While some mothers may have other social obligations or medical conditions which because of which they may not be able to breastfeed the baby. Many organizations from WHO to IAP ( Indian Academy of Pediatrics) recommend breastfeeding as the best for the baby as it offers protection to the baby from infections, develops its immunity and is easily digested by the baby. Babies may be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months. Beyond that, breastfeeding is encouraged until at least 12 months, and longer if both the mother and baby are willing.

In the event that you choose not to breastfeed, infant formula is the best alternative.  

• Infant formula is manufactured in facilities and is usually fortified with iron and some vitamins. It also contains all nutrients for the baby to thrive and grow. It is not easily digested by the babies like the breast milk, so some babies tend to get constipated.

• Infant formula gives the opportunity for others in the family to share the process of feeding the child the bottle.
• Some mothers are anxious that they may not be able to bond with their baby if they don’t breastfeed the baby. That is not true - You can definitely bond while feeding them with the bottle too. Make sure you spend the time with your little one.
• Because the formula is less digestible than breast milk, formula-fed babies usually need to eat less often than breastfed babies.
• Some challenges with infant formula is that unlike breast milk which is always available at the right time, and at the right temperature and you don’t have to worry about sterilising the bottle or making the milk, feeding the baby infant formula needs more planning - Sterilising the bottles, make sure you have the stock of the infant formula all the time, sterilized water to make the formula.
• The formula is more expensive

I have written blog on breastfeeding - The convenience, the benefits, and the challenges. Please go to that blog too and make an informed decision.

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