Baby formula was originally intended to be a milk substitute for women who couldn't breastfeed. Today, it is peddled as the next best thing to mother‘s milk, suggesting that it is just as healthful as breast milk, Health care providers often promote bottle feeding by giving free samples of formula to new mothers. Yet, no man made concoction can duplicate the properties of breast milk, no matter how many supplements are added to it. Breastfeeding offers many benefits that formula cannot deliver.
Breastfed babies get fewer ear infections and other infections, due to antibiotics in breast milk. They get less diarrhea, constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets. They have a reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Breastfed babies tend to have straighter teeth and don't get "baby bottle syndrome" (buck teeth from bottle). Breastfeeding satisfies the baby's emotional needs and increases bonding between mother and baby. And breastfed babies smell better, from top to bottom, but especially the bottom.
Some benefits to breastfed babies are lifelong. In later childhood, there is a decreased risk of tooth decay, diabetes, and some childhood cancers. As adults, they will have fewer allergies. In fact, it has been estimated that 65% of bottle fed babies will develop a lifelong allergy. Adults who were breastfed tend to have lower cholesterol levels; are less likely to be obese; are less likely to have high blood pressure, and are less likely to have heart disease. They will have a reduced risk of: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, compared to adults who were bottle fed. The antibodies in breast milk seem to last a lifetime, as adults who were breastfed are less likely to have ear infection, or other infections;
Breastfeeding also benefits the mother greatly. It helps delay the return of fertility and to space subsequent pregnancies. It reduces the risk of postnatal depression, and helps to develop an emotional relationship and bonding with her child. Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract after birth to control postpartum bleeding. Nursing mothers get more rest than bottle feeding moms, as there is no screaming baby in the middle of the night waiting on the formula to heat up; you can nurse while sleeping. Both mom and baby sleep better. Dad sleeps better to, since he never has to get out of bed to help with feeding. Breastfeeding mothers have less chance of breast cancer, as well as some other forms of cancer throughout life. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of osteoporosis in later years. Above all, breastfeeding gives you the satisfaction of knowing you are giving your baby the best start in life.
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