Running Head: INFANT NUTRITION

Erin McNiel
10/13/2015
Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding

INFANT NUTRITION

Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding

Nurses are posed with ethical dilemmas as they provide care to many patients from
different backgrounds. The primary responsibility of the nurse is to facilitate the best care for the
patient; when dealing with maternal-infant nursing, this becomes difficult because the nurse
technically has two patients she has to consider: mom and baby. As defined by Potter, Perry,
Stockert, & Hall, an ethical dilemma is a dilemma when the right thing to do is not clear;
resolution requires the negotiation of differing values among those involved (2015). Much
research has been done on the advantages and disadvantages of both breastfeeding and bottle
feeding, and this is seen to be a huge decision by mothers to be. A nurse may posed with the
question by the mother to be: What do you think I should do; should I bottle feed or
breastfeed? When posed with this ethical dilemma, a nurse needs to be sure they know where
they stand on the subject and give the patient objective information on the advantages and
disadvantages of both sides.
When a baby is born, a mother has a choice to either breastfeed or bottle feed their baby,
and its important that the mother has accurate and unbiased information when making the
decision. Breastfeeding is exactly as it sounds, a mother provides nutrition to their baby with
milk from their breast; bottle feeding is when a baby is fed a milk substitute, rather than milk
from a mothers breast. A mothers breast milk can provide complete nutrition for infants
(McKinney, James, Murray, Nelson, & Ashwill, 2013). Bottle feeding is most often chosen
because it fits a mothers lifestyle of going back to work, but also allows other family members
to participate in feeding the infant (McKinney et. al, 2013).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants receive breast
milk only for the first 6 months of life and continue until the infant is at least 12 months old

INFANT NUTRITION

(McKinney et. al, 2013). Evidence suggests that breastfeeding reduces the risk of an infant being
overweight or obese later in life and also reduces the risk of an infant dying from SIDS
(McKinney et. al, 2013). Breast milk is easily absorbed and digested by the infant, constipation
is less likely to occur, and allergies are less likely to develop (McKinney et. al, 2013).
Breastfeeding also has benefits for the mother of the infant. While breastfeeding, oxytocin is
released in the mothers brain and this enhances the involution of the uterus and the skin-to-skin
contact enhances bonding (McKinney et. al, 2013). Breastfeeding delays the return of menses
and also delays the resumption of ovulation; breastfeeding may also reduce the risk of some
cancers (McKinney et. al, 2013). Breastfeeding is convenient and economical; the breast is
always available, no formula has to be bought or prepared, and there are fewer costs associated
with illness of the infant (McKinney et. al, 2013).
A mother may choose formula feeding because they are embarrassed by breastfeeding
because they only see the breasts in a sexual context and many mothers have little to no
experience with family members or friends who have previously breastfed (McKinney et. al,
2013). Besides personal preference, there are several physiological reasons for a mother to
choose formula feeding; infants with galactosemia or whose mothers are using illegal drugs, are
taking certain prescribed medication, or have untreated active tuberculosis should not be
breastfed; women who are HIV positive should also avoid breastfeeding (McKinney et. al,
2013). Formula comes in three different types: ready-to-use, concentrated liquid, or powdered;
both powdered and concentrated liquid require water be added before feeding the infant and all
formula must be iron fortified (McKinney et. al, 2013).
Mothers who opt against breastfeeding worry that the bond with their baby will affected
because the skin to skin contact through breastfeeding promotes the bond, but any way of

INFANT NUTRITION

feeding offers opportunity to bond with the infant (Ben-Joseph, 2015). Formula feeding or bottle
feeding gives the father an opportunity to bond with baby, which is also important for baby and
father development. Breastfeeding is shown to decrease instances of infections, thus saving a
family money on healthcare costs and missed work from taking care of a sick infant. Formula
feeding can better fit a mother who has to return to work soon after their infant is born; the
mother doesnt have to worry about pumping while at work. Formula feeding doesnt have the
same complex nutritional value that breast milk does and can be very costly (Ben-Joseph, 2015.
The nurse must be a patient advocate; nurses have a professional responsibility to the
patient and advocating for whats best for the patient (Potter, et. al, 2015). In order to do this, the
nurse must give accurate information on the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding and
bottle feeding. The ultimate choice is up to the mother, and often times the mother may have a
plan or idea of what she wants to do before the baby arrives, then changes her mind once the
baby arrives. The nurse should be supportive and understanding in all of these situations.

INFANT NUTRITION

References:
Ben-Joseph, E. (2015). Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding. Retrieved October 13, 2015, from
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/breast_bottle_feeding.html#
McKinney, E., James, S., Murray, S., Nelson, K., Ashwill, J. (2013). Maternal-Child
Nursing (4th, ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, Saunders.
Potter, P., Perry, A., Stockert, P., & Hall, A. (2015). Essentials for nursing practice (Eighth ed.).
St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.