Breast or formula

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Early days as baby isn't due until October but I think I plan on breast feeding.
Can I have peoples pros & cons of breastfeeding and formula.
Thanks x

I breastfed my first as scientific studies do show that there are benefits to breast over formula (however, formula is absolutely fine as the most important thing is a baby is fed).

I struggled at first but an amazing nurse in ICU helped him latch, I'm so so thankful to her.

I also found breastfeeding easier as you don't have to prep a bottle, you just get your boob out (I'm lazy!) plus the cost of formula is absolutely ridiculous.

Later on I introduced formula but found my son had allergies which meant he had to have prescribed formula, so that was another minefield.

My biggest piece of advice is have an idea in mind (eg, you want to breastfeed) but be open to other options as it's not worth stressing yourself over the debate.

There isn't really any health benefits to formula feeding, it is widely accepted that breastmilk is best for baby. It also has some health benefits for mum as well.

However, formula is an incredible and lifesaving option for those who can't or don't want to breast feed for whatever reason. Your baby won't be harmed by formula feeding, your baby will probably thrive on formula, but it does not have the same benefits as breastmilk.

I had PND and we struggled to get baby to latch so I pumped for awhile and then moved to formula, I have a perfectly healthy 1yo. I am grateful for formula but I'm also under no illusion that breast milk would have been the optimal choice.

I think if you can breastfeed and introduce bottles of pumped breast milk as well to give you some freedom then there really isn't any pros to formula feeding unless you are struggling with breastfeeding.

I breastfed my first two babies. Aside from the obvious health benefits here's my pros and cons. Pros: baby is easier to settle (a boob seemed to fix all their problems), neither got colic, you don't have to get up in the night to make bottles. Cons: I had to do all the night feeds (baby refused to take a bottle even if it was breast milk), the first 6-8 weeks where really hard both times as I struggle with latch and pain, babies only wanted me so dad felt really left out. I'm pregnant again and plan on exclusively pumping as I really don't think I can put myself through the first 6 weeks again (I don't know if all women struggle in the beginning, you may find it easy), plus their dad can help out more.