Breast or bottle — your choice.

Feeding your baby

During pregnancy, you’ll be making many choices for your baby: where to give birth, which name to choose, how to decorate the nursery… One of those choices is also how you’ll feed your baby: breastfeeding or formula feeding? We recommend thinking about this during pregnancy and getting well-informed. This helps you make a conscious choice that suits you and your family.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby and has many benefits. Still, it can take some getting used to at first. You might wonder whether you’re doing it right, if your baby is getting enough milk, or how to prevent sore nipples. Don’t worry — during the first week after birth, we and the maternity nurse will guide you. It also helps a lot to prepare by reading up in advance.

Benefits of breastfeeding:
✔ Optimal nutrition – Breast milk contains all the nutrients your baby needs, in exactly the right composition.
✔ Protection against infections – The antibodies in breast milk strengthen your baby’s immune system.
✔ Lower risk of allergies – Babies who are breastfed often have fewer allergies and stronger immunity.
✔ Always available – It’s ready anytime, at the right temperature, and it’s free.
✔ Supports recovery after birth – Breastfeeding helps your uterus contract faster and can aid postpartum weight loss.
✔ Encourages bonding – Hormones released during feeding help build a strong emotional connection between you and your baby.
✔ Cost-effective – Even when you include nursing pillows and breast pumps, breastfeeding remains far less expensive than formula feeding. 

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful experience, but it’s also a learning process. In the next article, you’ll find practical tips on getting started and managing common challenges.

Formula feeding

While breastfeeding is the most natural form of feeding, there are many reasons why parents choose formula. It might not work out, you may not feel comfortable with it, or it simply doesn’t fit your situation. Fortunately, formula feeding is a safe and healthy alternative that provides your baby with all the nutrients they need.

Benefits of formula feeding:
✔ Anyone can feed the baby – Your partner can take turns feeding, allowing you to rest or sleep longer.
✔ Clear insight into intake – You know exactly how much your baby is drinking.
✔ Fewer dietary restrictions – With formula feeding, you don’t need to worry about what you eat or drink.

If you choose formula, it’s important to know how to select the right type, prepare bottles safely, and recognize your baby’s feeding cues. You can read more about this in the next article.

Your choice, your way

Whether you choose breastfeeding or formula feeding, the most important thing is that you make a decision that feels right for you. There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ — only what works best for you and your baby. If you’re unsure, talk to us or your maternity nurse. We’ll be happy to help you find what fits your situation best. On the site of the NHS you can read trustworthy breastfeeding and bottle feeding advice.