Breastfeeding is as important as breathing for babies because it is the mother’s blessings that go inside them in the form of milk. The baby will not remain strong enough to survive without proper food. This natural diet for babies is important for their growth and nourishment. Mother’s milk contains whey protein and other nutrients which help build the infant’s muscles and anatomy. But there are mothers who work all day outside. Under relevant circumstances, they cannot feed their babies for long according to their dietary requirements. Sometimes during pregnancy, it happens that the mother is unable to fulfil the feeding requirement.
All about Milk Powder
A mother knows there can’t be any substitute for breastfeeding. But the mothers should only opt for formula milk who genuinely have medical or personal reasons for not feeding their babies. Powdered milk is formed by vaporization of the liquid content. It is artificially manufactured which leaves the powder behind. It is a nourishing diet for those who cannot drink mother’s milk for various reasons. These days, powdered milk has become quite popular and mothers prefer it for their babies as a substitute for breastfeeding. Experts believe that the formula or powdered milk should be avoided as much as possible as there are some disadvantages besides the list of the advantages:
Advantages of Powdered Milk
- Packed with nutrients: These days, the formula milk manufactured is full of various nutrients a baby requires. It has all the minerals and vitamins for an infant’s growth. It is packed with iron which combats anaemia and other blood-related problems.
- Does not depend upon mother’s diet: In case of breastfeeding, the nutrients of mother’s milk depend upon the diet of the mother. It may vary and may not provide essential nutrients to the baby. Thus this problem is solved as the baby gets even-toned milk with artificially engineered milk powder.
- Can be fed anywhere: The most troublesome time is when the baby is hungry and the place is not proper for breastfeeding. Formula milk can be used for feeding during those times. It prevents embarrassment in public and poses as a boon.
- Nipple discomfort: Sometimes breastfeeding can lead to discomfort in nipples. Such pain and discomfort can be relieved with the use of powdered milk.
- Working women: For women who work it is almost impossible for them to be available every time the baby is hungry. Powdered milk is more than convenient for them.
- Prevents transfer of diseases: It sometimes happens that diseases present in the mother’s body get transferred into the body of the baby. This might make him/ her unhealthy. Powdered milk clearly prevents this.
- Restriction on food consumption: The mother is prevented from consuming alcohol and other toxic food items while lactating and breastfeeding. Powdered milk can be a way out.
Disadvantages of Powdered Milk
- Lacks antibodies: No matter how many nutrients the powdered milk contains but it does not have antibodies that are important for the baby’s immunity. This can only be available in mother’s milk.
- Costly: The scientifically engineered milk powder is quite costly because of its method of engineering. One requires multiple nipples and bottles along with the milk.
- Time-consuming : To make formula milk drinkable, it needs to be added in the right quantity in hot water which has to be adequately warm. Then it needs to be tested and filled in the bottle. This is time-consuming and also a tiring job.
- Not easily digestible: Since it is artificial it might not digest properly as mother’s milk would. Also, it might take more time to digest which may also be harmful to some babies.
Powdered milk is good but not a replacement for mother’s milk. If not more, a mother should breastfeed her baby for at least six months. Completely substituting or replacing a mother’s milk can be very harmful to the baby as well as the mother. If needed she can think of a balanced way out. Besides everything, a mother can feel the exact need of her baby, she will definitely decide the best for her dearest soul.