Is Bottle Feeding Really Easier?
Breastfeeding. To those who don’t know the benefits, bottle feeding may have the appearance of being easier.
But when you truly look at the benefits and value of breastfeeding, it is difficult to deny yourself trying your best to do it. The list of benefits is long and impressive.
Breastfed babies are less likely to be obese as adults. They are also less likely to have allergies, eczema and asthma. (1) It can reduce the incidence of type 1 diabetes, leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple sclerosis later in life. Babies who breastfed for at least 3 months have fewer and fewer allergies. They are less likely to be hospitalized for infections. They have fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and infections from bacterial meningitis. They also have fewer occurrences of diarrhea and vomiting. It can even lower the risk of SIDS. (2) Even with all of that there is so much more.
Breastmilk is an amazing living fluid. It is capable of transporting nutrients, affecting biochemical systems, enhancing immunity and destroying pathogens. “No two mothers make the same milk, no two babies need the same milk. Your milk is custom-made to meet the needs of your baby.” Breastmilk is unique and different from any other kind of milk. Cow milk, goat milk and soy do not have the same nutrient content as human milk does. The baby’s weight needs four to six months to double. It needs to be nutritionally different than animals that double their weight more quickly, which are the foundations of man-made formula. (3) Breastmilk changes as the baby grows. The nutrient content changes as the baby grows and it’s vitamin and mineral content changes as the baby’s needs do. (4) And the baby is able to digest breastmilk fully. The nutrients are bioavailable. The proteins are easy to digest and friendly to the baby’s intestines. Nutritionally, there is no question breastmilk is superior. It provides the right amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. (5) The baby’s intestinal tract may not be completely developed until 18-24 months. There are those who believe that delaying solids may be wise. By holding off on introducing solids it can be more certain that the digestive tract is sufficiently developed to handle food once it is finally introduced. Amylase, which digests carbohydrates, is virtually non-existent in the pancreas until at least 6 months old. (6) And the caloric intake of breastmilk does not increase after solid foods are added, a clue that its caloric value is sufficient for the baby for at least the first year. (7)
Formula requires the digestive system to work harder to digest. When breastmilk is consumed, 50%-75% of the iron consumed gets into the baby’s blood and tissues. Only 10% of cow’s milk iron and as little as 4% of iron-fortified formulas gets into the baby’s blood. (8) This can lead to anemia in formula-fed infants. When it comes to formula, it must be remembered that it is a manufactured product. Mistakes can occur. Composition mix-ups, contamination with bacteria and other materials, and errors in processing can occur. There have been recalls of formula because important ingredients were left out, bacteria or contaminants were found, or there was incorrect labeling. And these issues are even more pertinent in the fact that formula is the only food the baby is ingesting over a long period of time. (9)
Another benefit of breastfeeding is its ability to fight and prevent illness and infection. In one study, 88.4% of babies which were bottle-fed after 3 weeks had significant illnesses during their first year. Of those babies who had nursed for longer than 4 ½ months, only 42% had a significant illness. In another study, of 35 infants who were hospitalized for gastroenteritis, all but one were bottle-fed. There are thirty-seven different immune mechanisms identified so far in breastmilk. (10) Breastmilk passes on antibodies to the baby from the mother’s immune system. It also prevents any risk of the baby taking on contamination from bottles, teats, and water. This causes the baby to be less likely to have diarrhea and chest infections. (11) One of the major players in this is white blood cells. They ingest and destroy harmful bacteria. Their levels are highest at birth and gradually decrease, but they are still present at 6 months postpartum. (12) When the mother gets sick she produces white blood cells which can prevent illness or reduce its severity. (13) Some other important ingredients to mention are immunoglobulins. These are infection-fighting proteins that circulate throughout the body and destroy germs. A newborn baby has decreased antibodies at birth and they do not reach adequate levels until he is 9-12 months old. Immunoglobulins can protect the baby until his defense systems have a chance to mature. (14)
Human milk also contains DHA, ARA, and Omega-3 fatty acids. These are brain-boosting fats. Studies show the levels of DHA are highest in the brains of breastfed babies. Studies have shown that the IQs of breastfed babies are higher overall compared to bottle-fed babies. And the longer they are breastfed the higher they scored. This has been attributed to hormones and growth factors that are not found in the formula. Also, these special fats contribute to the structural development of the nervous system. There are 400 nutrients found in breastmilk that are not found in formula. (15) Taurine is another nutrient found in breastmilk that plays a role in brain growth. It is interesting to note that it has been found that 95% of brain growth takes place by the age of 5 years old. The average age of infant-led weaning in countries where it is allowed to occur is also five years. Coincidence? Physical contact also plays a significant role in the development of a baby’s central nervous system. In a study conducted with premature babies when they were gently massaged daily, their nervous systems developed more quickly. (16)
Along with the numerous benefits for the baby, there are benefits for the mom herself. It reduces her postpartum bleeding. She is less likely to experience postpartum depression. She will have a lower incidence of osteoporosis and fewer hip fractures after menopause. She will have a decreased chance of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. (17) (18) The stores of fat from pregnancy are used for milk production. Women who breastfeed tend to return to their normal weight more quickly. It should be noted however that a stable weight while breastfeeding will usually be a few pounds more than before pregnancy. (19)
One of the best benefits for moms is lactational amenorrhea. If a mom practices “ecological breastfeeding” her chances of conception are very low. Of women using this method, 0.5 to 3 women per 100 become pregnant. (20) The mother’s menstrual periods must not have returned and the baby must be less than 6 months old. Ecological breastfeeding means:
The baby is fed only at the breast
No supplemental bottles of milk or formula are given
The baby is not yet eating solid foods
The baby is not being given a pacifier
The baby is not being breastfed by another woman (21)
Even after we have explored the physical benefits for mom and baby, the emotional benefits are so important, both to a mom and her new baby. Milk is always ready, at the right temperature, and only takes a few seconds to access. It is easier when traveling where it might be hard to store formula or have access to clean water. During those challenging night feedings, mom can just roll over in bed and feed the baby. No preparation or cleaning of bottles, and more time with the baby. Breastfeeding tunes mom into her baby’s signals. Her breasts leak at the sound of his voice. Sometimes she will wake up a minute before the baby does. She knows when her baby is ill because of a small change in the way her baby suckles or behaves at the breast. Breastfeeding gives moms the chance to slow down in our oh-so-busy world and spend time with their babies. Breastfeeding guarantees that mother and baby will be skin-to-skin, relaxing together, at least several times a day. It is a great comfort to a baby who has been hurt, scared, or upset. Mom’s familiar heartbeat, voice and smell, and her warm and comforting body can build a relationship of trust that will serve him well throughout his life. (22) Some studies have shown that breastfeeding can help to heal from birth trauma, help children’s interpersonal relationships, and children’s ability to give comfort to others and to comfort themselves. And it can help children’s sleeping patterns. Not to mention that a relaxed and happy mom is more likely to care well for her baby and for herself. (23) So it seems that a mom who is choosing to breastfeed her child for at least the first year is giving her baby a solid start. She is giving herself a solid start as a new mom so she can build her foundation as a mother on that solid foundation.
Footnotes:
Renfrew, Mary. Breastfeeding: How To Breastfeed Your Baby., p.8.
Simkin, Penny. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide, 4th Ed., p. 398.
Riordan, Jan, Ed. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Fourth Edition., p.117.
Sears, William. The Baby Book: Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby From Birth to Age Two, Revised and Updated. , p. 398.
Renfrew, Mary. Breastfeeding: How To Breastfeed Your Baby., p. 7.
Wooten, George, M.D. Take Charge of Your Child's Health., p. 119
Riordan, Jan, Ed. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Fourth Edition., p. 119.
Sears, William. The Baby Book: Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby From Birth to Age Two, Revised and Updated. , p. 120-121.
Newman, Jack. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, Revised and Updated., p. 9-10.
Wooten, George, M.D. Take Charge of Your Child's Health., p. 114
Renfrew, Mary. Breastfeeding: How To Breastfeed Your Baby., p. 8.
Sears, William. The Baby Book: Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby From Birth to Age Two, Revised and Updated. , p. 122.
Wooten, George, M.D. Take Charge of Your Child's Health. , p. 114.
Sears, William. The Baby Book: Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby From Birth to Age Two, Revised and Updated. , p. 122.
Sears, William. The Baby Book: Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby From Birth to Age Two, Revised and Updated. , p. 118-119.
Wooten, George, M.D. Take Charge of Your Child's Health. , p. 115-116.
Sears, William. The Baby Book: Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby From Birth to Age Two, Revised and Updated. , p. 125.
Simkin, Penny. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide, 4th Ed., p. 398.
Lim, Robin. After The Baby's Birth: A Complete Guide To Postpartum Women., p. 71.
Lim, Robin. After The Baby's Birth: A Complete Guide To Postpartum Women., p. 324.
Lim, Robin. After The Baby's Birth: A Complete Guide To Postpartum Women., p. 341.
Newman, Jack. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, Revised and Updated., p. 13-14
Renfrew, Mary. Breastfeeding: How To Breastfeed Your Baby., p. 8-10.
Bibliography:
Lim, Robin. After The Baby's Birth: A Complete Guide To Postpartum Women. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 2001.
Newman, Jack and Teresa Pitman. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, Revised and Updated. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2006.
Renfrew, Mary, Chloe Fisher, Suzanne Arms. Breastfeeding: How To Breastfeed Your Baby. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 2004.
Riordan, Jan, Ed. & Karen Wambach, Ed. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Fourth Edition. Sudbury Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2010.
Sears, William, Martha Sears, Robert Sears and James Sears. The Baby Book: Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby From Birth to Age Two, Revised and Updated. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 2003.
Simkin, Penny, P.T., Janet Whalley, R.N., Ann Kepler, R.N., Janelle Durham and April Bolding. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide, 4th Ed. New York: Meadowbrook Press, 2010.
Wooten, George, M.D. and Sarah Verney. Take Charge of Your Child's Health. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1992. (4)
Wooten, George, M.D. Take Charge of Your Child's Health.
