Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the question seems simple. However, it involves so many feelings, beliefs and injunctions that most future mothers are eager to obtain an unequivocal answer that will relieve their questions. Breast or bottle-feeding? Far from pressure, to support your reflection, Élhée offers you a benevolent perspective adapted to each situation.
SUMMARY :
- Breastfeeding or bottle feeding, different ways to feed your child
- Breastfeeding Your Baby: 4 Key Points to Consider
- Choosing a bottle: 4 interesting criteria
- Baby bottles and infant milk: all our expert advice
- What if you mixed breastfeeding and bottle feeding?
- To choose well, the importance of listening to your feelings
- Feeding baby differently: alternatives to discover
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding, different ways to feed your child
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your child is above all an intimate and personal decision . Because breastfeeding is a real commitment or because bottle-feeding offers more freedom, because you are not comfortable with the idea of breastfeeding or because your conviction for bottle-feeding goes back a long time, all this is up to you. In both cases, it is about feeding your child and meeting his needs, both in terms of cuddles and nutrients.
Breastfeeding for your health
If the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding of babies until at least 6 months , it is because breast milk contains everything that babies need to grow well:
- antibodies , immunoglobulins, for its immune system,
- white blood cells , colostrum is particularly rich in them, against infections,
- enzymes , such as lipases and amylases, which contribute to the proper functioning of its digestive system, lactoferrin deprives pathogenic bacteria of the iron essential for their development and lysozyme destroys the walls of harmful bacteria,
- polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA, docosahexaenoic acid and ARA, arachidonic acid) beneficial to the nervous system, brain and immune system,
- hormones that help regulate baby's appetite and sleep,
- vitamins (A, C, D, E, K) and minerals (calcium, iron, zinc) perfectly assimilated from birth…
Additionally, what makes breast milk truly unique is its ability to evolve through a composition that varies over the months to meet the specific needs of the baby .
Breastfeeding also has practical advantages. Breast milk is always ready and at the right temperature, it also allows you to travel light and makes impromptu outings easier, although breastfeeding mothers admit that breastfeeding in public is not always easy.
However, and although it approves and confirms all the benefits of breastfeeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP ) emphasizes the importance of respecting the mother's choice and recalls that her psychological well-being is a crucial factor in the baby's development. Various links have in fact been discovered between prenatal stress , maternal depression and their consequences on the child's development.
Bottle feeding to share
For its part, the bottle is a nourishing and reassuring option, which also presents many advantages for parents and their baby.
As the French National Agency for Food Safety (ANSES) points out, rich in essential nutrients and complying with strict standards of composition, nature and labelling , infant formulas are a quality alternative to breast milk :
- enriched with DHA/ARA (essential fatty acids) suitable for babies,
- added formulas specially designed for prematurity, reflux or allergies ,
- with a stable and controlled composition , for a constant nutritional intake.
But, beyond the crucial nutritional aspects for the baby, using a bottle comes with significant benefits for the mother:
- better sleep thanks to the possibility of sharing nighttime feedings,
- reduced stress related to milk production and the constraints of breastfeeding,
- greater autonomy in family and professional organization.
It's true, bottle-feeding allows dad, grandma, siblings or the nursery to take over by choice, when breastfeeding is difficult or simply to enjoy a moment of cuddles and complicity with baby. Well-settled in your arms, he benefits from your tenderness, just as essential for him as the milk he drinks to flourish.
The bottle also allows you to precisely quantify your baby's meals . No more questions about the quantities of milk drunk , the graduations tell you everything. Enough to reassure you, especially in the case of prematurity or difficulty gaining weight.
Finally, the baby bottle is also an opportunity to treat yourself with trendy colors, original designs, innovative materials ... Here, Élhée stands out as an innovative brand that redefines the curves of childcare for baby bottles that are as beautiful as they are practical.
Breast or bottle: the essential, a satisfied baby
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding, the advantages are numerous and may not help you decide. In reality, to know, question above all your desires and your feelings and observe your daily life .
Are you comfortable with breastfeeding? At home, with your family, in public places? Does the bottle naturally suit you better? What are your plans for returning to work and looking after your baby? What are your expectations for your own comfort? Would you like your partner to be able to accompany you during feedings? These are all questions to ask yourself to make an initial choice between breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
Breastfeeding Your Baby: 4 Key Points to Consider
Your breastfeeding project: explore your desires and motivations
The key is to explore your personal motivations, without pressure or judgment, and to ask yourself what you want to experience through breastfeeding . Perhaps you see breastfeeding as an experience of sharing and closeness. Perhaps you have doubts or apprehensions? Take the time to recognize and respect your emotions , whether they are positive or tinged with uncertainty .
Your personal situation: adapt breastfeeding to your daily life
Every family has its own rhythm and daily routine. Your choice must therefore also take into account your reality . If you are returning to work soon, if you have a busy schedule, if you are often on the move... consider expressing your milk to combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
Essential support: that of those around you and your spouse
Breastfeeding is more peaceful for mothers who are surrounded and supported. A partner who takes care of you offers you valuable moral support . Your family and friends can also help you by freeing you from certain tasks and respecting your choices . Moreover, do not hesitate to seek the help of professional midwives or lactation consultants: they are there to support you with kindness.
Your health and your baby's: find the right balance
From this perspective, breastfeeding offers recognized benefits: it helps with postpartum recovery and contributes to the development of your child's immune system and growth. However, you may have to make some concessions to preserve your energy or meet certain specific needs of your baby. Sometimes giving up or making a nuanced commitment is the best commitment there is .
Breastfeeding: a personal decision facing multiple expectations
Mothers who bottle-feed from birth are sometimes subject to additional comments and recommendations . Subjected to media discourse or cultural norms, they hesitate to assume it serenely.
On the other hand, in some public places or on social media, it is not uncommon for breastfeeding mothers to be singled out or asked to be more discreet.
Finally, in France, postpartum maternity leave is only 10 weeks , 18 weeks from the 3rd child. Insufficient for exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, unless you express your milk or take advantage of a company crèche (in France, employees have one hour per day during their working hours to breastfeed or express their milk , until their child's first birthday).
Choosing a bottle: 4 criteria to consider
Sharing baby bottles
For dads who want to be involved from day one or for grandparents who dream of nourishing cuddles , the bottle is the perfect opportunity to build their own relationship with the newborn. A plus to relieve the young mother and promote balanced and fulfilled parenting.
Reconciling breastfeeding and an active life with peace of mind
Whether you have to go back to work, undergo medical treatment or your baby is hospitalized after a premature birth, the bottle is there to take over when you can't breastfeed. Thanks to it, reconciling imperatives, wishes and needs becomes easier . A welcome breath of fresh air in a sometimes hectic daily life.
Saying Stop to Difficult Breastfeeding Without Guilt
Cracked nipples, engorgement, intense fatigue… Sometimes, breastfeeding turns into a nightmare . In these moments, the bottle can be a lifesaver , and without feeling guilty. A peaceful baby especially needs a peaceful mother!
Take advantage of the latest innovations in baby bottles
Today, baby bottles take into account infant physiology and adapt to toddlers. Physiological teats, anti-colic systems, medical grade silicone... Enough to facilitate the adoption of the bottle for the comfort of baby during and after feedings.
Baby bottles and infant milk: all our expert advice
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What is a good bottle?
At Élhée, we have developed a range of baby bottles made of 100% soft medical silicone, round and soft like the mother's breast . Usable from birth, they offer your child privileged milk meals.
In terms of capacity, plan on 6 bottles of 150 ml to start, then move on to 240 ml and finally to 330 ml as baby grows . Also remember to choose the right teat: made of extra-soft medical silicone , physiologically shaped and equipped with a patented anti-colic valve , Élhée teats offer a flow rate adapted to your child's age, from XS to L.
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Quality infant milk
Infant formulas are formulated to support the growth of infants . Also, if you cannot or do not wish to breastfeed, opt for a first-stage powdered milk until the baby is 6 months old, then move on to 2nd-stage milk or follow-on milk, and finally to growing-up milk.
Moreover, there are also special formulas, anti-regurgitation, hypoallergenic, rich in iron, without palm oil… Do not hesitate to ask your pediatrician for advice, especially if baby is prone to colic or allergies.
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The right bottle at the right time
A baby drinks on average 8 times a day in the first few weeks , then 6 times up to 3 months and 4 to 5 times thereafter. But each child has their own rhythm: observe your child and, if you can, do not hesitate to offer to drink on demand. If he falls asleep or turns his head away, even if there is still milk in the bottle, there is no point in insisting, he is probably no longer hungry.
And for a bottle at the ideal temperature (37°C) , consider the TooGo portable bottle warmer . Easy to adjust and without risk of overheating, it goes with you everywhere for a bottle that is always ready when needed.
What if you mixed breastfeeding and bottle feeding?
One possibility to reconcile the quality of breast milk and the practicality of bottle feeding is mixed breastfeeding . What does it involve? Quite simply, expressing all or part of your milk to give it to your child in a bottle , in addition to or as a gradual replacement for breastfeeding.
To do it right, here again , choose your bottle and its teat carefully to avoid any confusion . Did you know? The Élhée bottle is perfectly suited to follow-up or in parallel with meals taken at the breast .
💡 If you can, delegate the first bottles and encourage the person giving them to maintain a position close to yours during feedings for a more peaceful transition.
The breast pump: an ally for more flexibility
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The manual breast pump
Suitable for occasional use, to start breastfeeding or to anticipate bottles during your occasional absences, these models are generally compact and silent to accompany you everywhere. Moreover, Élhée has developed adapter rings that allow you to use your Bib-Ronds directly with your Avent, Spectra S-1, Medela or Ardo breast pump.
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The single electric breast pump
For regular use, electric models offer a good compromise between efficiency and practicality . You will have to plug it in and therefore set up, but they allow for efficient and less tiring expression than the manual model.
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The double electric pump
Particularly suitable for mothers of twins or active mothers, by allowing milk to be expressed from both breasts at the same time , it offers a triple advantage: a considerable saving of time, more effective stimulation of milk production and greater extraction at each session.
3 practical tips for using your breast pump properly
- Pump your milk every 3 to 4 hours .
- Plan for 15 to 20 minute expression sessions .
- Follow the 4-4-4 rule for storage :
- 4 hours at room temperature,
- 4 days in the refrigerator,
- 4 months in the freezer.
To choose well, the importance of listening to your feelings
So, the key is undoubtedly to listen to your inner voice and always respect your feelings and emotions. Without medical imperative, there is no "right" or "wrong" choice , just the one that suits you and your baby.
As a mom, trust yourself and your natural intuition . Even if your idea goes against advice and hearsay, you are the best person to know what is right for you.
Yes, breastfeeding is a special time with your baby. But it can also be painful, tiring and frustrating. If you get more stress than well-being from it, it may be your sign that you need to pass the baton. Your serenity is precious and your baby feels it. Because love and tenderness come through the look, the caresses, the contact and the softness of your voice, with or without the breast, these cuddly moments will be your own bubble, round like the BibRond, everything to weave a unique bond with your baby. And tell yourself that when it comes to parenting there is no failure, just times of adaptation, benevolent.
Self-kindness is essential to fully enjoy your baby. Accept your own beliefs, you are doing your best and that is already huge! So, take a deep breath and give yourself the right to make your own choices.
Remember: the choice to breastfeed or bottle feed is between you and her. will always be the best for your baby. Breast or bottle, the important thing is to feed your baby with love.
Feeding baby differently: alternatives to discover
Beyond breast and bottle feeding, there are other ways to feed babies that are often overlooked. For medical reasons, by choice or by necessity, these alternatives are valuable allies to help parents adapt and best meet their child's needs.
Among them, breast milk donation is a little-known option. Collected from volunteer mothers, the milk is analyzed, pasteurized and frozen in approved milk banks, before being distributed on medical prescription. It is particularly indicated for premature babies, babies with allergies or those whose mother cannot breastfeed.
Made from almonds, rice or oats, plant-based milks are suitable for babies who are intolerant to lactose or cow's milk proteins. However, be sure to check with your doctor, pharmacist or pediatrician.
At Élhée, we are convinced that there are many ways to feed a child, all unique and personal. It is in this spirit that we have developed a range of childcare accessories, healthy, innovative and adapted to all babies. So that their little world turns round and you find harmony in your own way.
Élhée baby bottles will accompany your baby from birth to 24 months and beyond, to allow him perfect autonomy, without risk of breakage.
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