Breastfeeding or Bottle: How to Choose

Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding—the question seems simple. Yet it carries so many feelings, beliefs, and expectations that most expectant mothers deeply wish for a clear answer that will bring relief to their questions. Breast or bottle? Far from social pressure, to support your reflection, Élhée offers you a thoughtful and caring guide adapted to every situation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Breast or bottle: different ways to feed your child
• Breastfeeding your baby: 4 key points to consider
• Choosing bottle-feeding: 4 important criteria
• Bottles and infant formula: our expert advice
• What if you mixed breastfeeding and bottle-feeding?
• To make the right choice, the importance of listening to how you feel
• Feeding your baby differently: alternative options to discover

Breast or bottle: different ways to feed your child

Whether you choose to breastfeed or use a bottle, it is above all an intimate and personal decision. Maybe you see breastfeeding as a real commitment, or maybe giving a bottle offers more freedom, maybe you don't feel comfortable with breastfeeding, or your feeling about bottle-feeding goes way back. These reasons belong to you alone. In both cases, you are feeding your baby and meeting their needs, with just as much cuddling as nutrients.

Breastfeeding for health

If the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies up to at least 6 months, it's because breast milk contains everything a baby needs to grow well:

• Antibodies, immunoglobulins, for their immune system,
• White blood cells, with colostrum especially rich, protecting against infections,
• Enzymes like lipases and amylases, to support a healthy digestive system, lactoferrin depriving harmful bacteria of the iron they need to grow, and lysozyme destroying the walls of harmful bacteria,
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, and ARA, arachidonic acid) beneficial to the nervous system, brain, and immune system,
• Hormones involved in regulating baby's appetite and sleep,
• Vitamins (A, C, D, E, K) and minerals (calcium, iron, zinc) that are easily absorbed from birth…

Moreover, what truly makes breast milk unique is its ability to adapt, with a composition that changes over the months to meet your baby's specific needs.

• 🤱🏼 Did you know breastfeeding is also beneficial for mothers?

Breastfeeding also comes with practical benefits. Breast milk is always ready and at the right temperature, allowing you to travel light and make impromptu outings easier, although breastfeeding mothers admit that nursing in public is not always easy.

However, even though it acknowledges and confirms all the benefits of breastfeeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics (American Academy of Pediatrics - AAP) emphasizes respecting the mother's choice and reminds us that her psychological well-being is crucial for the baby's development. Various links have been discovered between prenatal stress, maternal depression, and the impact these have on child development.

Bottle-feeding to share the experience

Bottle-feeding is a nourishing and comforting option, which also has many advantages for parents and their babies.

As highlighted by the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), with formulas rich in essential nutrients and adhering to strict standards for composition and labeling, infant formula is a quality alternative to breast milk:

• Enriched in DHA/ARA (essential fatty acids) suitable for babies,
• with specific formulas designed for prematurity, reflux, or allergies,
• featuring a stable and controlled composition for consistent nutritional intake.

Beyond these essential nutritional aspects for babies, using a bottle also brings significant benefits for mothers:

• Better sleep by allowing you to share nighttime feedings,
• Less stress related to milk production and the constraints of breastfeeding,
• Greater independence in managing work and household life.

It's true—bottle-feeding means dad, grandma, siblings, or daycare staff can help feed your baby, whether by choice, when breastfeeding is difficult, or simply to enjoy bonding during a feeding. Cradled in your arms, baby receives your affection, which is every bit as essential as the milk needed for development.

Bottle-feeding also allows you to precisely measure baby's meals. No more wondering how much milk baby is drinking, the bottle's measurements tell you everything. This can be especially reassuring if your baby is premature or struggling to gain weight.

Finally, bottle-feeding is also a chance to treat yourself with trendy colors, original designs, and innovative materials. Here, Élhée stands out as an innovative brand, redefining the shapes of baby care products for bottles as beautiful as they are practical.

Breast or bottle: the most important thing is a well-fed baby

Breast or bottle, there are so many advantages—and maybe that doesn't help you decide. In reality, to find out, really listen to your wishes and what feels right, and take a look at your everyday life.

Are you comfortable breastfeeding? At home, with family, in public places? Or does bottle-feeding naturally seem better for you? What are your plans for returning to work and for your baby's care? What do you expect when it comes to your own comfort? Would you like your partner to be able to help with feedings? All these questions can help you evaluate what feels most right for you between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.

Breastfeeding your baby: 4 key points to consider

Your breastfeeding journey: reflect on your wishes and motivations

The essential thing is to consider your personal motivations, without pressure or judgment, and to ask yourself what you want to experience through breastfeeding. Maybe you see breastfeeding as a time for sharing and closeness. Maybe you have doubts or worries? Take time to acknowledge and respect your emotions, whether they are positive or tinged with uncertainty.

Your circumstances: adapt breastfeeding to your daily life

Every family has its own rhythm and routines. Your choice should also take your reality into account. If you'll be returning to work soon, have a busy schedule, or are on the go a lot... consider pumping your milk so you can combine breastfeeding with bottle-feeding.

Essential support: your loved ones and your partner

Breastfeeding is much easier for mothers who are surrounded and supported. A partner who takes care of you offers valuable moral support. Your family and friends can help by taking on some tasks and respecting your choices. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals—midwives or lactation consultants are there to help you with kindness.

• ✨ Do you know about the 'golden month,' a new approach to your 4th trimester of pregnancy?

Your health and your baby's: find the right balance

From this perspective, breastfeeding has many recognized benefits: it aids postpartum recovery and supports your child's immune system and growth. However, you may need to make some adjustments to protect your energy or meet your baby’s specific needs. Sometimes, letting go or making changes is the greatest act of care you can offer.

Breastfeeding: a personal choice in the face of many expectations

Mothers who bottle-feed from birth are sometimes the target of extra comments and recommendations. Facing media coverage and cultural norms, they may hesitate to own their decision openly.

Conversely, in some public spaces or on social media, it’s not uncommon for breastfeeding mothers to be judged or asked to be more discreet.

Finally, in France, the maternity leave following birth is only 10 weeks, or 18 weeks from the third child onward. Not enough to ensure exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months unless you pump your milk or have access to an onsite workplace daycare (in France, working mothers are entitled to one hour per day to breastfeed or pump at work, up to their child’s first birthday).

Choosing bottle-feeding: 4 important criteria

Sharing feedings

For dads who want to be involved from day one, or grandparents hoping for lots of feeding cuddles, bottle-feeding is a wonderful way to build their own bond with a newborn. This also helps relieve the new mom and encourages a balanced, fulfilling family life.

Balancing breastfeeding and active life with ease

If you need to return to work, undergo medical treatment, or if baby is hospitalized after premature birth, the bottle is there to step in when breastfeeding isn’t possible. Thanks to the bottle, reconciling your responsibilities, wishes, and needs becomes much simpler. A welcome breath of fresh air in a sometimes hectic daily life.

Ending challenging breastfeeding without guilt

Cracked nipples, engorgement, overwhelming fatigue… Sometimes, breastfeeding becomes a nightmare. During those times, the bottle can be a real lifesaver, and you shouldn't feel guilty about it. A calm baby mostly needs a calm mom!

Enjoy the latest bottle innovations

Today’s bottles are designed with babies’ physiology in mind and adapt to the smallest infants. With physiological nipples, anti-colic systems, and medical-grade silicone, it's now easier for babies to adapt, with comfort during and after feedings.

Bottles and infant formula: our expert advice

• What makes a good bottle?

At Élhée, we've developed a range of 100% medical-grade silicone bottles, supple, round, and soft like a mother’s breast. Usable from birth, they offer your child a special feeding experience every time.

As for size, start with 6 bottles of 5 oz (150 ml), then move to 8 oz (240 ml), and finally to 11 oz (330 ml) as your baby grows. Also remember to choose the right nipple: extra-soft medical silicone, physiological shape, and a patented anti-colic valve. The Élhée nipples provide the appropriate flow rate for your baby's age, from XS to L.

• Quality infant formula

Infant formulas are designed to support the growth of newborns. If you can't or don't want to breastfeed, opt for a first-stage powdered formula up to 6 months, then switch to second-stage or follow-on milk, and finally to toddler milk.

There are also special formulas: anti-regurgitation, hypoallergenic, iron-fortified, palm oil free… Don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician for advice, especially if your baby suffers from colic or allergies.

• The right bottle at the right time

On average, a baby feeds 8 times per day in the first weeks, then 6 times up to 3 months, and 4 to 5 times afterward. But every child has their own rhythm: watch your baby and, if possible, offer feeding on demand. If your baby falls asleep or turns away, even if there's milk left in the bottle, don't insist—they're likely not hungry anymore.

And for a bottle at the ideal temperature (98.6 °F/37 °C), consider the TooGo portable bottle warmer. Easy to set and with no risk of overheating, it accompanies you everywhere for a ready-to-go bottle whenever you need it.

• 🍼 How long can you safely store a bottle?

What if you mixed breastfeeding and bottle-feeding?

One way to combine the quality of breast milk with the convenience of a bottle is mixed feeding. What is it? Simply pumping some or all your milk and giving it to your baby by bottle, in addition to or as a gradual replacement for breastfeeds.

To do this successfully, once again carefully choose your bottle and nipple to avoid confusion. Did you know? The Élhée bottle is perfectly suited for use alongside or instead of breastfeeding sessions.

💡 If you can, let someone else give the first bottles and encourage them to maintain a position similar to your breastfeeding position, for a smoother transition.

Breast pumps: your ally for flexibility

• Manual breast pumps

Suitable for occasional use, for starting pumping or planning for bottles during occasional absences, these models are typically compact and silent to go anywhere with you. Élhée even developed adapters so you can use your Bib-Ronds directly with your Avent, Spectra S-1, Medela, or Ardo pump.

• Single electric pumps

For regular use, electric models offer a good balance between efficiency and convenience. You’ll need to plug them in and settle down, but they enable effective and less tiring milk expression compared to manual pumps.

• Double electric pumps

Particularly well-suited for mothers of twins or busy moms, by pumping both breasts at once they provide a triple advantage: saving time, more effective stimulation of milk production, and greater yield per session.

3 practical tips for using your breast pump well

• Pump every 3 to 4 hours.
• Plan for sessions of 15 to 20 minutes each.
• Follow the 4-4-4 storage rule:
  • 4 hours at room temperature,
  • 4 days in the fridge,
  • 4 months in the freezer.

To make the right choice, the importance of listening to how you feel

The key is without a doubt to listen to your inner voice and always respect your feelings and emotions. In the absence of a medical reason, there’s no “right” or “wrong” choice, just the one that is right for you and your baby.

As a mom, trust yourself and your natural intuition. Even if your decision goes against advice or “what people say,” you are the best person to know what feels right for you.

Yes, breastfeeding can be a special time with your baby. But it can also be painful, tiring, and frustrating. If it brings you more stress than well-being, that may be your signal to pass the baton. Your sense of peace is precious, and baby notices it. Because love and comfort are communicated through eye contact, caresses, touch, and the softness of your voice, with or without breastfeeding, these cuddly moments will be your own special bubble, round like the BibRond, everything you need to create a unique bond with your baby. And remember, in parenting there’s no such thing as failure, just learning and moments of adjustment, full of kindness.

Being kind to yourself is essential for truly enjoying your baby. Accept your own convictions, you’re doing your best and that’s already amazing! So, take a deep breath and give yourself permission to make your own decisions.

Remember: the decision to breastfeed or bottle-feed is yours alone and will always be the best one for your baby. Breast or bottle, what matters most is feeding your baby with love.

Feeding your baby differently: alternative options to discover

Beyond breast and bottle, there are other ways to feed babies, though they’re not as well known. For medical reasons, by choice or necessity, these alternatives are precious resources that help parents adapt and best meet their child’s needs.

Among these, human milk donation is still relatively uncommon. Collected from volunteer mothers, the milk is tested, pasteurized, and frozen in certified milk banks, then distributed by medical prescription. It is especially helpful for premature infants, allergic babies, or those whose mothers cannot breastfeed.

Made from almond, rice, or oat, plant-based milks are an option for babies intolerant to lactose or cow’s milk protein. Always make sure to consult your doctor, pharmacist, or pediatrician for advice.

At Élhée, we believe there are countless ways to feed a child, each one unique and personal. That’s why we’ve developed a line of babycare accessories that are healthy, innovative, and suitable for every baby. So your little one’s world keeps turning smoothly, and you find harmony your own way.

call-to-action-collections