I Heard That There Is Info Out Now Saying Formula Is Better Then Breast Feeding?

There is nothing better than breastfeeding. Nothing. That sounds like something that the makers of formula are trying to get out and it's not even possible. Talk to your pediatrician and he will tell you the same. You are going to get a lot of unsolicited advice and trust me, most of it is wrong.
Don't worry about the inconvenience of breastfeeding. It will get easier. One person told me that if you can make it through the first 3 weeks you can keep going for as long as you want. Don't give up before you get started.

I have two children, I breastfed the 1st for 2 months and formula fed the second. Most experts will tell you that formula has gotten closer to being like breastmilk however if you read any of their websites, Enfamil, Similac, etc. They will still tell you that breastmilk is best. It does contain antibodies and such and is easier for baby to digest. I think you should at least try to do it for a few weeks and then if it's not for you, then stop and do not feel pressured or guilty. Just know you tried and your baby will reap the benefits of your breastmilk for a few weeks. I had a tough time the first time so I was scared to try the second time around. I am pregnant for the 3rd time and I'm going to try once again. I feel I owe it to my baby and I have to be honest, the second time around with the formula feeding, my son had some issues with digesting even the hypoallergenic formula. All babies are different and some babies do fine on formula from the start. It's funny, my father is a physician and he always tells me breast is best, yet my mother formula fed me from day one and I'm fine. So do what is best for you and the baby. If breastfeeding is not for you then try the formula or do both. What is important is that you bond with your baby and you can do that whether you breast feed or not. Good luck.

Greetings,
As a mother of 4, I can tell you breastfeeding in the way to go. It is more convenient and 10 times better than any formula anyday. I was able to see this first hand with my 2 year old. I was breast feeding and a neighbor was formula feeding. Breast fed babies gain the right amount of weight, as well as gain all the immunities from the mother.With these strange flu virus' going around that is very important. However my daughter, who is exposed to her older siblings going back and forth to school, did not have any major colds/illnesses in her first year compared to my neighbor that is a stay at home mom and has one child, and her formula fed little one was sick thru the winter.
I can understand that you might be afraid, but the short term "pain" that you might experience with the breastfeeding will be worth the effort. (and let me say it is not significantly painful) Plus even if you breastfeed for a month, it is still much better for your baby. Most women who do breastfeed loving the bonding and the convenience. I never had to drag around bottles in my diaper bag....Best wishes!

Hi, R.:

First, congratulations on your pending arrival.

Now I must emphatically state that No, formula never has been and is not better! I can't imagine where you heard that because 100% of the sources I've ever read (and I read a lot) say that breast is best. Check out the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines or ask any pediatrician. Formula is perfectly healthful and babies thrive on it, but breastmilk is individually perfectly tailored to each baby and is full of antibodies and certain proteins and fats that science has never been able to replicate.

Besides being healthier, breastfeeding is a lot more convenient than formula feeding. Breastmilk is always available and the right temperature. No mixing and constantly washing and sterilizing bottles and equipment. When the baby wants to nurse at 3 am, you won't have to stumble to the kitchen and prepare and warm a bottle while the child wails. You can just put the baby to the breast and go back to sleep. It's also free.

I didn't find it painful at all, although I understand that many women do. You can always try it for 1 week and see what you think. And then if it doesn't work out, you can switch to formula then.

Best of luck to you!

Hi R.!
Congratulations on your comming baby and for wanting to breastfeed him/her. I read not too long ago about a "Dr" who was found to be doing fraudulent studies referring to formula and its benefits.... I'll try to find the link, but the companies who sell formula will always say it's best. You have to figure out what's best for your baby and for you. If you want to breastfeed, know that you'll be giving a great gift to your child. I've done so for three years with my first daughter and now for 8 months with my second daughter. It's the best for me. :)

I don't know anything about this "new" formula, but I do know that one of the benefits of breastfeeding is that your body will produce what is needed for your baby and will change as the baby's needs change. Your best bet is to make a choice based on what YOU think is best for YOUR baby. You can always find literature that will support your decision.