Choosing To Formula Feed

I want to formula-feed my baby, but everybody says I should breastfeed. Why?
We can't say enough about the health benefits of breastfeeding. If you and your baby are both healthy and able, you may want to give nursing a try, at least for the first few weeks, so your natural immunities can be passed to your child. Or consider doing both. Many women combine breastfeeding and formula feeding.

That said, formula-feeding with a bottle is a valid, healthy choice for babies, too — either right from the start or after a period of nursing. If you're concerned about your choice, try to separate the medical facts from the political and cultural rhetoric. Remember, the most important thing you can do for your baby is love and nurture her — and that includes feeding her in the way that you choose.

In the real world, there are plenty of reasons women choose formula. Among them are having a baby with a poor sucking reflex (common in premature babies), prolonged mother-infant separation, painful nursing, the fear that your baby isn't getting enough milk, the need to return to work, a health problem that requires medication that shouldn't be passed to the nursing infant, and a desire to involve other family members in the feeding process.

Which brand of formula should I use?
Today's formula products are designed to nutritionally simulate breast milk as closely as possible. While they can't pass along the resistance to infection that mother's milk does, formulas provide ample nourishment for a growing baby. Most formulas are based on cows' milk or soybeans. Any formula you choose should be iron-fortified to prevent anemia. To find out more about choosing the right formula for your baby, see our article and talk to your baby's doctor.

Why can't I just feed my baby cows' milk?
Under no circumstances should you feed your infant cows' milk. Regular milk is not recommended until the first birthday because it doesn't have the proper nutritional elements needed by a growing infant and can trigger digestive trouble.

Find out more about when to transition your child to regular cows' milk and how to make the switch.

What are follow-up formulas and when should I switch to one?
Follow-up formulas are specifically designed for babies 4 to 12 months old who are already eating some solids. Follow-up formulas contain more calcium, iron, protein, and calories than infant formulas. They're often a bit cheaper too. Most doctors encourage parents to introduce solid foods (baby cereal, pureed fruits and vegetables) to their babies at around 6 months rather than have them fill up on formula. But it depends on the individual child. Babies with food allergies, those who are very sensitive to different foods, and those with a history of poor growth may benefit from follow-up formula. Talk to your doctor to find out what's best for your baby.

I'd like to supplement breast milk with formula. How should I do it?
Lactation consultants suggest waiting to introduce a bottle until the baby is 3 to 4 weeks old. By then, breastfeeding is well-established but your baby's not so old as to be too resistant to a new kind of nipple. (Breast and bottle require different types of sucking.) It's best to have someone other than you give the first bottle because the baby will be able to smell you and your milk and may refuse anything except the real McCoy.

If you plan to use formula for occasional feedings, limit bottles to one per 24 hours to avoid slowing your milk production. If you're returning to work soon and plan on having your caregiver give your baby formula while you're away and nursing when you're home, ease into it by replacing one feeding with a bottle every 3 to 4 days.

source from http://www.babycenter.com