Cenelle C.

It was a struggle deciding whether to bottle-feed or breast-feed because, although I had heard of all the benefits of breastfeeding, I was fearful of the results. Some of my girlfriends had told me they tried to breastfeed and due to swelling, pain or clogged ducts that they "just could not do it." On the other hand I had one family member who believed it was the absolutely best way to feed the baby for proper development. Then I had a friend who spoke to me about what she did. She breast feed for the first 6-8 weeks (before returning to work) and then weaned the baby into bottle feeding. She felt as though this method helped build the babies immune system right at the beginning of infancy. After hearing various testimonials and doing my own research on breast-feeding and bottle-feeding I decided to breast-feed as long as I could prior to returning to work. Breast-feeding involves more than just a feeding. It is an emotional and physical bond that a mother experiences through the process with the realization that you are providing the best nutrition possible for the baby. I breast feed for the first 10 months and then supplemented with bottle-feeding with my first child; and for the first 6 months with my second child and then bottle fed. However, formula was my secondary option and my boys did not have any trouble drinking formula. We used an advanced formula which contained "comfort proteins". After researching formula, I felt that the babies were still getting good nutrition which is important for proper growth and development.