Breast milk is the ideal form of nutrition for your newborn. But if you cannot breast feed or if you decide not to, formula milk is a good alternative.

Why Breastfeed?

Breast feeding your baby can be a wonderful experience and many women look forward to this. It  is good for you and the baby in many ways.

Breast milk contains nutrients, vitamins and anti-infection antibodies. Nursing your baby will build up his natural immunity to bacterial diseases and many viral diseases like mumps, measles, polio, herpes, hepatitis, some kinds of pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

Your infant will have a lower chance of getting ear infections if she is breastfed. She will also have lesser chances of getting allergies or asthma.

Besides this, breast milk is easy to digest and reduces stomach problems like diarrhoea.

What Is in It for You

Nursing will help your uterus get back into shape more quickly. It can also help you burn off those excess calories so you can get back those perfect curves.

The skin-to-skin contact strengthens the bond between you and your child.

Breast milk is by nature warm so you don't have to heat it. You don't need to worry about cleaning bottles or running out of milk.

And lets not forget the package … it comes in a convenient, easy to carry 'container' and is absolutely free!

Bottle Feeding - Good Alternative

If you choose not to breast feed your child or are not able to, formula milk is a nutritious alternative. Just make sure that it is a commercially prepared formula. Don't try to cook up your own concoction, based on the ingredients you read on the box.

Pregnancy brings about major lifestyle changes. For instance, you will have to cut down on your caffeine intake or give up smoking and drinking. If you don't want to make these changes or have to resume work immediately, then breastfeeding might be difficult. In such cases, bottle feeds are a good idea.

Sometimes your baby might suck your breast with a lot of force causing sore breasts. During this time it is okay to bottle feed. Talk to your doctor about the soreness.

And don't worry about bonding with your baby. Even while bottle feeding, there is a connection between you and your infant.

At the end of the day, it is your personal decision whether to breastfeed or bottle feed. Do what you are most comfortable with.

(With inputs from: Naini Setalvad, Nutritionist)