For those of you who missed my talk on February 4th about “Common Breastfeeding Myths,” I will address a question seen on this blog about which is best “breast milk or formula.” I will explain below the benefits of breast milk and why The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization both recommend breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of life.
Infection fighting
The infection fighting factors of breastfeeding cannot be replicated in formula. A breastfed infant is protected against infection. Breast milk strengthens the infant’s immune system by increasing the barriers to infection and decreasing the growth of organisms like bacteria and viruses. The breastfed child is protected from allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome. As a group breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants.
Perfect food
Breast milk is often called the “perfect food” for a human baby’s digestive system. Breastfed babies generally have less difficulty with digestion than do formula-fed infants, therefore less diarrhea and constipation. Breastfeeding is also equally convenient for parents since there are no last minute runs to the store for formula and there is no need to warm bottles in middle of the night since breast milk is always fresh and available. It is easy for moms to be on the go with their babies since all they need is a quiet and private place to nurse when the baby is hungry.
Free
A big advantage of breast milk is that it does not cost anything and formula costs can quickly add up. Because of the immunities and antibodies passed onto babies through their mother’s breast milk, breastfed infants are sick less often than infants who receive formula. Research has shown that infants who are breastfed exclusively have fewer episodes of ear infections. This means fewer trips to the doctor’s office, fewer co-pays, prescriptions, and fewer days missed from work.
Benefits mom, too!
Breastfeeding is beneficial for mom as well. The ability to nourish a baby helps a new mother feel confident in her ability to care for baby. Breastfeeding also burns calories and helps shrink the uterus, so nursing moms may be able to return to their pre-pregnancy shape and weight quicker. Studies show that breastfeeding helps lower the risk of breast cancer and also may also decrease the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.
So you see while manufacturers have tried and tried they just cannot improve on nature’s “perfect food!”
Classes at MUSC
MUSC offers a breastfeeding class free of charge as a service to our patients and community. All classes are held from 6pm - 8pm, in the 2 West Classroom in the main University Hospital. To register, please call (843) 792-5300.
by: Adina Garner, BSN, RNC, IBCLC, MUSC's 2008 Nurse of the Year
Request an appointment with a MUSC provider.