Walk into any maternity ward and you’ll hear the same soft question from new parents: Should I breastfeed, or is formula good enough? It’s a choice filled with emotion, science, and sometimes, stress. Dr. Avadhesh Ahuja, Consultant – Neonatology at Fortis La Femme, says breast milk is nature’s finest design. “It changes as the baby grows, has protective antibodies, and provides the perfect mix of nutrients—no formula can fully match that.” Take colostrum, the first milk a mother produces. Thick and golden, it is packed with immune-boosting elements that act like a baby’s first vaccine. Over time, the composition of breast milk shifts—proteins decrease as the baby’s digestive system matures, while fats and carbohydrates remain steady. Formula, on the other hand, stays the same every day. It tries to mimic an average—but babies aren’t average.
The health benefits of breastfeeding are powerful. Babies who are breastfed tend to have lower chances of diarrhea, respiratory infections, allergies, and even obesity later in life. Digestion is smoother too—breast milk is gentler on the stomach, while formula-fed babies often face constipation or harder stools.
Breastfeeding advantages
For mothers, breastfeeding brings its own advantages. It helps the body recover faster after childbirth, reduces the risk of certain cancers, and strengthens the emotional bond with the baby through skin-to-skin contact and closeness. That said, formula is not without value. In situations where breastfeeding isn’t possible—such as when a mother is undergoing chemotherapy, living with untreated HIV, or taking certain medications—formula can be a safe and lifesaving choice. Some babies with rare medical conditions also require special formulas.
Dr. Ahuja believes the real question isn’t “breast or bottle” but how society supports mothers. “Breast milk is the gold standard,” he says, “but what matters most is making informed choices without guilt, with the baby’s well-being at the center.”
Prevention of long-term diseases in adulthood
Dr. Deepika shares her insights on the importance of breast milk and the role of formula. She explains that nothing truly compares to breast milk—it is naturally available, rich in nutrition, easy to digest, and requires no storage. It strengthens a baby’s immunity, guards against allergies, diabetes, and chronic illnesses, and lowers the risk of obesity later in life. Breastfeeding can begin soon after birth and should be encouraged. Mothers too benefit, as breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding, endometriosis, fibroids, and cancers of the breast and ovaries, while also aiding in weight loss. The skin-to-skin closeness builds a strong emotional bond between mother and baby.
For mothers unable to breastfeed, formula milk is the next best choice. Modern formulas are designed to resemble breast milk and provide a safe and reliable alternative.
Dr. Deepika emphasizes that the decision between breast milk and formula is deeply personal. What matters most is that the baby is well-fed, thriving, and loved—and that the mother feels supported, not judged. Every family’s situation is different, and that’s completely normal.
Lifelong bond with mother
Dr. Neetu Talwar, Director, Pediatric Pulmonology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, shares insights: “Breast milk works like a baby’s first vaccine. It is full of antibodies, immune cells, and special nutrients that protect against infections such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and ear infections. It also lowers the chances of asthma and allergies later in life. Every feed is more than food—it gives warmth, comfort, and skin-to-skin closeness, helping the baby feel secure and building a strong lifelong bond with the mother. Breastfeeding also supports healthy digestion, gut growth, and reduces the risk of obesity and long-term diseases in adulthood,
On the other hand, giving top feeds or formula too early can raise the chances of infections, stomach issues, and allergies. Nature has made breast milk specially for each child—pure, protective, and impossible to replace.”
