Breastfeeding protects the baby from health problems ranging from infections to obesity; it makes the mother less susceptible to reproductive cancers and metabolic syndrome, according to La Leche League International. Because of the benefits to both baby and mother, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies consume only breast milk for at least the first six months of life; it also recommends that breastfeeding should continue through at least the first year and for however long after that works for both mother and baby. According to La Leche League International, the longer a child is breastfed, the longer the immunological protection that's provided by breast milk lasts.
Nutritional Advantages
Breast milk changes with the baby's age to match the child's precise nutrient needs as he grows. Commercial infant formulas provide adequate nutrition, but they can be lacking in nutrients if incorrectly prepared, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Breast milk has naturally high levels of DHA, an essential fatty acid that builds brain cells, and the enzyme lipase, which helps digest fats, according to pediatrician William Sears. Many commercial formulas contain no DHA or lipase.
Immunological Advantages
Breast milk provides white blood cells and antibodies, immune system components that help protect the baby from disease, according to La Leche League International. If the mother is exposed to any viruses or bacteria while breastfeeding, her body makes antibodies to that pathogen and passes the antibodies on to her baby through her milk. Colostrum, the first form of breast milk present in the first few days after birth, contains secretory immunoglobulin A, or IgA. This substance forms a protective coating in the baby's digestive tract to protect her from germs in the first weeks of life. The immune factors in breast milk also protect against allergies and asthma.
Child's Future Health
Formula-fed babies are at higher risk of childhood cancers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, childhood ear infections and respiratory infections, high cholesterol, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease, according to La Leche League International. Breastfeeding also improves cognitive abilities in a child, according to Baby Center. At five years old, children who were breastfed score higher on vocabulary tests than formula fed babies. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of SIDS during infancy, according to International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Kelly Bonyata.
Benefits to the Mother
On a day-to-day basis, breastfeeding saves a mother time and is more convenient. While a breastfeeding mother does need to be available to her baby, she does not need to spend time preparing and warming formula every time the baby needs to eat. Breastfeeding on the go is also easier than having to carry supplies to bottle feed. Formula feeding also makes a woman more prone to postpartum depression than her breastfeeding peers, explains Baby Center. In the long-term, a breastfeeding mother has a lower risk of eventually developing breast or ovarian cancer.
Cost Benefits
According to the American Pregnancy Association, formula costs from $54 to $198 per month, as of 2011. In addition to the cost of infant formula, bottle feeding mothers must also purchase bottles, nipples and bottle sterilizers to keep the bottles clean. Breastfeeding mothers who work might need to purchase bottles, nipples and breast pumps, but these are one-time expenses that still do not compare to the high cost of infant formula.
References
- AskDrSears; Comparison Of Human Milk and Formula William Sears, M.D.
- BabyCenter.com; How Breastfeeding Benefits You And Your Baby; July 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Breastfeeding Vs. Formula Feeding: What's Best?; Jay Hoecker; June 2010
- American Pregnancy Association; Breastfeeding Vs Bottle Feeding
- Kellymom.com; The Many Benefits of Breastfeeding; Kelly Bonyata, IBCLC
- La Leche League International: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 8th Edition; Dianne Wiessinger, Diana West and Teresa Pitman; Ballantine Books; 2010
