Breastfeeding vs Infant Formula?

More and more comes to light each year about the way breastmilk cannot ever be manufactured and is the clear front runner over formula when it comes to infant feeding.

So this week I spent a few hours on researching interesting and possibly little-known facts about breastfeeding. What are the benefits for babies? What's in it for the mother's health? And what do we really know about infant formula or breastmilk substitutes?

Even though I have been in this field for many years, I learned a few things. For example, did you know that if you are diabetic, breastfeeding your baby substantially reduces the amount of insulin you will need while you are nursing your baby? You can find out more about how breastfeeding positively affects mothers by reading Breastfeeding Healthy for Mothers.

I also did a lot of reasearch about the Hazards of Infant Formula. as well. I always knew that breastmilk could not be replicated, but I honestly never thought about the way breastmilk substitutes could negatively affect a baby's health. The way that both soy-based and cow's milk-based formulas can disupt a baby's digestion and potentially alter hormone levels was shocking to me, even though in theory, I knew that breastmilk was so much better.

Another article describes the nutrition found in breastmilk that is perfectly designed for human babies. Read more about the ingredients in breastmilk at Breastmilk - the best food for baby. There are also numerous antibodies in breastmilk that either attack harmful bacteria or make it harder for them to cling to baby's digestive system. Read more about it in Antibodies in Breastmilk.

Have a great week and let me know what you think about this week's topic of feeding your baby.

Brenda