Breast+Feeding+Vs.+Formula

In the U.S. it is estimated that there are approximately 8 babies born per minute. So by the time you have finished reading this essay nearly 64 babies will be thirsting for their first drop of the most natural and health-beneficial liquid, produced from their own mother’s chest; breast-milk. __While it is true that the formulas we buy today off the store shelves do contain many nutrients for infants; it is more practical to choose the more natural, cost efficient and overall healthiest supplement for babies, breast-milk.__  Just as naturally as babies are born, so is feeding them from the breast of their mother. However, it is becoming more and more common every passing year that, the number of breast feeding moms decrease. Mothers are turning to infant formula, because of its ability to allow the mother to be separated from the baby for longer periods of time. Unlike formula, “breast-milk remains the one and only natural, complete and complex nutrition for human infants.” Research has shown that the colostrum (first milk) coats the Gastro Intestinal tract, in order to prevent bacteria and allergy-triggering protein molecules from infecting the infant. Breast-milk also contains leukocytes (living cells) and antibodies that help fight viral infections and activate other defense mechanisms. This miracle elixir made up of living cells, enzymes, and hormones; is why breast milk is so important. These leukocytes and antibodies cannot be added to formula. For that reason infants who are being supplemented formula, are not getting the needed nutrients and immune-builders necessary for maturing properly. Resulting in more health complications and stress for both parent and baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), highly recommend that mothers feed their baby’s breast-milk for a minimum of six months after delivery. This is because baby’s immune systems aren’t fully developed until they near the age of five. The longer mothers’ breast feed, the stronger the baby’s immune system can become. Breast-milk is a necessity in proper brain development; as well as a strong immune system. Common baby illness such as colic and diarrhea, are much less common in babies who are breast fed. Indicating that because breast-milk is easier on the infant’s digestive tract, babies are less likely to become ill or have to visit the pediatrician more frequently.[|Formula Vs. Breast Milk] The average cost of having a baby without complications and with insurance is over 3,000 dollars. Add in the car seat, wet-wipes, diapers, and clothes; and you still haven’t even scratched the surface of how costly having a child is. Why, if breast feeding is free, are people still paying for formula, bottles, and nipples? Especially since these items are a pain to wash and are not sterile. These infant supplies are generally non-recyclable, and filling up our landfills. Breast-feeding is safe and eco-friendly. Saving environmental space as well as green in your wallet. Unlike costly formula which requires measuring the supplement, heating, and cleaning of its rubber and plastic containers. While feeding the baby from the breast, the baby feels bonded and secure; giving the mother a sense of peace and adoration as well. Babies who are breast fed are related to higher IQ scores. This could be most beneficial for the parents if, Little Albert gets a scholarship to attend Harvard Law in the future. All of these, sum up to one thing: less money spent. This is simply because powdered formula is costly and does not lower any risks of illnesses. It also does not allow the mother to truly connect with the baby. Especially considering that breast feeding not only benefits the child, but it also benefits the mother’s well-being too. Studies have shown that while breast-feeding, women burn more calories, by their bodies natural release of the hormone oxytocin. This also allows the uterus to return to its normal size and reduces the bleeding that follows after birth. All-in-all, breast-feeding saves the need to hit the gym to lose the baby weight. Breast feeding has also been shown to lower the risks of breast and ovarian cancer, along with osteoporosis. That is reason enough to consider going //au naturel.//



 Though there are some reasons why some mothers just cannot breast feed. Those reasons include chronic conditions for example: high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes. In these cases a supplemental formula would be a good alternative. However if you are in good health and you wish your baby to be in the best health possible, it is highly recommended to choose the more healthy choice, breast feeding. The research has shown that babies who are given breast-milk are less likely to have: ear infections, type 1 & 2 diabetes, childhood leukemia, GI infections, and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). These major health risks can be averted if more women choose to breast feeding their infants. Seems like an easy choice to make for an infant in the beginning stages of his or her life. The fact of the matter is formula does not contain nearly as many of the health benefits for a mother and child that breast milk does. Breast-milk has an over-flowing amount of benefits. By choosing not to breast feed an infant, you are robbing the baby of its full potential to grow strong and healthy, as well as losing money for your-self due to formula feeding’s costly expenses. I’d say the choice is clear, that “Milk does a Body Good” but Breast milk is clearly the better solution to a better life for everyone

Breastfeeding protects babies
.[|Breast Feeding]
 * 1) **Early breast milk is liquid gold** – Known as liquid gold, colostrum (coh-LOSS-trum) is the thick yellow first breast milk that you make during pregnancy and just after birth. This milk is very rich in  [|nutrients]  and  [|antibodies]  to protect your baby. Although your baby only gets a small amount of colostrum at each feeding, it matches the amount his or her tiny stomach can hold. (Visit [|How to know your baby is getting enough milk] to see just how small your newborn’s tummy is!)
 * 2) **Your breast milk changes as your baby grows** – Colostrum changes into what is called mature milk. By the third to fifth day after birth, this mature breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and  [|protein]  to help your baby continue to grow. It is a thinner type of milk than colostrum, but it provides all of the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs.
 * 3) **Breast milk is easier to digest** – For most babies — especially  [|premature]  babies — breast milk is easier to digest than formula. The proteins in formula are made from cow’s milk and it takes time for babies’ stomachs to adjust to digesting them.
 * 4) **Breast milk fights disease** – The cells,  [|hormones] , and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illness. This protection is unique; formula cannot match the chemical makeup of human breast milk. In fact, among formula-fed babies, ear infections and diarrhea are more common. Formula-fed babies also have higher risks of:
 * Necrotizing (nek-roh-TEYE-zing) enterocolitis (en-TUR-oh-coh-lyt-iss), a disease that affects the [|gastrointestinal]  tract in preterm infants.
 * Lower respiratory infections
 * Atopic dermatitis, a type of skin rash
 * [|Asthma]
 * [|Obesity]
 * Type 1 and type 2 [|diabetes]
 * Childhood leukemia