Baby Parenting Guide

What sense does breast feeding make if you can't do it for long?

Ok breast feeding is a great benefit but what happens when they reached the age where you no longer breast feed you have to give them formula right? If so what sense does make to breast feed in the beginning? Please answer both questions accurately and intelligently I appreciate it. . .

Public Response to What sense does breast feeding make if you can't do it for long?

1. The first milk the baby gets in the first few days is called colostrum and is the most important milk for the baby to get because it is filled with immunities. If you could only breastfeed for a week, it would be worth it for the baby because this milk is so good for them.
2. First of all you can breast feed for up to two years so there is no point in the formula , and for the first year it is most important to feed your baby breast milk because it more healthy and is one of the best types of milk that your baby could drink because it helps their body form and makes their bones strong and also keeps them healthy so it is definitely important to breast feed your baby .... Love Lola
3. Well, not everyone uses formula, we never did. My son was weaned onto goats milk at 16 months. But even if you do switch, breastfeeding still gives your baby the best start, providing the with vital antibodies when they're brand new to the world.
4. It makes a lot of sense. Any breastmilk is good for a baby - it has immune properties, stem cells, antibodies, etc. that formula will never have. In the first year, if you stop breastfeeding, yes, you need to give formula. After 1 year, a child can have table food. I can't always get my kids to eat organic fruits and vegetables at every meal, but that doesn't mean there is no point in ever giving them those things.
5. You can bf for the entire length of liquid feedings. I have succsessfully bf all my babies and have had no problem training them to cups. You dont need to stop and then feed formula in bottles. Do your research on bf.
6. many woman, if they can, try to breastfeed for at least a year then usually the babies are weened and then regular milk (cow, soy, almond, etc) is used. Some start weening before the baby turns 1. That is what a family member of mine did. I did not breastfeed my first but I am going to with my 2nd which is due on my wedding anniversary :). I learned how much it benefits a baby to breastfeed as long as you can. The first "milk" that comes in I was told is so beneficial to the baby. If you ween a baby before a year then you can pump breast milk to bottle feed or switch to formula but most try as best they can to go to at least a year.
7. babies can start on regular cows milk at the age of 12mths (tho i started my first at 10mths). tho some breastfeed past 12 months, that is the standard age where you no longer need to nurse as the baby gets nutrients from solid food and no longer needs full nourishment from breast milk. if you can nurse until 12 moths or at least close too (such as 10 or 11 months) as long as your child is not allergic to milk, they do not ever need to be given formula. even if you only breastfeed for the first 3 days when it is colustrum that the baby gets it is worth it for you and the baby. the longer you can breastfeed for the better. if you are returning to work you can pump but if it isnt convenient enough to complicated for you (it can be hard work but the benefits to your baby make it worth it) than you can give formula for the time you are at work but still breastfeed at home. even for just those first 6weeks you and the baby gain alot of health benefits from it as well as bonding. i breastfed my first until she was 3 months. her doctors didnt think she was growing enough and thought it was my breastmilk, tho she never grew any faster on formula. i hated giving it up. my second is almost 3 months now and i am still breastfeeding. it is easy and convenient. beneficial for both of us and the best part in my opinion, BREASTMILK DOESNT STAIN!!! lol.
8. What age is it when a mother can no longer breastfeed? Many, many, do make it to a year and even beyond that. Not all eventually end up using formula. And even for those that do the time they did breastfeed gave their baby great benefits. I was only able to nurse my first for about two weeks but he got colostrum and some actual milk. Even though it was only two weeks he still benefited from it.
9. I enver switched to formula, you don't have to do that, people just choose to. You think men have always aha formula? Alos, a little breastmilk is better than no breastmilk either way. My first nursed until he was nearly 2 1/2 years old and my second son is 2 1/2 months and won't be weaned anytime soon
10. Your premise isn't quite correct, the recommendation these days is to breastfeed for at least a year. That means by the time a child is weaned, the child eats normal food and can drink cows milk like any adult, unless there are allergies causing difficulties. Breastfeeding for a year or longer eleminates the need for formula. But even for mothers who do not breastfeed for a year and do switch to formula eventually, starting out with breastfeeding is a wise choice. Breastfeeding provides the infant with protection against infectious diseases, that protection is the more important the younger the infant. Breastmilk is easier digested than formula, which results in calmer, happier babies. Breastfeeding stimulates hormone production in the maternal body that helps the mother to bond with her baby and improves the retraction of the uterus. Breastfeeding is also the easiest way to loose all those pounds gained during pregnancy. And finally, breastmilk comes for free, formula is quite expensive.
11. I'm not really sure what you mean by giving formula after you stop breastfeeding. But no matter how long you breastfeed, even if it's just for 2 weeks or a month is helpful. The baby gets antibodies from the milk that they can't get in formula. I'm planning on exclusively breast and bottle feeding till 6 months. Then I'll start adding rice cereal and eventually other things while continuing to breast and bottle feed till a year old.
12. There is no age limit on breastfeeding. You can do it as long as you want. I own a childcare and one of my mothers is still breastfeeding and her son is almost 11 months old, chances are he'll go right to cows milk from breast milk, so switching to formula is not always the case. Its also much cheaper, and breast milk is made for your baby, where as formula is generalized for everyone. Your breast milk will change with your child's age and needs, so much so that you can see it if you pump, formula will never do that.
13. Breastmilk is best for them...If you are around anyone who is sick you will make antibodies in your breastmilk so that your baby will not get sick. It is free and the very best thing designed exactly for babies needs. Also if you breastfeed it lowers your risks of cancers and gives you health benefits. Your baby is less likely to become sick or overweight. Even if you are not comfortable with doing it for long, you can get a good pump and bottlefeed your baby that way it is convienent...but definatly give your baby breastmilk, thats what your body makes it for! It's also a great bonding experience