New mothers may choose to breastfeed their babies or to feed them with a bottle and mixable formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that nutrition for babies up to 6 months old should be provided by breast milk, and breastfeeding should continue up to 12 months. Breast milk is beneficial in ways that formula is not, but formula still provides adequate nutrition for your little one. There are no guarantees on health, but several aspects of breastfeeding promote health of your baby as he grows into a child.
Immune Health
Breast milk contains many proteins, the two major types being casein and whey. The proteins contained in breast milk are easily digestible by your baby and promote immune system health. Most formulas also contain adequate protein, but the proportions and types differ, so you may have to shop around to find the one that works best for your baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that are not present in formula. The antibody IgA fights bacteria and viruses that your baby is exposed to, specifically E. coli, and decreases the likelihood of allergy development. Antibodies IgG and IgM also help protect against bacteria and viruses.
Cognitive Development
Fats from breast milk are important for development of your baby's brain and eyes. A review of literature published in the October 1999 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" determined that children who were breastfed scored significantly higher on tests of cognitive function than children who were formula-fed, especially children who were born prematurely or had a low birth weight. A study conducted by Dr. Robert Barton at Durham University showed that duration of breastfeeding was associated with brain size in mammals, including humans.
Diseases
According to registered dietitian Melanie Thomassian, babies who are breast-fed are less likely to develop asthma, eczema, diabetes, allergies and obesity than babies who are not. Researchers are still investigating the mechanisms that are responsible for reduced risk of chronic illness in breastfed babies.
Considerations
The amount of vitamins and minerals contained in breast milk tends to vary based on the mother's nutrition, so consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and dairy and consider taking a multivitamin. While breastfeeding promotes the health of your baby, it also depends on factors like genetics and environment.
References
- Dietriffic; Breastfeeding Nutrition; Melanie Thomassian, R.D.
- American Pregnancy Association: What's in Breast Milk?
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Breast is Best: Human Milk is the Optimal Food for Brain Development; Ricardo Uauy, et al.; October 1999
- Medline Plus; Longer Breast-Feeding May Be Key to Bigger Brains; Robert Preidt; March 2011
