, it might appear as a daunting task, much like pregnancy. You might constantly hear &quot;breast is best!&quot; and &quot;breastfeeding saves lives&quot; from the women in your circle as well as your doctor, especially when you are new to the whole experience.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In the United States, nursing an infant at the breast is seen as &quot;normative&quot;, with 75% of mothers doing so<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. Still, nursing is not yet considered the standard method of feeding newborns. Mothers don&#39;t prefer to breastfeed until health professionals and government authorities advise it. However, it should be practiced appropriately, in order to increase the chances of improving mother and newborn health. 
&nbsp;

As there is so much to learn about nursing and its benefits, let&#39;s just dive straight into it.

&nbsp;

Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) is a phenomenon in which your baby would only consume breast milk for the first 6 months. This breast milk could be yours, or a personal nurse, or <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/milk-a-nutritional-powerhouse">expressed milk</a> without the addition of any other liquid or semi-liquid substance, with the exemption of drops or syrups containing vitamins, minerals, or medications.

&nbsp;

Understanding Pros And Cons Of Breastfeeding

Did you know that breast milk is packed with nutrients that nourish your baby, and that its composition changes over time to meet your baby&#39;s requirements? The United States currently has a 77% breastfeeding introductory rate, the highest level since the middle of the 20th century<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 
&nbsp;

As this is the first meal your baby would consume, you anticipate that breast milk would provide the fundamental nutrients they need, such as carbs, proteins, and lipids, as well as water to keep them hydrated. Yes, breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients and more - it is a special kind of food that offers benefits beyond nourishment, such as helping to develop immunity. 
&nbsp;

<h5>The First Few Days &mdash; Colostrum</h5>

Colostrum is the first milk your breasts make right after your delivery. This thick, soft, sticky breast milk is commonly called &quot;liquid gold&quot;. It is not just because of its yellow or orange hue, but also because it is crucial for nourishing and safeguarding your helpless child. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Baby&rsquo;s Milk Consumption</h5>

At the beginning, you&#39;d only create 40-50 ml (1.4-1.8 fl oz) over the course of a day and that&#39;s all your baby needs because their stomach is only the size of a marble. The digestion of colostrum is quite easy too. The colostrum quality matters more than quantity. 
&nbsp;

The Colostrum&#39;s Composition

The composition of colostrum is the same as those found later in your milk. However, because it is specifically formulated to meet the needs of your infant, the levels of each of its constituents are different. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Benefits Of Colostrum</h5>

1. Organic Immunisation

Because of its high quantities of antibodies and white blood cells, colostrum is mainly referred to as a &ldquo;natural immunisation&quot;. It shields your child from illnesses and infections once they leave the security of your womb. 
&nbsp;

2. Maintain A Healthy Digestive System

Your newborn&rsquo;s digestive system needs to be protected. Colostrum covers and closes the porous intestinal lining that babies are born with. This is especially crucial if your kid is premature, since they will be more susceptible to the potentially fatal gastrointestinal ailment - necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). 
&nbsp;

3. Vitamin Source

It contains more vitamins A, E, and K than mature breast milk and is also abundant in minerals and protein. Colostrum functions as a laxative to assist your infant in passing their first poop, known as meconium (the first thick, tarry, and black stool), and to ward off jaundice. 
&nbsp;

<h5>A Few Weeks After Delivery &mdash; Transitional Milk</h5>

2-4 days after delivery, the amount and composition of breast milk you produce changes. Your breasts might feel bigger and stiffer as your milk &quot;comes in&quot; during this transition period. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Baby Milk Consumption</h5>

Your kid would drink 300-400 ml (10.5-14 fl oz) of breast milk per 24 hours on the third day, and by the fifth day, this rises to 500-800 ml (18-28 fl oz). As a result, it&#39;s understandable if your breasts seem larger on the third day.

Your milk is referred to as transitional milk during days 5-14. It is transitioning from colostrum to mature milk, as the name implies. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Benefits Of Transition Milk</h5>

This milk is creamier in appearance and texture. It is higher in fat, calories, and lactose (a natural sugar), making it the perfect diet for your newborn who is fast developing.

Rest assured that it contains an abundance of defense-enhancing antibodies, living cells, &quot;good&quot; bacteria, as well as various bioactive components to support the baby&rsquo;s health. 
&nbsp;

<h5>After 4 Weeks: Mature Milk</h5>

The nutrient content and component levels in mature milk generally stay stable after 4 weeks. Though, your breast milk&#39;s content can still vary from day to day and feed to feed. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Composition Of Mature Milk</h5>

If you or your child is ill, your body would produce antibodies that pass into your milk and help fight that specific infection. Interestingly, your baby&#39;s count of bacteria-fighting enzymes in your milk increases as they start to explore the world and put objects in their mouth. Breast milk&#39;s compositional variety demonstrates how it changes to meet your baby&#39;s evolving demands. 
&nbsp;

Your breast milk would be fully developed 4 weeks following delivery. It is packed with bioactive substances, including hormones, growth factors, enzymes, and live cells, to promote your baby&#39;s healthy growth and development. It is also high in protein, sugar, vitamins, and minerals.

&nbsp;

<h5>What Are Foremilk And Hindmilk?</h5>

Towards the end of a feed, you might notice your milk becoming thicker and creamier. This is because milk moves through the breast, which allows the fat content to increase as the feed moves forward gradually. 
&nbsp;

Foremilk refers to the first, more &quot;watery&quot; milk, while the later milk is frequently referred to as hindmilk. Some people get confused and use these terms interchangeably, but they are two different things.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The transformation happens slowly. Both are important components of a completed feed and are a good source of:

<ul>
	<li>Vitamins</li>
	<li>Minerals</li>
	<li>Protein</li>
	<li>Carbohydrates 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Your milk&#39;s fat content is indirectly related to the enlargement of your breasts. Your breasts would be fuller at the start of some feeds (milk with less fat), while they would be more drained at the start of other feeds (milk with more fat). 
&nbsp;

Therefore, don&#39;t worry too much about foremilk and hindmilk as your baby would end up consuming a similar quantity of total fat each day over the course of 24 hours. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Breast Milk Composition After Six Months &ndash; Its Benefits</h5>

What happens to your milk if you nurse your child for a prolonged period? Could your body truly continue to produce such high-quality mature milk for months or even for years? The simple answer is not to devalue your breasts! 
&nbsp;

Even though you have to start giving your baby solid items at 6 months to let their iron stores grow, your milk would still be a significant part of their diet. 
&nbsp;

For instance, your baby would continue to receive 93% of their calories from breast milk, even when they turn 7 months old. They would get around half of their daily calories from milk between 11 and 16 months.

&nbsp;

1. Breast milk holds immunity. It provides both instant and lifetime immunisations to a newborn.

2. Breast milk provides your baby with the right kind of nutrition according to their needs. Moreover, your milk production changes depending on your kid&#39;s needs, which is incredible.&nbsp;

3. Your body would receive signals from your baby when she/he needs to be fed, and in response, it would produce the quality and quantity of milk required.

4. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) could be reduced for your baby by breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises moms to breastfeed for at least a year. Studies have shown that as little as 2 months of breastfeeding can reduce the incidence of SIDS by half.

5. Babies that are breastfed tend to have a sense of familiarity with their &quot;home base&quot; from the moment of birth. They use your heartbeat and the warmth of your skin to travel from the inside to the outside world.

6. A polyunsaturated fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is present in breast milk, aids in healthy brain development.

7. Chances of middle ear infections in babies decrease when you breastfeed.

8. You could lower your baby&#39;s risk of developing allergies by breastfeeding.

9. Breastfeeding lowers your baby&#39;s risk of acquiring diabetes because it doesn&#39;t include processed sugar.

&nbsp;

Ready to say &ldquo;hello!&rdquo; to the new you? Because breastfeeding would benefit you too: 
&nbsp;

<h5>1. Reduce Osteoporosis</h5>

Breastfeeding lowers the risk of osteoporosis (a disease in which bones weaken due to less bone mass and strength) in mothers who breastfeed their babies for more than 8 months. 
&nbsp;

<h5>2. Reduce Breast Cancer</h5>

Breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer. As per research, breastfeeding changes the cells in the breast so they might be more resistant to changes that lead to cancer. 
&nbsp;

<h5>3. Reduce Ovarian Cancer</h5>

Scientists believe that breastfeeding helps prevent ovarian cancer because it could delay ovulation. The chance of a cell mutation (which leads to the disease) increases as more ovulations occur. 
&nbsp;

<h5>4. Increase Production Of Oxytocin</h5>

Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin from the brain. Oxytocin causes the uterus to shrink down after the birth of the baby. 
&nbsp;

<h5>5. Reduce Calories</h5>

Breastfeeding uses the mom&rsquo;s stored fat cells (thereby reducing the excess calories) to fuel milk production.

<h5>6. Reduce Postpartum Depression</h5>

Breastfeeding lowers the chance of developing postpartum depression since it allows the amount of pregnancy hormones to decrease slowly instead of abruptly. 
&nbsp;

<h5>7. Free Of Cost</h5>

Breastfeeding demands no money as it is the natural way for babies to receive nutrition.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Although it is commonly known to everyone that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for growing children, the psychological advantages of nursing are sometimes disregarded. 
&nbsp;

Nursing is seen as burdensome by some moms &ndash; they &lsquo;sacrifice&rsquo; a lot to care for their children. It makes them resentful of the whole experience, instead of enjoying it as it happens. Negative feelings for other people crop up as well who seem to &lsquo;have it easy&rsquo;. Fortunately, science is working to improve the breastfeeding process for both mother and baby. A 2017 investigation on breastfeeding&#39;s benefits, conducted in the United States, stated that &ldquo;according to 38% of participants, breastfeeding takes less time than bottle-feeding&rdquo;<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp;

Let&#39;s have a look at the psychological effects associated with breastfeeding.

<h5>1. Stress</h5>

Individuals are most susceptible to experiencing depression when their levels of inflammation are high. Since inflammation is a component of the body&#39;s stress response, the level of inflammation in the mother could be reduced by breastfeeding. The risk of both diabetes and heart disease is much lower once the inflammation is reduced. 
&nbsp;

<h5>2. Sleep</h5>

The postpartum period is characterised by severe sleep disturbances, constant efforts to understand the infant&rsquo;s needs, and frequent concerns about the baby&rsquo;s safety and well-being. 
&nbsp;

Better sleep is one of the largest and perhaps most unexpected psychological advantages of breastfeeding. Mothers who exclusively breastfeed would discover that they sleep more and deeply. Also breastfeeding mothers tend to feel less depressed and feel better during the day.&nbsp;

<h5>3. Surge In Hormones</h5>

The body produces the hormones prolactin and oxytocin during breastfeeding. Oxytocin creates a calming, nurturing sensation that enables mothers to unwind and concentrate on their child. Additionally, it encourages a solid bond of love and bonding between you and your infant. 
&nbsp;

<h5>4. Improved Calmness</h5>

For the baby, breastfeeding improves their mental and emotional health. They cry less and experience fewer childhood illnesses. 
&nbsp;

<h5>5. Emotional And Physical Bonds</h5>

Because breastfeeding encourages skin-to-skin contact, greater holding, and stroking, it fosters a link between mother and child. According to several experts, this loving connection reduces social and behavioural issues in both children and adults.

Additionally, breastfeeding teaches women how to recognise their baby&#39;s cues, and teaches babies to have confidence in their caretakers.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Conclusion

It can be incredibly exhausting to provide another person with the nourishment they need to survive. Sometimes you might want to cry; another time, you&rsquo;d probably laugh it off or have some other feelings. But, through all that, feeding your baby always remains a priority action.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

You alone get to decide to breastfeed your baby or not. However, people closest to a mother frequently have a significant influence on her choice to breastfeed, having both positive and negative effects. 
&nbsp;

The advantages seem limitless. According to research, babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop allergies or dental caries. Along with proper facial growth, they also gain from the proper jaw, tooth, and speech development. As discussed above, breastfeeding has been found to be protective against a wide range of diseases and ailments.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Breastfeeding helps babies around the world avoid illness, and prolongs their lives. The risk of falling ill is also reduced for mothers when they breastfeed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>&quot;Breast is best!&quot; and &quot;breastfeeding saves lives&quot; are common phrases among both women and doctors due to their uncountable benefits.</li>
	<li>The first milk after delivery is commonly known as &ldquo;Gold Milk&rdquo; because of its incomparable composition, especially the presence of antibodies.</li>
	<li>Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for babies but also useful for mothers of newborns.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

[1] Rupnicki, S., 2020. CDC. [Online]  Available at:

[2] DianeThulierMS, R. I. C. P. C. F., 2009. SCIENCE DIRECT. [Online]

[3] Kunst, A., 2019. Statista. [Online]

Nawal Adnan

In this day and age, the mantra &ldquo;to follow your heart&rdquo; bombards us left, right, and center. You&rsquo;ll hear it from your favorite social media influencer; you&rsquo;ll find articles in abundance online; even the ads are going to shove the idea down your throat.

It&rsquo;s all good until a mother &ndash; or a father, for that matter &ndash; announces that they&rsquo;ll bottle feed their baby. Society goes berserk, everyone suddenly feels the urge to look down upon them. Making them feel as if they are culprits. To the extent that first-time moms, and moms who experience baby blues or <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/postpartum-depression">postpartum depression</a>, begin to feel like bad moms; they feel like a failure, unable to do anything about it.&nbsp;

Since every family is unique, no one should criticize another for choosing formula feeding. You must choose what is best for both &ldquo;you and your newborn child&quot;.&nbsp;

The formula could be the healthiest choice for you and your baby for various purposes. Not every baby is able to successfully latch and suck. Some moms might not have enough supply of milk to meet their baby&#39;s requirements; others might experience health issues or take medications that restrict them from breastfeeding. Perhaps the mother is unavailable and the father is the primary caregiver at that time.&nbsp;

The thing is breastfeeding issues could be difficult to handle, and for some continuing it might not be realistic at all.

&nbsp;

Understanding Pros And Cons Of Bottle Feeding

Formula milk (FM) is a dried powder-based breast milk alternative. In most cases, cow&#39;s milk, vitamins, and minerals are used to make infant formula. Cow&#39;s milk serves as the formula&#39;s primary source of protein. The FM also contains fat from vegetable oils for a baby&#39;s health and growth. You can give it to your baby in bottles or sippers after combining it with lukewarm, boiled water.

For the first 6 months, the vital nutrients in formula would boost your baby&rsquo;s growth. A baby can begin eating semi-solids when they are 6 months old. However, they shouldn&#39;t start drinking cow&#39;s milk until they are 12 months old.

&nbsp;

<div>Formulas are categorized into three basic types.</div>

<ul>
	<li>Milk-Based Formulas:&nbsp;They are prepared from cow&#39;s milk, vegetable oils, iron, vitamins, and minerals.</li>
	<li>Soy-Based Formulas:&nbsp;They are manufactured from soybeans, vegetable oils, and nutrients.</li>
	<li>Specialty Formulas:&nbsp;They are manufactured from predigested cow&#39;s milk, with the protein extracted or in decreased quantity.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

There are also hypoallergenic formulations available intended for babies who are lactose intolerant or allergic to cow&#39;s milk.

The option of custom formula is best for babies with food protein allergies, malabsorption, or intestinal issues. Special recipes according to certain religions or cultures would also fall into this category.

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>For Infants Up To 6 Months Old:&nbsp;Stage 1 or beginning formulas are appropriate.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>For Infants 6 Months Or Older:&nbsp;Stage 2 or follow-on formulas are advised because they frequently have higher iron contents. However, switching to these later-stage formulations offers no real advantages.</li>
	<li>Anti-Reflux (AR) Formula:&nbsp;A thickening agent is added to these to assist in maintaining the milk in the baby&#39;s stomach and lessen the possibility of reflux.</li>
	<li>Formulations With Additional Substitutes:&nbsp;According to the formula&#39;s manufacturers, the additional substitutes make it closer to breast milk. However, this does not imply that the baby&#39;s body would be capable of digesting or absorbing these substances in the same manner as it would if they were nursed.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Some additional ingredients include:

<ul>
	<li>Long-chain polyunsaturated (LCP) acids</li>
	<li>Antioxidants</li>
	<li>Probiotics</li>
	<li>Prebiotics</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Formula feeding might be preferred by a family for a variety of reasons, and that is perfectly alright. Whatever your choice is, you should feel confident in your decision to formula feed<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

&nbsp;

<h5>Insufficient Breast Milk</h5>

The formula is sometimes needed to meet the requirements of an infant, as enough breast milk is not being produced and your baby is still hungry.&nbsp;

A hormone called prolactin increases milk production after the birth of your baby. Another hormone, oxytocin induces the contraction of tiny muscle cells in the breasts, which brings the milk out.&nbsp;When your baby is breastfeeding, prolactin levels rise, and more milk is produced in a continuous cycle of supply and demand. The baby draws milk from the breast (demand), and the breast reacts by producing more milk (supply).&nbsp;

Investigators still have a long way to go to fully comprehend all the factors which influence or obstruct the production of breast milk but, generally, it&rsquo;s because of:

<ul>
	<li>Adding formula in between breasbreastfeedings</li>
	<li>Stretching out the time between meals</li>
	<li>Time spent sucking on a pacifier</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h5>Medical Conditions</h5>

Several mothers may be unable to breastfeed due to certain medical conditions or medications, such as:

<ul>
	<li>Mother has HIV or AIDS.</li>
	<li>Medications taken by the mother may pass onto the baby through breast milk, like antiretroviral medications (useful against HIV and AIDS).</li>
	<li>Mother is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.</li>
	<li>Mother is undergoing radiation therapy, especially for the chest.</li>
	<li>Mothers with untreated and active tuberculosis infections.</li>
	<li>Breastfeeding is not recommended for mothers infected with human T-cell lymphotropic viruses - type I or type II.</li>
	<li>Mothers who use illegal drugs such as cocaine, PCP, heroin, marijuana, and others should not breastfeed their children.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Other causes include being unable to breastfeed due to pain, or maybe because of operations or deformed nipples that make nursing intolerable.

&nbsp;

<h5>Advised By&nbsp;Paediatricians</h5>

A doctor can suggest specific formulas according to the infant&rsquo;s needs.

&nbsp;

<h5>A Mother&rsquo;s Choice</h5>

The decision to choose a formula is often personal and sometimes essential for some parents. For instance:

<ul>
	<li>If the mother works outside the home for a job, or any other purpose, they may select a formula.</li>
	<li>If they believe formula works better for the baby and family.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Working mothers are often unable to find spaces at work where they can use a breast pump in privacy.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

FM is a full nutritional diet for infants. Many formula products include added components to better resemble breast milk.

One of the common distinctions between formula and breast milk is the presence of antibodies in breast milk, which help protect your baby from a variety of infections.&nbsp;

Also, breast milk contains less protein than formula. But by choosing a lower protein formula, you can lower your baby&#39;s risk of being overweight or obese later i.e. low protein formula milk can provide the same advantages as breast milk with regards to the protein component.

&nbsp;

<h5>&nbsp;</h5>

<h5>Myth 1: Formula Is Not Easily Digestible</h5>

Fact: This is not true in all cases. Other than cow&#39;s milk, some formulations use soybeans or other vegetable oils. These special formulas have been adjusted to make them simple and easy to digest, particularly for newborns who cannot take cow&#39;s milk protein or lactose.&nbsp;

Note: Customized formulas should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare expert.

&nbsp;

<h5>Myth 2: Babies Are Allergic To Formula</h5>

Fact: All formulas must comply with strict dietary and safety guidelines. Several types of formula milk are now being designed to meet the needs of all infants. Moreover, infants&#39; allergic responses to formula milk are also considered.

The major part of formula milk is dehydrated cow&#39;s milk with added vitamins, minerals, and vegetable oils. It&rsquo;s not ideal to just substitute breastmilk with (unprocessed) cow&#39;s milk since it would be difficult for the baby&#39;s stomach to digest and absorb its nutrients.

&nbsp;

<h5>Myth 3: Formula Milk Is Only For Babies With Galactosemia</h5>

Fact: Well, this is not true. All babies can take formula milk. It&rsquo;s just that babies with galactosemia are compelled to take FM.&nbsp;

Galactosemia is a disease in which a baby cannot digest or tolerate breast milk. Their systems&#39; inability to digest the sugar galactose present in BF means they are unable to breastfeed.&nbsp;

Doctors advise against milk products and nursing while they wait for a galactosemia disease confirmation to be made. A special diet consisting of lactose and galactose must be given to your infants if they have classic galactosemia.

&nbsp;

<h5>Myth 4: Babies Fed With Formula Have Bonding Issues</h5>

Fact: Well, it is true that breastfed newborns experience a lot of skin-to-skin contact with their mothers, but this does not imply that infants who are fed baby formula have a less intimate parental connection.&nbsp;

Previously, it was considered that a baby who was not carried or nursed in the first few hours after birth, would not bond well with the mother in the long term. We know for a fact now that there are many possibilities for moms and dads to connect with babies who are receiving formula. So, don&rsquo;t worry.

&nbsp;

<h5>Myth 5: Babies Are Nutrient Deficient Due To FM</h5>

Fact: There are some differences between breast milk and infant formula. But they are largely unrelated to whether or not your child is receiving the right quantity of nourishment.

Since the 1980s, infant formula&#39;s amount of protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals has been strictly regulated. Any baby formula sold must adhere to the same nutritional standards.

&nbsp;

<h5>Myth 6: FM Always Causes Obesity&nbsp;</h5>

Fact:&nbsp;This myth is a challenging one. There is some evidence connecting the formula to the likelihood of childhood obesity. Although, nothing in the formula is to blame for this. It&#39;s more of a parenting issue; it appears that parents who use formulas might be overfeeding their children.

&nbsp;

<h5>Myth 7: Formula-Fed Babies Struggle To Switch Between Breastfeeding And Formula</h5>

Fact: Most babies have trouble switching back and forth between the breast and the bottle. And if your infant is starting to reject the breast or the bottle, then FM is definitely the culprit.&nbsp;However, this issue could be resolved through certain tactics:&nbsp;

<ul>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Select a bottle that resembles your breast closely if you combine nursing and formula feeding.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The bottle should have a nipple that resembles your breast and a gradual flow to resemble your milk flow.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Encourage gradual drinking. Place your baby as well as the bottle in a posture similar to how they feed at the breast.</li>
	<li>You can pump your breast milk to give via bottles.</li>
	<li>Your baby must be capable of switching back and forth without any problems at that point when you intend to give them a combination feed.</li>
	<li>If your infant is favoring the bottle, take it as a cue to extend their time on the breast so they can be equally comfortable with both.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h5 dir="ltr">Myth 8: Formula-Fed Babies Develop More Food Allergies Than Breastfed Babies</h5>

Fact: It&#39;s untrue in every way. In fact, according to a recent study, feeding your baby formula made with cow&#39;s milk can lower their risk of developing milk allergies.

According to the groundbreaking SPADE study, giving cow milk-based formula to infants as young as 2 months old minimizes their risk of developing milk allergies by nearly 88%<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.&nbsp;

Formula feeding hasn&#39;t proved to either increase or decrease a baby&#39;s likelihood of acquiring other food sensitivities. Therefore, don&#39;t be concerned that feeding your infant formula will increase the possibility of them developing food allergies later in life.

&nbsp;

<h5>Myth 9: Formula Is Poison</h5>

Fact: There&rsquo;s no research to support the statement that the formula is similar to poison. This myth is frequently used to target new parents when they are at their most sleep-deprived, which makes it not just inaccurate, but also offensive. Many formulas are designed to provide all the vital nutrients in breast milk.&nbsp;

Formula feed provides all vitamins, minerals, lipids, carbs, and proteins that your baby would get from breast milk.&nbsp;You can evaluate it yourself by comparing the nutritional values of formula and breast milk. Infant formula&#39;s main natural ingredients come from things like:

<ul>
	<li>Whey And Lactose: They come from animals, mostly goats or cows.</li>
	<li>Starch-Like Maltodextrin: Potatoes are considered a reliable source.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Omega Fatty Acids And Fats: Vegetable Oils are a good source of this.</li>
	<li>DHA: They are obtained from fish or algae.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h5>Myth 10: Infants Fed Formula Frequently Get Ear Infections</h5>

Fact: According to numerous high-quality surveys, babies fed formula have a moderate risk of developing ear infections. It does not indicate that babies who consume formula would always be susceptible to infection.&nbsp;

According to a 2016 study, when breastfeeding 6 months and younger babies, the chances of an ear infection shot down by 2%, i.e., from 7% it went to 5%.

Comparatively, while ear infections won&#39;t occur in 95% of breastfed newborns, there were no reports of ear infections for 93% of babies who&rsquo;d been formula-fed throughout the first 6 months of life. Even if formula feeding seems to increase the chance slightly, it is manageable.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h5>Myth 11: Baby&#39;s Brain Health Is Affected By Formula</h5>

Fact: This was true many years ago. Today, however, the formula contains compounds that mimic the brain-boosting properties of breastmilk, as the producers are aware of all the nutrients babies require for optimum development. Since formula now contains DHA and ARA, two key elements in breastmilk that promote brain function, breastfed babies no longer have a cognitive advantage.

Furthermore, compared to formula feeding, numerous studies, especially one printed in the British Medical Journal, validate that breastfeeding has little or no influence on the intellect in children<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.

&nbsp;

Some mothers are indeed unable to breastfeed exclusively. Some of them might produce a small amount of milk, while others experience various difficulties that make nursing challenging.&nbsp;Perhaps due to medical reasons your doctor advises you against breastfeeding, or there is a social gathering that makes it difficult to nurse your child.&nbsp;

You decide what you want to do &ndash; whether you want to breastfeed or give your child formula milk. If anyone wants to go ahead with breastfeeding, they could definitely try it. But, be ready to supplement as necessary with infant formula because it&rsquo;s the safest and most successful way to provide for your baby&#39;s nutritional needs.&nbsp;

You can choose augmenting or formula feeding for your infant, without worrying, because the widely associated myths have been successfully debunked.

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>The formula serves as a secure substitute for breast milk.</li>
	<li>Your infant can consume the formula during the first 12 months of life.</li>
	<li>There may be health concerns related to infectious disorders like HIV, which means not all moms can breastfeed.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Many women are forced to return to work earlier than they&#39;d want, especially where maternity leave is unpaid. Also, it can be difficult for working mothers to find private spaces in their offices to pump.</li>
	<li>When given formula, babies grow and thrive as long as the formula is produced properly and consumed in sufficient amounts.</li>
</ul>

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