With your baby’s due date approaching, one of the important decisions you'll face as parents is how to feed your little one. This is a choice that often involves input from both parents or carers, as each family’s dynamic and roles can vary. The primary options are breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both—and what works best depends entirely on your unique situation.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve outlined the key information you need. Let’s start with some breastfeeding and formula statistics.
In the chart below, you’ll see that a 2024 survey found that 74% of respondents believe breast milk is better for babies than formula, and they share this view with many health experts. However, it’s important to note that breastfeeding isn’t always feasible for every mum or in every situation. As we explore the topic further, you’ll see how different factors can influence this decision and learn about breastfeeding vs formula feeding advantages and disadvantages.

Data adapted from; Percentage of Britons who consider breast milk to be better for babies than formula in 2024.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding means that a mother will produce breast milk for her baby and will either feed them at the breast or express breast milk into a bottle for another caregiver to feed with.
There are also women who donate their breast milk to other families if a mother is struggling to produce enough milk. Usually, it is the mother who has given birth to their baby that will breastfeed their baby, however in same-sex couples, sometimes the other mum will induce lactation and feed their newborn too.
Learn more: Bonny's Journey: From Breastfeeding Challenges to a Milk Donation Champion
Benefits of Breastfeeding
For many years now, the benefits of breast milk for both a mother and her baby have been shared, encouraging more mothers to breastfeed. The benefits go beyond nutritional advantages, let’s explore these.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends babies to be breastfed up to two years of age as a minimum. Some parents choose to breastfeed exclusively for a year, some combine breastfeeding and formula and gradually wean onto other types of milk alongside solids. Breast milk can give your baby the following benefits, especially within the first hour of being born, and further benefits the longer they are breastfed.
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The complexity of breast milk can adapt to your baby’s growth and development needs (this is why you might notice a difference in consistency or colour if you pump).
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Improved immunity to illnesses and infections due to the antibodies that are transferred from the mother to her baby to boost their immune system. It can also protect them from developing other medical conditions such as asthma, obesity, allergies, and diabetes.
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Breast milk has been proven to be easier for babies to digest than formula milk, resulting in fewer bouts of constipation or diarrhoea.
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Skin-to-skin contact during feeds for both parents can strengthen the emotional bond between you and your baby, especially for mothers who exclusively breastfeed.
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Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
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Breastfeeding helps to shrink the uterus and burns calories, which can help feeding mums return to their pre-pregnancy shape quicker. It’s also been proven to reduce the risk of certain cancers in women as well as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Breastfeeding mothers also have the luxury of convenience as they have “milk on tap”! Wherever you are, if your baby needs feeding, you can do so without having the prep that formula feeding requires. And better yet, it’s free.
One last thing to note: if your baby is breastfed, they will need a vitamin D supplement, as breast milk alone doesn’t provide enough of this crucial vitamin. Most formula milk is fortified with vitamin D, so if you’re combining formula milk and breastfeeding, your baby may be getting enough from the formula. However, the amount of formula your baby consumes will determine whether additional supplementation is needed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure your baby is meeting their vitamin-D requirements.
Learn more: Breastfeeding: Best Tips and Advice for Nursing Your Baby
Challenges of Breastfeeding
Along with the many benefits that breastfeeding brings for a mother and her baby, there are some differences that can make this feeding journey feel more difficult. In the early days of your baby being born, there is a big demand on your time and your body to produce and feed your baby, to support their growth and development. This eases over time and throughout your breastfeeding journey, you will become accustomed to hearing terminology such as “cluster feeding”, where your baby can and will feed frequently for longer periods of time, as they experience a growth spurt.
A common reason why some mothers struggle to continue breastfeeding is due to the pain and discomfort that you can experience through different stages. In the first week, when your milk comes in, your breasts will feel engorged and sore which can cause discomfort when your baby latches on to feed. This lasts for a short time (2-3 days), and as your body adjusts to the amount of milk it needs to produce, it will start to even out the supply. Other common breastfeeding pain can stem from:
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Sore nipples - use a nipple cream to alleviate any tenderness and allow the skin to heal. This is safe to apply before and after your baby feeds.
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Engorgement - express milk with a hand pump or single electric breast pump. Some older remedies (which do work!) say to lay cabbage leaves on your breasts, a cold compress will also help relieve any discomfort.
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Mastitis - if a milk duct becomes blocked, milk sits and cannot be expressed leaving it to “go off” and therefore causing an infection. Mastitis can be relieved by massaging the breast and using warm flannels or warm showers, to help express some of the milk and unblock the milk ducts. A doctor can also prescribe antibiotics.
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Poor latch - some babies need a little help to learn how to latch onto the breast correctly so that it doesn’t cause you any pain when they feed. A midwife, lactation consultant, or breastfeeding friend can help you with this. If a baby is born with a tongue tie, it can be harder for them to latch properly. Using nipple shields can help prevent any discomfort on your end as they learn this skill.
Throughout your breastfeeding journey, whichever stage you may be at, there can be changes to your current circumstances that can affect your milk supply. For example, when a mother returns to work or if you are expecting another baby. Speaking from experience, when I reached 5 months in my second pregnancy whilst still breastfeeding my 2-year-old, my supply dramatically dropped (this is quite common). Naturally, my daughter weaned herself off the breast at this time because she couldn’t drink the same amount of milk she wanted.
As women return to work from maternity leave, their milk supply will lessen over time as they spend less time with their baby, unless you are pumping to compensate for the feeds you are not doing yourself to help maintain your supply. An electric breast pump is an efficient way to express breast milk at work discreetly and safely. Your employer is legally responsible for providing suitable facilities and means for you to breastfeed or pump at work.

And lastly, for some mothers, the decision not to breastfeed is sometimes made for them already. Either due to medical reasons, a mother’s health, or a milk supply has not been established. As mentioned earlier, there are other options to feed your baby with breast milk if a mother is unable to herself, and awareness of this is increasing to build on these provisions for parents who want their baby to benefit from breast milk.
Additionally, the topic of formula vs breastfeeding often arises, highlighting the need for more discussions and support around informed choices, ensuring parents feel confident in their feeding decisions.
Learn more: Common Challenges with Breastfeeding - What to do?
Formula Feeding
Formula is a human-made breast milk substitute suitable for babies. It is sold in ready-made bottles, powdered or high concentrate which is made of cooled boiled water. Parents may choose to use formula instead of breastmilk because other factors at play prevent them from breastfeeding or it doesn’t suit the family’s lifestyle, e.g. extended periods spent away from their baby.
Benefits of Formula Feeding
When deciding between formula feed or breastfeeding, there are many reasons parents might opt for formula feeding. Below are some key benefits and considerations:
Variety and Specialised Options
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Supermarkets offer a wide range of formula milk brands and types.
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Some formulas are prescribed by doctors for babies with allergies or intolerances, which may make formula feeding more practical than breastfeeding. For example, breastfeeding mothers would need to follow a restrictive diet to accommodate their baby’s dietary needs.
Scheduled Feeding
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Unlike breastfeeding on demand, formula feeding involves a set schedule.
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Preparing formula requires cooled boiled water to ensure feeds are sterile and safe. Bottles and teats also need to be sterilized following the brand's guidelines.
Shared Responsibility
1. Burping the baby during feeds.
2. Having skin-to-skin time to build a bond.
3. Helping prepare feeds for greater flexibility in schedules.
Clear Measurement
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Formula feeds are measured in ounces, making it easier to track how much your baby is drinking.
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This can be particularly helpful if you need to consult a pediatrician about your baby’s weight or dietary needs.
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In contrast, it can be harder to quantify the intake of exclusively breastfed babies.

Challenges of Formula Feeding
When considering breastfeeding vs formula, it’s essential to weigh the challenges of formula feeding. Below are some key considerations:
Cost
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Formula milk can be expensive, with prices in the UK ranging from £9 to £20 per tub.
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For families with newborns—or multiples—the cost can quickly add up.
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To save money, consider:
- Approaching food banks for assistance.
- Shopping online or using social media marketplaces for second-hand or discounted baby bottles.
- Exploring cost-effective sterilization methods, such as cold-water sterilizers, which may use less energy than kettles or microwaves.
Nutritional Differences
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While formula milk contains essential vitamins, including vitamin D, it cannot replicate the complexity of breast milk.
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Unlike breast milk, formula lacks antibodies that help boost a baby’s immune system against illnesses.
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Formula milk may also take longer to digest, potentially leading to windiness or constipation for some babies.
Preparation Requirements

Combining breastfeeding and formula feeding
Mixed feeding, also known as combi-feeding, is when you mix expressed breast milk with formula milk and feed it to your baby in a baby bottle. It can also mean alternating breast milk to formula milk for each feed that is due. There are specific guidelines for how the feed needs to be prepared so that it is safe for your baby to drink, to not cause them any discomfort.
Parents find that by combining the two, they are reaping the rewards of both methods. Some of the reasons for parents choosing to combi-feed are:
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You are a parent of multiples, e.g. twins, triplets, babies very close in age, etc.
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Mum is struggling to maintain a milk supply or has a low milk supply.
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It offers parents respite from feeding to get sleep.
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Mum is returning to work and feeding responsibilities need to be shared.
Helping Mums Navigate Combination Feeding
Transitioning to combination feeding can come with challenges, but the right support and tools can make it much easier. Whether you're using breast milk, formula, or a combination of both, tracking milk freshness is crucial for your baby's health. An infant milk tracker, like Veba Baby, helps monitor milk expiration using CDC and WHO-backed data.
This handy tool fits around any bottle and sends an alert 30 minutes before milk expires, giving parents peace of mind while reducing risks like colic or fever. Veba Baby also tracks your baby's intake via an in-app feeding log, making it a practical solution for busy families.
Here are some examples of how a mixed feeding schedule can work for your family:
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Morning & Bedtime: Breastfeed your baby to start the day and help them wind down at night, while a caregiver can give formula during the day.
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Pumping & Formula: If milk supply is low, pump while away from your baby and mix the breast milk with formula, which can be helpful in managing the cost of formula.
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Flexible Feeding: For parents of twins or when you need more rest, a combination of breast milk and formula can be used throughout the day to fit your pumping schedule.
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Formula for Respite: If you're unwell or need more rest, introducing formula feeds at night gives you a break from breastfeeding.
Every family’s feeding journey is different, and the choice between breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combining both depends on your lifestyle and support network. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your health or your baby’s feeding.
Creating a Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding Schedule
A structured feeding schedule can help balance the benefits of both breastfeeding and formula. Here’s an example of how you might alternate between the two:
Time |
Feeding Method |
Notes |
6:00 AM |
Breastfeeding |
Early morning feed to boost milk supply and bond with your baby. |
9:00 AM |
Formula Feeding |
Convenient option if another caregiver is helping or you are preparing for the day ahead. |
12:00 PM |
Breastfeeding |
Midday feed to maintain milk supply and provide comfort to your baby. |
3:00 PM |
Formula Feeding |
Ideal for when you’re out and need a quick, ready-to-go feeding option. |
6:00 PM |
Breastfeeding |
Evening feed to wind down and help your baby relax before bedtime. |
9:00 PM |
Formula Feeding |
A formula feed before bed can help your baby stay full longer during the night. |
2:00 AM |
Breastfeeding or Formula |
Choose based on your energy level; formula can allow a partner to take over this feed. |
Adjust the schedule based on your baby's hunger cues and developmental needs. For personalized advice, consult a healthcare professional.
Making an Informed Decision
When making a decision such as this, there can be other factors at play that ultimately make your mind up for you. If you have a choice with no limitations, then you will make the right decision for your family.
Health considerations for the mother and baby must be considered before deciding on a feeding method. Mothers with chronic illnesses such as thyroid conditions, polycystic ovary syndrome, or gestational diabetes will find it more difficult to breastfeed. Whereas infections such as HIV can make breastfeeding risky for a mother and baby. Therefore, choosing to formula feed instead can be a better and safer option in these circumstances.
In addition to health, breast surgery and specific medications such as chemotherapy, can make breastfeeding unsafe. If you are unsure whether you can breastfeed, consult with your doctor and/or a lactation consultant who can support you with this decision and the best way forward.
Postpartum depression can affect 1 in 10 new mothers which is a staggering ratio when you consider how many babies are born each year. In recent years studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers are less likely to experience prolonged postpartum depression, due to the levels of oxytocin that are released whilst feeding which help to regulate feelings of stress. If you have suffered from depression or low mood pre-pregnancy, it may be worth a conversation with your doctor to decide on the best feeding method, whether formula feed or breastfeeding, if you have any concerns.
Learn more: Postpartum Anemia Explained: Symptoms, Recovery, and Treatment

Which Method is Right for Us?
Knowing more about each feeding method and the benefits that come with them, I hope you are able to make an informed choice as to which feeding method will work best for you, your baby, and your family. If you have further questions about some of the topics raised here, head over to the Mamahood Manuals or ask our panel of maternal health experts.