Choose between breast and bottle

Breast is best, but not every mum feels breastfeeding is right for her. If you're not sure, read on - our expert advice and mums' own stories may help you to make up your mind!

What the experts say 

Experts, such as the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, say that breastfeeding is the best start for your newborn - and the Department of Health advises mothers to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months. Says Phyll Buchanan, a breastfeeding supporter with the Breastfeeding Network, 'Breastfeeding is special - it's more than just a way of giving milk, it helps you comfort her when she's upset. It also gives her all the nutrition she needs, quenches her thirst and fills her tummy.'

But although breast is best, today's infant formulas come a good second in providing your baby with what she nutritionally needs and you needn't feel guilty if you can't - or don't want to - breastfeed.

Why choose breastfeeding

There are many good reasons to breastfeed. You can instantly and conveniently give your baby the milk she needs - the right amount, containing exactly the right nutrients, without any fuss. You will also be helping to protect her - your breastmilk contains antibodies that protect your baby from infections and also means she's less likely to suffer problems such as gastoenteritis. Breastfed babies are less likely to be constipated and are less prone to nappy rash and have a lower risk of diabetes and cot death.

Breastfeeding is good for you, too. You will return to your pre-pregnancy figure more quickly, have a lower risk of ovarian cancer and pre-menopausal breast cancer and have stronger bones in later life.

Why choose bottlefeeding

Bottlefeeding using infant formula is the next best option, and your baby will happily thrive on this form of nutrition. You may feel that breastfeeding will tie you down and you want to be able to continue your own life as much as possible. Or you may feel that emotionally or physically you don't want a baby suckling at your breast. Bottlefeeding means that your partner can become more involved with the baby - taking it in turns to feed her and bond.

Who can help you decide

Many women decide before giving birth whether they want to breast or bottle feed. However, once the baby is born, breastfeeding may be more difficult than you thought or you may not like sensation once you start. Or, you may have decided to bottlefeed, only to give breastfeeding a go once your baby is born and find that it suits you. If you need help in deciding, or changing the way you feed, talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. You can also talk to one of the following organisations:

* National Childbirth Trust, Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, London W3 6NH. Tel: 020 8992 8637. Offers counsellors, information and advice on breastfeeding.

* La Leche League, 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1 N3Z. Tel: 020 7242 1278. Breastfeeding counsellors and advice.

* Breastfeeding Network. Tel: 0870 900 8787. Advises on local breastfeeding counsellors.

* Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM). Tel: 020 7813 1481. 9am-5pm.Telephone support for breastfeeding.

'Breastfeeding was so special'

Penny Evans, from Guildford, is mum to Toby, 3 and Emma, 10 months.

'I've recently stopped breastfeeding Emma, and I really miss that closeness with her and the quiet moments we had together while she fed. With both the children, starting off breastfeeding wasn't easy and both of them had trouble latching on. I had really supportive midwives who showed me how to get the right position and once that was corrected, the breastfeeding settled down and my nipples were less sore. My advice is get advice! Talking to others about breastfeeding really helped.'

'My nipples couldn't take it!'

Kate Gold, from Leeds, is mum to Lili, six months.

'Lili was born in August and it was so hot that she was constantly thirsty. My nipples couldn't take the onslaught and cracked, releasing blood when she was fed. I was worried, but was assured that it is quite common. I decided to give my breasts a break and because expressing milk would have been just as painful as breastfeeding, I went for formula. She was so happy feeding and I was so much more relaxed I decided not to go back to breastfeeding. I feel it was best for both of us - I was less tense and therefore more able to meet all her needs.'

'My friends supported me'

Marie Standford, from Leamington Spa, is mum to Charlie, 11 months.

'The first few weeks of breastfeeding were a nightmare. I was very engorged and I found let-down quite painful at first. What kept me going was regularly seeing my friends from my antenatal group. It made me realise that I was not alone in having problems and that things would get better. And they did. It took about three weeks, and then it all just fell into place. Charlie's now 11 months old and I'm still feeding him - I don't want to give it up!'

'Nipple shields saved the day'

Dodo Wilson, from East London, is mum to Johnny, 4 and Erica, 5 months.

'With both my children breastfeeding came very naturally. But with both, my nipples did get sore at times. I always made sure I had some nipple shields to sterilise if I could feel them getting painful. A couple of days with the shields gave my nipples a rest and I could go back to feeding as normal.'

'I'm feeding twins'

Jill Coady, from Hertfordshire, is mum to Jennifer and Sarah, six weeks, and Jemma, 18 months.

'If I didn't already have a toddler, I'd have tried to breastfeed my twins. But as it was, I felt it would take up more time and energy than I had. So I decided to use expressed milk and formula milk as well. In the end, I felt I could give them more attention if I gave up the expressing, which I did. They're both thriving and contented babies.'

'I had to go back to work'

Beverley Dunn, from Warwickshire, is mum to Hannah, 10 months.

'I started off breastfeeding, but when I returned to work when Hannah was four months old she was on a bottle. At first she rejected the bottle, and it took about a month for her to take it. But once she got the hang of it she was fine. She has a bottle at bedtime and lies down on my lap, playing with my hair and looking into my eyes just as much as she ever did with breastfeeding.'