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101 Reasons to Breastfeed
Your Child
by Leslie Burby |
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding
According to the AAP, "Human milk is species-specific, and all
substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human
milk uniquely superior for infant feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is
the reference or normative model against which all alternative feeding
methods must be measured with regard to growth, health, development,
and all other short- and long-term outcomes. In addition, human
milk-fed premature infants receive significant benefits with respect
to host protection and improved developmental outcomes compared with
formula-fed premature infants… Pediatricians and parents should be
aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal
growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life
and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory
tract infection. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the
first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by
mother and child."
A.A.P. Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of
Human Milk Pediatrics Vol. 115 No. 2 February 2005
(aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496)
- The American Dietetic Association promotes breastfeeding
The ADA also believes that "the bonding that occurs during
breastfeeding makes it a special choice." The ADA actively
promotes breastfeeding, stating that "It is the position of the
American Dietetic Association that broad-based efforts are needed to
break the barriers to breastfeeding initiation and duration. Exclusive
breastfeeding for 6 months and breastfeeding with complementary foods
for at least 12 months is the ideal feeding pattern for infants.
Increases in initiation and duration are needed to realize the health,
nutritional, immunological, psychological, economical, and
environmental benefits of breastfeeding."
ADA Website: www.eatright.org/Public/NutritionInformation/92_8236.cfm
- Breast milk is more digestible than formula
"In recent years nutritionists have voiced concern about overly
high levels of protein in the American diet. Since cow's milk contains
about twice as much protein as human milk, formula-fed babies usually
receive more protein than they need (much of it in the form of the
less digestible casein). The stools of formula-fed babies are so bulky
because the babies cannot absorb so much protein, and excrete the
excess in their stool, whereas breast-fed babies absorb virtually 100%
of the protein in human milk."
The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos
Olds, Copyright 1999, Workman Publishing Co., Inc., 708 Broadway, New
York, NY 10003
- Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of breast cancer
Many studies have shown that women who breastfeed have lower risks of
developing breast cancer. Recently, data from 47 studies in 30
countries was re-examined. The study group concluded that the
incidence of breast cancer in developed countries could be reduced by
more than half if women had the number of births and lifetime duration
of breastfeeding that have been common in developing countries until
recently. According to the analysis, breastfeeding could account for
almost two-thirds of this estimated reduction in breast cancer
incidence.
Jernstorm, H et al "Breast-feeding and the risk of breast cancer
in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers." J Natl Cancer Inst.
2004;96:1094-1098
Lee, SY et al "Effect of lifetime lactation on breast cancer
risk: a Korean women's cohort study." Int J Cancer.
2003;105:390-393
Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer (2002).
"Breast cancer and breastfeeding: collaborative reanalysis of
individual data from 47 epidemiological studies in 30 countries,
including 50,302 women with breast cancer and 96,973 women without the
disease." Lancet 360: 187-95
Zheng et al, "Lactation Reduces Breast Cancer Risk in Shandong
Province, China" Am. J. Epidemiol. Dec. 2000, 152 (12): 1129
Newcomb PA, Storer BE, Longnecker MP, et al. "Lactation and a
reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer." N Engl J Med.
1994;330:81-87
- Baby's suckling helps shrink mother's uterus after childbirth
The uterus of the non-breastfeeding mother will never shrink back to
its pre-pregnant size. It will always remain slightly enlarged.
"Nursing will help you to regain your figure more quickly, since
the process of lactation causes the uterus (which has increased during
pregnancy to about 20 times its normal size) to shrink more quickly to
its pre-pregnancy size. "
The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos
Olds, Copyright 1999, Workman Publishing Co., Inc., 708 Broadway, New
York, NY 10003
- Formula feeding increases baby girls' risk of developing breast
cancer in later life
Women who were formula-fed as infants have higher rates of breast
cancer as adults. For both premenopausal and postmenopausal breast
cancer, women who were breastfed as children, even if only for a short
time, had a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who
were bottle-fed as infants.
Freudenheim, J. et al. 1994 "Exposure to breast milk in infancy
and the risk of breast cancer". Epidemiology 5:324-331
- Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q.
Human breast milk enhances brain development and improves cognitive
development in ways that formula cannot. One study has found that the
average I.Q. of 7 and 8 year old children who had been breastfed as
babies was 10 points higher than their bottle fed peers. All of the
children involved had been born prematurely and tube fed the human
milk, indicating that the milk itself, not the act of breastfeeding,
caused this difference in I.Q. level. Another study to support this
statement was done in New Zealand. Here an 18 year longitudinal study
of over 1,000 children found that those who were breastfed as infants
had both higher intelligence and greater academic achievement than
children who were infant-formula fed.
HMortensen EL et al (2002). "The association between duration of
breastfeeding and adult intelligence" JAMA 287: 2365-71
Anderson JW et al (1999) "Breastfeeding and cognitive
development: a meta-analysis" Am J Clin Nutr 70: 525-35
Horwood and Fergusson, "Breastfeeding and Later Cognitive and
Academic Outcomes" Jan 1998 Pediatrics Vol. 101, No. 1
Lucas A., "Breast Milk and Subsequent Intelligence Quotient in
Children Born Preterm". Lancet 1992;339:261-62
Wang YS, Wu SY. "The effect of exclusive breastfeeding on
development and incidence of infection in infants." J Hum
Lactation. 1996; 12:27-30
- Breast milk is always ready and comes in a nicer package than
formula does
Need we say more?
- Breast milk helps pass meconium
Babies are born with a sticky tar-like substance called meconium in
their intestines. Colostrum, or early milk, is uniquely designed to
help move this substance through the infant's body.
- Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the
development of baby's immune system.
Formula provides neither of these benefits. "Breastfed babies
have fewer illnesses because human milk transfers to the infant a
mother's antibodies to disease. About 80% of the cells in breast milk
are macrophages, cells that kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Breastfed babies are protected in varying degrees from a number of
illnesses including, pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, staphylococcal
infections, influenza, ear infections, and German measles.
Furthermore, mothers produce antibodies to what ever disease is
present in their environment, making their milk custom-designed to
fight diseases their babies are exposed to as well."
Williams RD, "Breast-Feeding Best Bet for Babies",
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Statement: www.fda.gov/fdac/features/895_brstfeed.html
Koutras, A.K., "Fecal Secretory Immunoglobulin A in Breast Milk
vs. Formula Feeding in Early Infancy". J. Ped Gastro Nutr 1989.
- Breastfeeding satisfies baby's emotional needs and increases
bonding between mother and baby
All babies need to be held. There is no more comforting feeling for an
infant of any age than being held close and cuddled while
breastfeeding. In fact, studies have shown that premature babies are
more likely to die if they are not held or stroked. Breastfeeding
stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin in the mother's body.
"It is now well established that oxytocin, as well as stimulating
uterine contractions and milk ejection, promotes the development of
maternal behavior and also bonding between mother and offspring."
Uvnas-Moberg, Eriksson: "Breastfeeding: physiological, endocrine
and behavioral adaptations caused by oxytocin and local neurogenic
activity in the nipple and mammary gland." Acta Paediatrica, 1996
May, 85(5):525-30
- Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition
"Human milk is uniquely superior for infant feeding and is
species-specific; all substitute feeding options differ markedly from
it. The breastfed infant is the reference or normative model against
which all alternative feeding methods must be measured with regard to
growth, health, development, and all other short and long-term
benefits."
A.A.P. Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of
Human Milk (RE2729)
- Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing ovarian
cancer
Based on the research, breastfeeding for a total of 12 to 24 months
can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer by about one-third.
Hartage et al, "Rates and risks of ovarian cancer in subgroups of
white women in the United States." Obstet Gynecol 1994 Nov;
84(5): 760-764
Rosenblatt KA, Thomas DB, "Lactation and the risk of Epithelial
ovarian cancer". Int J Epidemiol. 1993;22:192-197
Gwinn ML, "Pregnancy, breastfeeding and oral contraceptives and
the risk of Epithelial ovarian cancer." J. Clin. Epidemiol. 1990;
43:559-568
- Nursing helps mom lose weight after baby is born
Breastfeeding requires an average of 500 extra calories per day and
breastfeeding mothers who eat a normal diet lose the extra weight they
gained during pregnancy faster than moms who choose to bottle feed. In
one study, mothers who breastfed exclusively or partially had
significantly larger reductions in hip circumference and were less
above their pre-pregnancy weights at 1 month postpartum than mothers
who fed formula exclusively.
Other studies have also shown that women who were overweight when they
began their pregnancies can safely get closer to their ideal weight by
breastfeeding in conjunction with a moderate exercise program.
DC.A. Lovelady et al "The effect of weight loss in overweight
lactating women on the growth of their infants." New Eng Journal
of Med, 2000; 342: 449-453
Kramer, F., "Breastfeeding reduces maternal lower body fat."
J. Am Diet Assoc 1993; 93(4):429-33
Dewey KG, Heinig MJ, Nommwen LA. "Maternal weight-loss patterns
during prolonged lactation. "Am J Clin Nutr 1993;58:162-166
- Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants
"Milk produced by women who deliver prematurely differs from that
produced after a full-term pregnancy. Specifically, during the first
month after parturition, pre-term milk maintains a composition similar
to that of colostrum.."
Hamosh, Margit, PhD, Georgetown University Medical Center
"Breast-feeding: Unraveling the Mysteries of Mother's Milk".
- The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend it
"Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for
the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral
part of the reproductive process with important implications for the
health of mothers. As a global public health recommendation, infants
should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to
achieve optimal growth, development and health. There after, to meet
their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive
nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while
breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond.
Exclusive breastfeeding from birth is possible except for a few
medical conditions, and unrestricted exclusive breastfeeding results
in ample milk production".
"Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding", World
Health Organization in collaboration with UNICEF
- Breastfeeding protects against Crohn's disease (intestinal
disorder)
Crohn's Disease is a chronic intestinal disorder. It is a form of
inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation extending into the
deeper layers of the intestinal wall. It is difficult to treat, but
several studies have shown that breastfeeding may help babies avoid
developing the disease in later life.
Rigas A, Rigas B, Blassman M, et al. "Breast-feeding and maternal
smoking in the etiology of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in
childhood." Ann Epidemiol. 1993;3387-392
Koletzko S, Sherman P, Corey M, et al. "Role of infant feeding
practices in development of Crohn's disease in childhood." Br Med
J. 1989;298:1617-1618
- Formula feeding increases risk of children developing diabetes
There are many studies linking development of insulin dependant Type I
diabetes (formerly referred to as "juvenile diabetes") to
lack of breastfeeding. The results of a study from Finland suggest
that the introduction of dairy products at an early age, and high milk
consumption during childhood increase the level of cow's milk
antibodies in the children's systems. This factor is associated with
an increased risk of insulin dependent diabetes. Now a new study has
indicated that breastfeeding in infancy may help reduce the risk of
Type 2 diabetes. This sort of diabetes was formerly referred to as
"adult onset" diabetes, but has been mysteriously occurring
in more and more youngsters.
Young, T.K. et al. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in children. Arch Pediatr
Adolesc Med 2002; 156(7): 651-55
Gerstein HC. "Cow's milk exposure and type 1 diabetes
mellitus". Diabetes Care. 1994;17:13-19
Virtanen et al: "Diet, Cow's milk protein antibodies and the risk
of IDDM in Finnish children." Childhood Diabetes in Finland Study
Group. Diabetologia, Apr 1994, 37(4):381-7
Virtanen SM, Rasanen L, Aro A, et al. "Infant feeding in Finnish
children <7 yr of age with newly diagnosed IDDM" Diabetes
Care, 1991;14:415-417
- Breastfeeding baby helps decrease insulin requirements in
diabetic mothers
Reduction in insulin dose postpartum was significantly greater in
those who were breastfeeding than those who were bottle feeding
Davies, H.A., "Insulin Requirements of Diabetic Women who Breast
Feed." British Medical Journal, 1989
- Breastfeeding may help stabilize progress of maternal
endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease in which the endometrial tissue in a
woman's body begins to form in places other than her uterus, such as
on her ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outer surface of the uterus.
This tissue continues to function like uterine tissue would in the
uterus, and sheds once a month during the woman's menstrual cycle.
Since there is no vaginal outlet for this blood and tissue, painful
complications, including sterility, may result. There is much clinical
research showing that pregnancy temporarily stops the progress of this
disease. Many women say that the disease also seems to be alleviated
by breastfeeding. It certainly makes sense that the delay in the
return of a woman's menstrual cycle would be desirable in preventing
the endometriosis from starting up again. Some women even claim a
permanent cure.
Annie Havard, "Breastfeeding - a cure for endometriosis",
Allaiter ajourd'hui, Quarterly Bulletin of LLL France, No. 25, Oct. -
Dec. 1995
- Baby's suckling helps prevent post-partum hemorrhage in mother
Nursing her baby causes the mother's body to release oxytocin, which
stimulates contractions which help shrink the uterus back to
pre-pregnancy size while expelling the placenta. These contractions
also shut off the maternal blood vessels that formerly fed the baby
and discourage excessive bleeding. Women who choose not to breastfeed
must be given synthetic oxytocin to insure against hemorrhaging.
Chua S, et al. "Influence of breastfeeding and nipple stimulation
on postpartum uterine activity." Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1994;
101:804-805
- Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing
endometrial cancer
A World Health Organization study has shown that the longer a woman
breastfeeds, the less likely she is to get endometrial cancer.
Rosenblatt, KA et al "Prolonged lactation and endometrial
cancer" Int. J. Epidemiol. 1995; 24:499-503
- Formula feeding increases chances of baby developing allergies
"Breastfed babies have fewer allergies than artificially fed
babies. This is especially important if your family has a history of
allergies. Many babies are allergic to cow's milk formulas. Some
babies are even allergic to soy formulas. Breastfeeding protects
against other allergies, such as atopic eczema, food allergies, and
respiratory allergies."
Wiggins, PK , Dettwyler, KA" Breastfeeding: A Mother's
Gift", July 1, 1998 ed., Chapter 1, L.A. Publishing Co.
Saarinen UM, Kajossari M. "Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against
atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years old."
Lancet. 1995;346:1065-1069
- Breast milk lowers risk of baby developing asthma
A number of studies have linked lack of breastfeeding to asthma.
According to one study, six year old children were more likely to have
asthma if they had not been exclusively breastfed for at least 4
months.
Oddy W.H., et al BMJ 1999;319:815-819 ( 25 September )
- Formula feeding increases baby's risk of otitis media (ear
infections)
Research has shown that ear infections are up to 3-4 times more
prevalent in formula-fed infants.
Aniansson G, Alm B, Andersson B, et al. "A prospective cohort
study on breast-feeding and otitis media in Swedish infants".
Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1994; 13:183-188
Duncan, B et al "Exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months
protects against Otitis Media", Pediatrics 91(1993): 897-872
- Formula feeding may increase risk of sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS)
Sadly, as of now, researchers have not yet discovered any one factor
to account for SIDS. However, there are a number of studies showing a
possible link between lack of breastfeeding and SIDS. A Swedish study
has found that babies who were breastfed exclusively for less than 8
weeks had a 3 - 5 times greater risk of dying from SIDS than babies
who were breastfed exclusively for four months
Horn, RS et al "Comparison of evoked arousability in breast and
formula fed infants." 2004 Arch Dis Child.; 89(1):22-25
Alm et al, "Breastfeeding and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in
Scandanavia." June 2002 Arch of Dis in Child. 86: 400-402.
McVea, KL et al "The role of breastfeeding in sudden infant death
syndrome." J Hum Lact. 2000;16:13-20
Fredrickson, DD et al., "Relationship between Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome and Breastfeeding Intensity and Duration." Am. Journal
of Diseases in Children, 1993: 147:460
Ford RPK, et al ."Breastfeeding and the Risk of Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome." International Journal of Diseases in Children,
1993, 22(5):885-890
Taylor BJ, Mitchell EA, et al. "Breastfeeding and the risk of
sudden infant death syndrome. Int J. Epidemiol. 1993;22:885-890
Scragg LK, Mitchell EA, Tonkin SL, et al. "Evaluation of the cot
death prevention programme in South Auckland." NZ Med J.
1993;106:8-10
- Breastfeeding protects baby against diarrheal infections
Numerous studies have shown that diarrheal infections are much more
common in formula-fed babies. This is true throughout the world,
despite a common misconception that only people living in areas with
contaminated water need be concerned with this issue. Such infections
are more likely to be fatal in developing nations, but all formula-fed
infants are at greater risk than their breastfed peers.
Betran et al; "Ecological Study of effect of breastfeeding on
infant mortality in Latin America." Br Med J 2001; 323:1-5
Dewey KG, Heinig MJ, Nommsen-Rivers LA. "Differences in morbidity
between breast-fed and formula-fed infants." Pediatr.
1995;126:696-702
Beaudry M, Dufour R, Marcoux S. "Relation Between infant feeding
and infections during the first six months of life." J Pediatr.
1995; 126:191-197
Howie PW, Forsyth JS, Ogston SA, et al. "Protective effect of
breast feeding against infection." Br Med J. 1990;300:11-16
- Breastfeeding protects baby against bacterial meningitis
Meningitis is an infection which causes the inflammation of the
membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a
type of bacteria called Hemophilus influenzae type b (HiB).
Breastfeeding is protective against infections caused by this
bacteria, and the meningitis which may result.
Cochi SL, Fleming DW, Hightower AW, et al. "Primary invasive
Haemophilus influenzae type b disease: a population-based assessment
of risk factors." J Pediatr. 1986;108:997-896
Istre GR, Conner JS, Broome CV, et al. "Risk factors for primary
invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease: increased risk from day care
attendance and school-aged household members." J Pediatr.
1985;106:190-198
- Breastfeeding protects baby against respiratory infections
Breastfeeding effectively protects nurslings from many
life-threatening respiratory infection including those caused by
rotaviruses. Studies have shown breastfed babies are less than half as
likely to be hospitalized with pneumonia or bronchiolitis, and have
one-fifth the number of lower respiratory tract infections compared to
formula-fed infants. According to a recent meta-analysis of studies
from developed countries, the risk of severe respiratory tract illness
resulting in hospitalization is more than tripled among infants who
are not breastfed, compared with those who are exclusively breastfed
for four months.
Oddy, WH et al "Breast feeding and respiratory morbidity in
infancy: a birth cohort study" Archives of Disease in Childhood
2003;88:224-228
Galton Bachrach et al (2003) Breastfeeding and the Risk of
Hospitalization for Respiratory Disease in Infancy" Arch Pediatr
Adolesc Med 157:237-243
Grover M et al "Effect of human milk prostaglandins and
lactoferrin on respiratory syncytial virus and rotavirus" Acta
Paediatr. 1997; 86: 315-316
Cunningham, Allan S. MD "Breastfeeding, Bottle-feeding and
Illness - An Annotated Bibliography", 1996.
Wright AL, Holberg CH, Taussig LM, et al. "Relationship of infant
feeding to recurrent wheezing at age 6 years." Arch Pediatr
Adolesc Med. 1995;149:758-763
Piscane A, et al "Breastfeeding and acute lower respiratory
infections" Acta Paediatr. 1994; 83: 714-718
- Formula fed babies have a higher risk of developing certain
childhood cancers
In a study done by researchers at the University of Minnesota it was
found that babies who were breast fed for at least one month had a 21%
less chance of getting leukemia than formula fed babies. The risk was
30% for children breast fed for 6 months.
Shu X-O, et al. "Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood acute
leukemia". J Natl Cancer Inst 1999; 91: 1765-72
- Breastfeeding decreases chances of developing rheumatoid
arthritis
Recent results from a Swedish study indicate that breastfed babies
were less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis as adults. An earlier
University of North Carolina/Duke University study had indicated
breastfed children were only 40% as likely to develop juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis.
Jacobsson LTH et al "Perinatal Characteristics and risk of
rheumatoid arthritis" BMJ 2003; 326: 1068-1069
"Mother's Milk: An Ounce of Prevention?" Arthritis Today
May-June 1994
- Breastfeeding decreases child's chances of contracting Hodgkins
disease
Hodgkins disease is a type of lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph system.
It can develop in children, although it is less likely to do so in
children who were breastfed as infants.
"An Exploratory Study of Environmental and Medical Factors
Potentially Related to Childhood Cancer." Medical & Pediatric
Oncology, 1991; 19(2):115-21
- Breastfeeding protects baby against some vision defects
In a study in Bangladesh, breastfeeding was a protective factor for
night blindness among preschool-aged children in both rural and urban
areas. Breast milk is generally the main, if not the only source, of
vitamin A during a child's first 24 months of life (or for the
duration of breastfeeding).
Bloem, M. et al. "The role of universal distribution of vitamin A
capsules in combating vitamin A deficiency in Bangladesh.: Am J
Epidemiol 1995; 142(8): 843-55
Birch E, et al. "Breastfeeding and optimal visual
development." J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 1993;30:33-8
- Breastfeeding decreases chances of osteoporosis
According to many studies, both breastfeeding mothers and their
children will be less at risk for development of this disease. One
study found that the odds that a woman with osteoporosis did not
breastfeed her baby was 4 times higher than for a control woman. In
another study, Dr. Alan Lucas, MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Center
of London, found that 8-year-olds who were fed formula rather than
breast fed as infants, had less developed bone mineralization than
those fed breast milk. "Bone mineral density decreases during
lactation, but after weaning showed higher bone mineral density than
those who did not breastfeed."
Kalwart HJ and Specker BL "Bone mineral loss during lactation and
recovery after weaning." Obstet. Gynecol. 1995; 86:26-32
Blaauw, R. et al. "Risk factors for development of osteoporosis
in a South African population." SAMJ 1994; 84:328-32
Melton LJ, Bryant SC, Wahner HW, et al. "Influence of
breastfeeding and other reproductive factors on bone mass later in
life." Osteoporos Int. 1993;22:684-691
Cumming RG, Klineberg RJ. "Breastfeeding and other reproductive
factors and the risk of hip fractures in elderly woman." Int J
Epidemiol 1993;22:684-691
- Breast milk aids in proper intestinal development
The gastrointestinal system of a newborn baby is not yet mature. It is
still permeable, allowing bacteria, viruses and toxins to pass
through. This intestinal permeability decreases more slowly in
formula-fed babies. According to Dr. Jack Newman "...certain
hormones in milk (such as cortisol) and smaller proteins (including
epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor, insulin-like growth
factor and somatomedin C) act to close up the leaky mucosal lining of
the newborn, making it relatively impermeable to unwanted pathogens
and other potentially harmful agents. Indeed, animal studies have
demonstrated that postnatal development of the intestine occurs faster
in animals fed their mother's milk. And animals that also receive
colostrum, containing the highest concentrations of epidermal growth
factor, mature even more rapidly."
Newman, J, MD, FRCPC "How Breast milk Protects Newborns" www.promom.org/bf_info/sci_am.htm
Shulman et al "Early feeding, feeding tolerance and lactase
activity in preterm infants." J Pediatr 1998; 133:645-649
Catassi et al "Intestinal permeability changes coloring the first
month; effect of natural versus artificial feeding." J Pediatr
Gastroenterol Nutr 1995; 21: 383-386
- Cow's milk is an intestinal irritant
According to Dr. William Sears, MD, cow's milk should not be given as
a beverage to infants under one year of age. "Cow's milk can
irritate the lining of your infant's intestines, causing tiny losses
of iron. This can contribute to iron-deficiency anemia."
The Baby Book - Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby From
Birth to Age Two c. 1992, 2003 William Sears, MD and Martha Sears,
RN, Little, Brown & Co.
- Formula-fed babies are more at risk for obesity in later life
A study of 32200 Scottish 3 year old children found that the incidence
of obesity was significantly lower among those who had been breastfed,
after adjusting for socioeconomic status, birthweight and gender.
Another study, this one of Czech children, found that the even older
children (6 -14) who had been breastfed were less at risk for
overweight/obesity. Additionally, a German study found that 4.5% of
formula fed children are obese, while only 0.8% of breastfed children
have this condition
Armstrong, J et al, "Breastfeeding and lowering the risk of
childhood obesity." Lancet 2002, 349: 2003-4
Toschke, A.M. et al, "Overweight and obesity in 6 to 14-year-old
Czech children in 1991: protective effect of breast-feeding", J
Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2002 Dec; 141(6):764-9
von Kries, R et al, "Breastfeeding and obesity: cross sectional
study." BMJ 1999; 319:147-150 (July 17)
- Breastfed babies have less chance of cardiopulmonary distress
while feeding
Bottle-fed babies are at increased risk of cardiopulmonary
disturbances, including prolonged airway closure and obstructed
respiratory breaths due to repeated swallowing. According to one
study, infants can experience oxygen saturation below 90% when bottle
feeding. Nine of 50 healthy term infants in one study experienced
bradycardia during bottle feeding. Six of these episodes were preceded
by apnea, three showed hypopnea (marked reduction in ventilation) and
one had certral apnea (no respiratory efforts).
Koenig HS, Davies Am, Thach BT. "Coordination of breathing,
sucking and swallowing during bottle feedings in human infants."
J Appl Physiol 69: 1629: 1623-1629, 1990.
Matthew O, Clark ML, Ponske MH. Apnea, bradycardia, and cyanosis
during oral feeding in term neonates." J Pediatr 106:857, 1985
- Breastfed babies have less chance of developing ulcerative
colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes
ulceration and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and
rectum. A number of studies have shown that breastfed babies are less
likely to develop this disease.
Rigas A, Rigas B, Blassman M, et al. "Breast-feeding and maternal
smoking in the etiology of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in
childhood." Ann Epidemiol. 1993;3387-392
- Breast milk protects against hemophilus b. bacteria
Hemophilus influenzae type b is a bacteria which can grow in the
respiratory tract with no symptoms, but may spread into the throat,
ears or blood and cause grave illness. Breastfed babies are much less
vulnerable to such an overgrowth. . Interestingly, a 1999 Swedish
study found that even 5 - 10 years later, children who had been
breastfed were much less likely to contract hemophilus b.
Silfverdal et al, "Protective effects of breastfeeding: an
ecological study of haemophilus influenzae (HI) meningitis and
breastfeeding in a Swedish population." Int J Epidem 1999;
28:152-6
Cochi SL, Fleming DW, Hightower AW, et al. "Primary invasive
Haemophilus influenzae type b disease: a population-based assessment
of risk factors." J Pediatr. 1986;108:997-896
Istre GR, Conner JS, Broome CV, et al. "Risk factors for primary
invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease: increased risk from day care
attendance and school-aged household members." J Pediatr.
1985;106:190-198
- Breastfed babies require shorter pre- and post-surgical fasting
Breastfeeding may continue until three hours before arrival time at
the hospital in healthy children having elective surgery.
Schreiner, M.S. "Preoperative and Postoperative fasting in
children." Ped Clinics N Amer 41 (1); 111-20 (1994)
- Breastfeeding results in less sick days for parents
Since breastfed babies are statistically healthier than their formula
fed peers, the parents of breastfed babies spend less time out of work
taking care of sick children.
(Kaiser Permanente: Internal research to determine benefits of
sponsoring an official lactation program - 1995)
- Breastfeeding enhances vaccine effectiveness
Breastfed infants showed better serum and secretory responses to oral
and parenteral vaccines than those formula-fed.
Han-Zoric, M., "Antibody responses to parenteral and oral
vaccines are impaired by conventional and low protein formulas as
compared to breastfeeding." Acta Paediatr Scand 1990; 79:1137-42
- Breastfed babies have less chance of developing necrotizing
enterocolitis
This disease occurs most commonly in premature or sick newborns. In
NEC the lining of the intestinal wall dies and sloughs off. Premature
infants fed their own mother's milk or banked human milk are one sixth
to one tenth as likely to develop NEC. One Australian study has
estimated that 83% of NEC cases may be attributed to lack of
breastfeeding.
Updegrove, K "Necrotizing Enteroclolitis: The evidence for use of
human milk in prevention and treatment." J Hum Lact 2004; 20:
335-339
Drane, D. "Breastfeeding and formula feeding: a preliminary
economic analysis" Breastfeed Rev 1997; 5:7-15
Convert RF, Barman N, Comanico RS, et al. "Prior enteral
nutrition with human milk protects against intestinal perforation in
infants who develop necrotizing enterocolitis." Pediatr Res.
1995; 37:305A. Abstract
Lucas A, Cole TJ. "Breast milk and neonatal necrotizing
enterocolitis." Lancet. 1990; 336:519-1523
- Breastfeeding contributes to optimal child spacing
First of all, please know that it is certainly possible to get
pregnant while you are still breastfeeding. However, many
breastfeeding women do not ovulate for the first 6 months or so
following the birth of a new baby. This is true only for those who are
exclusively breastfeeding (no supplements or solid food), and have not
yet gotten their periods back following childbirth. Night nursing
encourages longer amenorrhoea (periodlessness). If you really don't
want to get pregnant again, use some back up birth control even if you
haven't gotten your period again. Unless you are carefully following a
natural family planning program, you will have no way of knowing when
your first ovulation will occur, and by the time you figure it out you
may be expecting! Still, generally speaking, breastfeeding contributes
to optimum child spacing.
Kennedy KI, Visness CM. "Contraceptive efficacy of lactational
amenorrhoea." Lancet. 1992; 339:227-230
Labbock MH, Colie C. "Puerperium and breast-feeding." Curr
Opin Obstet Gynecol. 1992; 4:818-825
- Breastfeeding is easier than using formula
After the initial start up period, breastfeeding is very easy. All you
have to do is raise your shirt and let the little one latch on. No
shopping for formula, bottles, and other supplies. No mixing, heating,
refrigerating and cleaning up of formula. If you sleep with your baby,
or sleep the baby next to your bed, you can forget about all the
disturbing nighttime rituals associated with formula use. All you have
to do is roll over, let the baby latch on, and go back to sleep!
- Breast milk is free
Any way you look at it, you'll spend a lot more money if you choose to
formula feed. The added calories a nursing mother must take in are a
negligible expense, and nursing clothes are optional. If you need to
pump, excellent pumps are available for between $50 and $225. A good
pump can be used for more than one child, so they are really an
investment. Do be sure to buy a pump manufactured by a company
specializing in their manufacture. Beware of pumps made by formula
companies. Many woman report these pumps to be inefficient at best,
and painful at worst.
- Formula is expensive
It presently costs upward of $1,200 dollars per year to formula feed
an infant in the United States. If you factor in the added medical
cost you are statistically likely to incur, that brings the cost up to
around $2,500 per year. If your baby happens to require a
hypo-allergenic formula, you will have to pay considerably more
- Formula costs the government (and taxpayers) millions of dollars
The U.S. government spends more than $2,665,715 a year to provide
formula for the children of non-breastfeeding mothers participating in
the WIC supplemental food program. Of course, this doesn't take into
consideration the additional costs of caring for those infants who are
statistically much more likely to get sick. According to the American
Academy of Pediatrics, higher breastfeeding rates could reduce US
health care costs by $3.6 billion per year.
Riordan, J "The cost of not breastfeeding: a commentary" J
Hum Lact 1997; 13(2) 93-97
A.A.P. Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Breastfeeding
and the Use of Human Milk Pediatrics Vol. 115 No. 2 February 2005
(aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496)
- Breastfed babies require fewer doctor visits
Since breastfed babies are statistically healthier, they see the
doctor less often.
(Kaiser Permanente: Internal research to determine benefits of
sponsoring an official lactation program - 1995)
- Breast milk always has the right proportions of fat,
carbohydrates and protein
Formula companies are constantly adjusting these proportions looking
for the best composition. The reality is that a mother's milk
composition changes from feeding to feeding depending on the needs of
her child. No formula can do that! According to the American Dietetic
Association "human milk provides optimal nutrition to the infant
with its dynamic composition and the appropriate balance of nutrients
provided in easily digestible and bioavailable forms."
J Am Diet Assoc 2001; 101: 1213
- Breast milk acts like a natural tranquilizer for baby
Mother's milk contains chemicals that seem to work like
"knock-out drops" for tired babies. Even if baby doesn't
fall asleep, he/she will certainly calm down and become more
agreeable. If you choose to breastfeed into toddlerhood, you may find
that the "terrible twos" never materialize.
- Breastfeeding acts like a natural tranquilizer for mom
Nursing mothers often joke about falling asleep on the job. The sleep
inducing qualities of nursing a baby are remarkable. In fact, some new
mothers have to be careful to hold a nursing baby in such a way that
they will not drop the child when they inevitably nod off. Nursing in
bed is a great solution. Even pumping at work can be a great way to
calm down and get refocused during a stressful day. All this
relaxation is caused by the hormone oxytocin, which is released each
time a mother breastfeeds. It decreases blood pressure and calms the
mother. Interestingly, one study found that there were far fewer
incidences of domestic violence and sexual abuse in breastfeeding
families
The Breastfeeding Book, Copyright 2000, M. Sears, R.N. and Wm.
Sears, M.D.. Little Brown and Co.
Acheston, L, "Family violence and breastfeeding" Arch. Fam.
Med. 1995, 4:650-652
- Breast milk tastes better than formula
Human breast milk is sweet and light. Formula is pasty and bland.
Which would you rather eat?
- Breastfed babies are healthier over-all
Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest HMOs in the U.S. has conducted
internal research to determine the value of the company lactation
support program. This research found that breastfed babies had many
health advantages over formula-fed babies, including better overall
health.
(Kaiser Permanente: Internal research to determine benefits of
sponsoring an official lactation program - 1995)
- Breastfed babies are less likely to die before their third
birthday
Not only are breastfed babies less likely to contract life-threatening
diseases, they are better able to combat any illnesses that may
develop.
Van Den Bogaard, C. "Relationship Between Breast Feeding in Early
Childhood and Morbidity in a general Population."Fan Med, 1991;
23:510-515
- Breast milk is always the right temperature
Severe burns to babies' mouths have occurred due to improper heating
of artificial milks. Even when it's done correctly, it's never fun to
try to warm a bottle for a fussing baby
- Breastfeeding mothers spend less time and money on doctor visits
In 1995 the Kaiser-Permanente Health Maintenance Organization in North
Carolina found that formula-fed babies averaged over $1,400 more per
year in additional health care costs than breastfed infants.
(Kaiser Permanente: Internal research to determine benefits of
sponsoring an official lactation program - 1995)
- Fewer waste packaging products
No wrappers, canisters, disposable bottles etc...
"If every child in America were bottle-fed, almost 86,000 tons of
tin would be needed to produce 550 million cans for one year's worth
of formula. If every mother in Great Britain breastfed, 3000 tons of
paper (used for formula labels) would be saved in a year. But formula
is not the only problem. Bottles and nipples require plastic, glass,
rubber, and silicon; production of these materials can be
resource-intensive and often leads to end-products that are
not-recyclable. All these products use natural resources, cause
pollution in their manufacture and distribution and create trash in
their packaging, promotion, and disposal."
"Mother Nature Loves Breastmilk" D. Michels, Pub. various
periodicals, available on Internet at members.aol.com/diamichels/greenbm.htm
- No bottles to tote
Unless you're pumping and transporting the milk for later. Even then
there are fewer bottles to deal with.
- Breastfeeding may lower the risk of developing high cholesterol
A recent British study found that breastfeeding seems to be associated
with lower levels of damaging cholesterol in adulthood. The authors
concluded that breastfeeding may have long-term benefits for
cardiovascular health.
Owen CG et al (2002) "Infant Feeding and Blood Cholesterol: A
Study in Adolescents and a Systemic Review" Pediatrics 110:
597-608
- No need to refrigerate
Of course, breast milk stays fresh because it's made on demand. Even
pumped breast milk keeps for a long time outside of the fridge.
Check out the guidelines for storing breast milk at www.medela.com/breastfeeding/howto/storing.html
- Cow's milk is designed for baby cows, while human milk is
designed for human babies
Human milk contains completely different proportions of protein, fat,
carbohydrates. Cows milk is designed to help put on weight quickly,
grow amazingly fast, and develop only as much brain power as a cow
needs. After all, a calf is able to stand and walk on the day it is
born. The natural hormones in cows milk are geared toward cows, not
humans. The fact that human beings can even partially digest the milk
of another species in sort of amazing when you stop to think about it.
Human milk is designed for baby humans. It's designed to build brains,
and to foster gradual physical growth
- Breast milk aids in the proper development of a baby's
gastrointestinal tract
"The cells of the mature intestinal lining are tightly packed
together so that potential allergens cannot seep through into the
bloodstream. But in the early months, the lining of a baby's immature
intestines is more like a sieve, allowing potential allergens to get
through, which sets the infant…up for allergies and infections.
Breast milk contains a special protein called imunoglobulin A (IgA),
which acts like a protective sealant in the digestive tract…Breast
milk also contains a special substance called epidermal growth factor
(EGF), which promotes the growth of the cells lining baby's intestines
as well as other surface cells, such as the cells of the skin."
The Breastfeeding Book, Copyright 2000, M. Sears, R.N. and Wm.
Sears, M.D.. Little Brown and Co.
Also see La
Leche League's FAQ's
- Breast milk provides natural pain relief for baby
Breast milk actually contains chemicals that suppress pain
(endorphins). Aside from this, the comfort a baby derives from being
held close and suckling is remarkable. Many a bruise or scrape has
been soothed away almost instantly by a few moments of nursing. If you
choose to have your child vaccinated, it is a good idea to nurse
immediately after he/she receives a vaccination. This soothes the
hurt, as well as enhancing the vaccine's effectiveness.
- Human milk is the perfect food for a sick infant
When a formula fed baby gets a gastrointestinal ailment they are
usually put on an artificial electrolyte solution because formula is
too hard for them to digest. Breast milk, however, is easily digested,
and soothing to the intestines, so there is no need for artificial and
expensive electrolyte solutions. If a baby gets a respiratory illness,
formula may cause even more mucus. In contrast, breast milk contains
antibodies to these ailments, as well as being highly digestible and
not contributing to excess mucous formation.
- A breastfeeding Mom gets more sleep
Especially if she sleeps with baby, but even if she doesn't. No
bottles to prepare and warm. Less time comforting a crying baby
suffering from gas and allergies.
- Babies that nurse are happier at night
A baby that gets its night time needs met quickly is more likely to
get right back to sleep than a baby who has to wait for a bottle while
crying and swallowing air.
- More sleep for dad
Again, even if he helps with baby burping, diapering, and baby toting,
there are no bottles to deal with. Also, breastfed babies tend to need
much less burping after the first few months.
- Less equipment to maintain and store
Those bottles, measuring devices, sterilizing equipment and other
gadgets take up shelf space and they all require cleaning.
- Less equipment to buy
Unless you pump. Even if you do have to buy a pump and the basic
bottle kit, the savings in cost of formula and additional medical
attention make breastfeeding financially well worth trying.
- Breastmilk has never been recalled due to manufacturing problems
Formula has been, sometimes after causing injury or death. There were
22 "significant" recalls of formula including 7 potentially
life threatening situations.
Babbit, V, "FDA Recalls Baby Formula, 1998",
Breastfeeding.com, Inc.
- Fresh breast milk is never contaminated with bacteria
In fact, it has antibacterial properties.
- No need to worry about which brand is better
Each artificial breast milk formula is different from all its
competitors, but none of them come close to duplicating the real
thing. It can be very stressful for formula feeding mothers to try to
determine which brand is the best of the lot. No matter which formula
is used "it is increasingly apparent that infant formula can
never duplicate human milk. Human milk contains living cells,
hormones, active enzymes, immunoglobulins and compounds with unique
structures that cannot be replicated in infant formula."
(Quoted from FDA pediatric-nutrition researchers at Abbott
Laboratories, writing in March, 1994 issue of Endocrine Regulations.)
- No need to worry about adding contaminated water
Even in regions of the world where bacterial contamination is not an
issue, water can contain dangerous elements like arsenic, lead and
aluminum. These contaminants can become concentrated if water is
boiled to sterilize it before being added to formula.
- Breastfed babies get fewer stomach infections
According to a study of 17,046 mother and infant pairs in Belarus,
breastfed infants had a significant reduction in risk of
gastro-intestinal infection
Kramer et al "Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial"
JAMA 2001; 285: 413-420
- Facilitates proper dental and jaw development
Nursing is good for a baby's tooth and jaw development. Babies
drinking from the human breast have to use as much as 60 times more
energy to get food than do those drinking from a bottle. Obviously, a
nursing baby's jaws are receiving much more exercise as she pulls her
mother's milk into her mouth. Apparently, this constant gentle pulling
assists the growth of well-formed jaws and straight, healthy teeth.
Among breastfed infants, the longer the duration of nursing, the less
chance of dental malocclusion.
The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos
Olds, Copyright 1972, 1987 Comstock, Inc., Workman Publishing Co.,
Inc., 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Labbok, M.H. "Does Breastfeeding Protect against Malocclusion? An
Analysis of the 1981 Child Health Supplement to the National Health
Interview Survey" American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 1987
- Breastfed babies have less tooth decay
Breast milk contains bacteria fighting cells that may help kill the
bacteria that cause tooth decay. Furthermore, bottle-fed babies
"are at increased risk for baby bottle caries, a destructive
dental condition which occurs when a baby is put to bed with a bottle
containing formula, milk, juice or other fluids high in carbohydrates.
Extensive dental repair may be required at a cost of thousands of
dollars." Furthermore, breast milk contains bacteria fighting
cells that may help kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Loesche WJ, "Nutrition and dental decay in infants." Am J
Clin Nutr 41; 423-435, 1985
- Less money spent on corrective orthodontia
The longer you breastfeed, the more likely the babies teeth will come
in properly. If the teeth come in straight, there's no need to fix
them.
Leite ICG, et al. Associação entre aleitamento materno e hábitos de
sucção não-nutritivos. Revista da Associação Paulista dos
Cirurgiões Dentistas 1999;53:151-5
Paunio P, Rautava P, Sillanpaa M. The Finnish Family Competence Study:
the effects of living conditions on sucking habits in 3-year-old
Finnish children and the association between these habits and dental
occlusion. Acta Odontol Scand 1993;51:23-9.
Degano MP, Degano RA. Breastfeeding and oral health. A primer for the
dental practitioner. NY State Dent J 1993;59:30-2.
- Better speech development
Tongue thrust problems often develop among bottle-fed babies as they
try to slow down the flow of milk coming from an artificial nipple.
This can lead to speech problems later on. "Early weaning may
lead to the interruption of proper oral motor development provoking
alterations to the posture and strength of the speech organs and
harming the functions of chewing, swallowing, breathing, and
articulation of speech sounds. The lack of physiological sucking on
the breast may interfere in the oral motor development, possibly
causing malocclusion, oral respiration and oral motor disorders."
Neiva et al, J Pediatr (Rio J) 2003;79(1):07-12
- Less chance of baby getting eczema
A number of studies have indicated that breastfed babies are less
likely to develop eczema - an itchy skin rash
Kramer, M et al "Promotion of breastfeeding Intervention
Trial" JAMA 2001; 285: 413-420
Saarinen UM, Kajosaari M "Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against
atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years of
age." Lancet. 1995; 346:1065-69.
- Breastfed babies have great skin
You don't have to refer to the many studies showing that breastfed
babies have less eczema and fewer rashes. Check out the skin of a
breastfed baby and see what you think.
- Less spit-up
Breastfed newborns demonstrate gastroesophageal reflux (spit-up)
episodes of significantly shorter duration that formula fed newborns
Heacock, H.J. "Influence of Breast vs. Formula Milk in
Physiologic Gastroesophageal Reflux in Healthy Newborn Infants"
Jour. Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 1992 January; 14(1): 41-6
- Breastfeeding is better for premature infants
A recent Israeli study confirmed that the more breast milk premature
babies receive, the more responsive they are. Infants receiving
substantial amounts of breast milk showed better neurobehavioral
profiles - in particular motor maturity. "These infants were also
more alert during social interactions, and their mothers provided more
affectionate touch. In addition to its nutritional value, breast milk
may be related to improved maternal mood and interactive behaviors,
thereby indirectly contributing to development in premature
infants."
Eidelman et al, Dev Psychobiol, 2003 Sept; 43(2): 109-19
- Breast milk contains no genetically engineered materials
Most consumers are completely unaware of how much genetically
engineered food they are consuming because the U.S. government does
not require this food to be labeled as such. Genetic ID, a company in
Fairfield, Iowa, tested four soy-based baby formulas for genetically
engineered ingredients. All four, Carnation Alsoy, Similac Neocare,
Isomil and Enfamil Prosobee, tested positive.
(See "Biotechnology's Bounty", M.Burros, N.Y. Times 05/21/97
- Breast Milk contains no synthetic growth hormones
Since many cows in the U.S. are now routinely ingesting synthetic
growth hormones to artificially increase their milk production, it
stands to reason that these hormones are also getting into the U.S.
formulas.
- Lack of breastfeeding associated with multiple sclerosis in later
life
Although thought to be multifactorial in origin, and without a clearly
defined etiology, lack of breastfeeding does appear to be associated
with an increased incidence of multiple sclerosis.
Pisacana A, et al "Breastfeedig and multiple sclerosis" BMJ
1994; 308: 1411-2 (28 May)
- Less chance of inguinal hernia
The inguinal canal brings down the spermatic cord and certain vessels
to the groin area. A hernia is a defect in the opening where these
things pass through from the abdomen to the groin because the canal
opening gets too big or tears off. The hernia allows abdominal
contents to get down into the groin area.
Breastfeeding is protective against inguinal hernias. For unknown
reasons breastfed babies experience significantly fewer of them. Human
milk contains gonadotropin releasing hormone, which may affect the
development of a baby boy's testicles.
Pisacane, A. "Breast-feeding and inguinal hernia" Journal of
Pediatrics 1995: Vol 127, No. 1, pp 109-111
- Better cognitive development for low birth weight babies
In 771 low birth weight infants, babies whose mothers chose to provide
breast milk had an 8 point advantage in mean Bayley's mental
developmental index over infants of mothers choosing not to do so.
Morley, R., "Mothers Choice to provide Breast Milk and
Developmental Outcome". Arch Dis Child, 1988
- Better social development
The psychomotor and social development of breastfed babies clearly
differs from that of bottle fed ones and leads at the age of 12 months
to significant advantages of the psychomotor and social capabilities.
Baumgartner, C.,"Psychomotor and Social Development of Breast Fed
and Bottle Fed babies During their First year of Life". Acta
Paediatrica Hungarica, 1984
- Decreased risk of baby developing urinary tract infections
Breastfed babies have fewer urinary tract
infections than their bottle fed peers. According to one study,
infants who were exclusively bottle fed were more than five times as
likely to develop urinary tract infections compared with those that
were breastfed
Pisacane A, et al "Breastfeeding and Urinary Tract
Infection" J Pediatr 1992 120: 87-89
- Suckling optimizes hand-to-eye coordination
It isn't completely clear why, but breastfed
infants are able to see and manipulate objects quicker than their
formula fed counterparts. This is one of the many benefits of
breastfeeding that are still being explored.
Baumgartner, C., "Psychomotor and Social Development of Breast
Fed and Bottle Fed babies During their First year of Life". Acta
Paediatrica Hungarica 1984; 25(4): 409-17
- Breastfeeding protects mothers against anemia (iron deficiency)
Since many exclusively breastfeeding mothers do not begin to
menstruate for a year or longer their iron stores are not depleted by
monthly bleeding during this time.
- Breastfeeding mothers spend less money on menstrual supplies
Many breastfeeding moms do not begin to menstruate again until 14 or
more months after giving birth. That means for 14 months, many nursing
moms don't have to buy tampons, sanitary napkins, and cramp relief
medication! "Multiply this by the four million US births each
year to see that over one billion sanitary products annually could be
kept out of our nation's landfills and sewers. To compound the
scenario, because breast milk is absorbed by babies more efficiently,
breastfed babies excrete less and thus require fewer diaper changes
than formula-fed babies."
"Mother Nature Loves Breastmilk" D. Michels, Pub. various
periodicals, available on Internet at members.aol.com/diamichels/greenbm.htm
- Breastfeeding is a self confidence booster for mom
There is nothing more amazing than looking at a plump six month old
baby and knowing that the only nutrition this happy little creature
has received has come from your own body.
- Breast milk may help combat eye infections
Breast milk contains natural antibiotic qualities, and many mothers
swear that a squirt in the irritated eye of their baby has cleared up
the problem in short order.
- Breastfeeding may lower blood pressure in Childhood
A 2004 study of 4763 British children showed that 7.5 years later,
those who were breastfed as infants had lower blood pressure compared
with those who were never breastfed. In another new study from the
U.K., a small but important reduction in adult diastolic blood
pressure is associated with having been breastfed as an infant.
Martin RM et al (2004). "Does Breast-Feeding in Infancy Lower
Blood Pressure in Childhood?" The Avon Longitudinal Study of
Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Circulation 109
Martin RM et al (2005). "Breastfeeding in Infancy and Blood
Pressure in Later Life: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis."
American Journal of Epidemiology 2005 161 (1): 15-26
- No worry about latest ingredient discovered to be missing from
formula
There is no formula that can duplicate human milk because, as the FDA
recognized in a recent statement "...the exact chemical makeup of
breast milk is still unknown." "Formula-fed infants depend
on products which can be quite different from each other, but which
are continually being found deficient in essential nutrients... These
nutrients are then added, usually after damage has occurred in infants
or overwhelming market pressure forces the issue."
M. Walker, R.N., International Board Certified Lactation Consultant,
The Journal Of Human Lactation, Sept 1993
- Much nicer diaper changes
The bowel movements of breastfed babies smell mild and inoffensive.
The same can not be said about those of formula fed babies. Try
changing a few formula fed babies if you are uncertain about wanting
to try breastfeeding!
- Breastfed babies smell fantastic
No scientific study needed here. There is something almost magical
about the scent of your own breastfed baby, whether you're the mother
or father involved. Try it, you'll like it!
- It's what breasts were designed for!
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