Breast vs Bottle

Pros of Breastfeeding:
Can help prevent conditions like:

-Ear infections
-Diarrhea
-Respiratory infections
-Meningitis
It also may help protect children from:

-Allergies
-Asthma
-Diabetes
-Obesity
-Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Breast milk also has many vitamins and nutrients that are very good for the baby. Another huge factor is that breast milk (as long as you produce it yourself) is totally free. It gives the baby the "skin to skin" connection that all babies and mothers need to connect emotionally. The ability to nourish a baby totally can also help a new mother feel confident in her ability to care for her baby. Breastfeeding also burns calories and helps shrink the uterus, so nursing moms may be able to return to their pre-pregnancy shape and weight quicker. In addition, studies show that breastfeeding helps lower the risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and also may help decrease the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer. In one long-term study of the National Institutes of Health Women’s Health Initiative, women who breastfed for at least 7 to 12 months after giving birth had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cons of Breast feeding:
-Time consuming
-Not as easy as just grabbing a bottle
-Can be inconvenient
-Breastfeeding in public debate
-Breast feeding women need to consume an extra 500 calories a day
-If you have had previous STD's or currently have an STD you probably don't want to breastfeed.

Pros of formula:
-Either partner can feed the child
-Convenient, just heat and go
-Due to consistency of most formulas, formula fed babies need to eat less frequently.
-Moms who formula feed can eat and drink whatever they want because the formula doesn't come directly from the mother.

Cons of formula:
-Preparing the formula can be a hassle
-Has to be heated and immediately served to the baby, no wait time.
-Can be costly
-Possibility of producing gas and constipation
-Lack of antibodies