How you feed your baby is a choice that is purely up to you. Your pediatrician can discuss the benefits of each method with you, but you will need to decide on the best choice for your family. Whichever you choose, adapting to this new way of providing nutrients is bound to be an experience.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has many benefits for mother and baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and continuing to breastfeed until age one year. Some studies indicate breastfeeding raises a baby's IQ and improves his immune system. Babies who breastfeed have lower incidences of diabetes, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding is also thought to enhance bonding between mother and baby. Breastfeeding is cost-free, unless you purchase a pump, and is also preparation-free. Breastfeeding reduces a mother's risk of ovarian and breast cancers and is related to a decreased risk of osteoporosis.

Breastfeeding, however, requires a commitment that can be difficult. You're always on call, either to your baby or your pump, and you have to keep your milk supply going with frequent nursing or pumping. Some women find breastfeeding painful or are uncomfortable breastfeeding around others, which imposes limitations. Others find it difficult to work and nurse, requiring pumping breaks.

If you are breastfeeding, you require an additional 500 calories a day; some women find it easy to lose weight while breastfeeding. It is also important to continue to take a vitamin with iron at this time. Some women continue to take their prenatal vitamins. While breastfeeding it is important to avoid alcohol, many over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and smoking. Women who are HIV-positive should not breastfeed.

Formula

Formula is an excellent alternative to breast milk. It is not difficult to prepare and very portable if you use individual cans or powder. Formula allows anyone to feed the baby and can offer more freedom to a busy mom.

Formula does require a lot of washing of bottles and nipples and requires more work for a middle-of-the-night feeding. It's easier to overfeed a formula-fed baby since the tendency is to try to get the baby to finish the bottle rather than let the baby end the feeding when she is full.