Which do you think is actually best for baby, Bottle or brest feedings?

I don't think there is any question breastfeeding is the way to go if at all possible. My wife attempted this with our first child, but didn't produce enough milk so we ended up bottle feeding both of our children.

I have to agree with Trent, there's no question left. Breast is best.

It might not always be possible, and the parent is not a failure if they need to go with formula for some reason, even if it's a personal reason.

But when it comes right down to it, Mother Nature knew what she was doing. Who knew? Take these things in to consideration, when a mother nurses she actually physically relaxes. Because while the baby is suckling a hormone is released that actually relaxes her. Google is ignoring my google-fu to recall exactly which hormone that is. I do have it on good authority from a doctor and a couple breast feeding support people that I had a lot of contact with after my son was born. I actually asked because when I was tired, I'd nurse, and seriously I'd almost pass out right on the spot til he was done. So you get bonding, relaxation, and a plethora of health benefits for mom and baby.

Mom gets reduced risk of breast cancer and extra protection from illness. Baby gets help battling illness, allergy, extra nutrition for brain health, and sooo much more.

If you have any specific questions about anything I mentioned I'd be happy to go in to more detail!

Edit to add: Benefits of breastfeeding. It's prolactin that relaxes mom. (http://www.unhinderedliving.com/breastfeeding.html)

If I were able to breastfeed with either child I would have. I have read many of the good things about it, however it seems no female that I can think of back 4 generations in my family have been able to. I only trust Gerber & Emfamil for my babies, now my oldest is a "little big boy", but I still wish I could have. :)

I think every single situation is different. If you can feed that way, by all means do it, but you need to take into account the mothers overall health - is this something she can do? or would it be better for this particular situation to formula feed - like Alexis situation.

For my three, I breastfed, but some cant and I can understand that. I think it would be a little harder to formula feed, always wanting to make sure you are using the very best that non-nature has to offer your child.

Although breast milk is better for the baby, I think what is best is what mom is most comfortable doing. Newer formulas on the market are so much better than they used to be. Some of them come pretty close to being as good as breast milk.

If you have a mom thats being forced(through family or social pressure) to breast feed she is not going to be as relaxed as a mom that just decided to not do it and formula feeds. In that case which is best for baby? Mom that is strung out and upset all the time or mom that is happy and relaxed?

I think if you can breast feed you should, but if you can't then you should bottle feed. What ever makes you happy.

My son did for awhile (breast), but my is he growing. :rolleyes:

This may sound a cliche to you and to everyone else, but I believe that breastfeeding is still and always will be best for babies (up to 2 years old). So, I would insist on breastfeeding if I were you, that is if you want your baby to grow up healthy and smart! ;)

I agree most of the time. But our daughter breast fed, and had to stop around four months (bad mastitis), after she stopped, the baby gained more weight and went from 'fussy' to smiley and laughing all the time. It was a very strange occurance, apparently although her milk was volumious, maybe not 'filling'. She did everything 'by the book' too, so wasn't her food intake. I must agree though most times the breast is the best way to go. But also might say there isn't a sadder sight than a mother breast feeding that doesn't have the desire (not my daughter, but know two women who did)...

I would also agree that breastfeeding, being the natural way, has more chances to be the best thing for a baby. I wasn't breastfed at all as a baby and still this didn't affect me that much. I am a very healthy person, my only stay in a hospital was for 2 days for an eye surgery ..

In the end, if the monther is healthy enough and willing to do this, it would be great for the kid. If not, he/she will surely survive and might not suffer that much ...