Based on an original article “100 reasons to breastfeed” by Leslie Burby. Adapted for the UK with extra reasons and references added as new research becomes available by Charlotte Young. This material is © iwantmymum.com. All rights reserved. This document may be copied and distributed without further permission, on the condition that it is not used for profit, or in any context in which the WHO code on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes is violated. This copyright must also be reproduced and displayed.

Please note - references are listed by topic at the end.

Human milk is the norm for a human infant - just as cow’s milk is normal for calves. It is not optimum, or best, it’s just normal. Giving any mammal, the milk of another species - in this case giving babies cow’s milk, has the potential to carry risks compared to giving them milk from their own species.

Human milk contains completely different proportions of protein, fat, carbohydrates. Cows milk is designed to help put on weight quickly, grow amazingly fast, and develop only as much brain power as a cow needs. After all, a calf is able to stand and walk on the day it is born. The natural hormones in cows milk are geared toward cows, not humans. The fact that human beings can even partially digest the milk of another species in sort of amazing when you stop to think about it.

Formula fed babies have a higher risk of developing certain childhood cancers

Scientists have found a component in breastmilk called HAMLET can kill more than 40 types of cancers, including aggressive forms such as lung cancers & brain tumours. Crucially unlike any current cancer treatment, healthy cells are left unharmed.

In a study done by researchers at the University of Minnesota it was found that babies who were breast fed for at least one month had a 21% less chance of getting leukemia than formula fed babies. The risk was 30% for children breast fed for 6 months.

Another found non breastfed infants were 8 times more likely to develop lymphatic cancer.

A new analysis of 14 studies by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley has found babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of developing childhood leukaemia. The paper, published November in the journal Public Health Reports, found that breastfeeding was linked to lower risks of both Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common of the childhood cancers, and Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML).

A case-control study was used to assess whether inadequate exposure to the immunological benefits of human milk may affect infants’ response to infection and make them more susceptible to childhood malignancies. 201 Denver children with cancer diagnosed at 1·5-15 years of age were compared with 181 controls, who were selected to be similar to cases for age, sex, and area of residence. Infant feeding categories were: breast feeding (BF) >6 months; BF 6 months; and artificial feeding (AF, or exclusive non-human milk feeding). Compared with BF >6 months, a raised risk for total cancers was found in both BF 6 month and AF groups. This increased risk was largely due to an increased incidence of lymphoma.

Formula increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Sadly, as of now, researchers have not yet discovered any one factor to account for SIDS. However, there are a number of studies showing a link between lack of breastfeeding and SIDS.

In April 2008 The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) announced that that formula fed infants were more than twice as likely to die from SIDS than breast fed infants. The study, a meta-analysis comprising the results of 27 different studies conducted since 1965, examined the relationship between breastfeeding and cot death in the developed world.

FSID Director, Joyce Epstein, says:

“There are so many reasons why breast is best, but there are none that can be stronger than potentially saving your child’s life. We encourage every new mum to breastfeed.”

A Swedish study has found that babies who were breastfed exclusively for less than 8 weeks had a 3 - 5 times greater risk of dying from SIDS than babies who were breastfed exclusively for four months

Not breastfeeding increases risks of likelihood of gross and fine motor development delay

A study found the proportion of infants who mastered the developmental milestones increased with duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding. Infants who had never been breastfed were 50% more likely to have gross motor coordination delays than infants who had been breastfed exclusively for at least 4 months. Any breast milk also was positively related to development: infants who had never been breastfed were 30% more likely to have gross motor delays than infants who were given some breast milk for up to 2 months. Infants who were never breastfed had at least a 40% greater likelihood of fine motor delay than infants who were given breast milk for a prolonged period.

CONCLUSION. Our results suggest that the protective effect of breastfeeding on the attainment of gross motor milestones is attributable to some component(s) of breast milk or feature of breastfeeding and is not simply a product of advantaged social position, education, or parenting style, because control for these factors did not explain any of the observed association. In contrast, the association between breastfeeding and fine motor delay was explained by biological, socioeconomic, and psychosocial factors.

Formula feeding increases baby girls’ risk of developing breast cancer in later life

Women who were formula-fed as infants have higher rates of breast cancer as adults. For both premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer, women who were breastfed as children, even if only for a short time, had a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who were bottle-fed as infants.

Not breastfeeding increases mother’s risk of breast cancer

Many studies have shown that women who breastfeed have lower risks of developing breast cancer. Cancer Research UK states: Breastfeeding can protect you against developing breast cancer. We don’t know exactly how breastfeeding is protective but we know that it definitely is.

A large Cancer Research UK study in 2002 compared breastfeeding history in women who had breast cancer with women who hadn’t. It was a very large study, involving the histories of 150,000 women. The longer the women had breastfed during their lifetime, the less likely they were to get breast cancer.

According to the researchers, this was a very striking finding. They made sure that the women’s age, menopausal status, ethnic origin, number of births and their age at the birth of their first child were all taken into account. Breast feeding still lowered breast cancer risk by 4.3% for every year of feeding. There is also a 7% reduction in risk of breast cancer for each child born.

Another multi-centre trial in the USA included more than 14000 pre- and post-menopausal women. It concluded that breast cancer risk was 22% lower among pre-menopausal women who had ever breastfed than among those who had not.

The authors of the study estimated that if all women with children breastfed for a total of 4-12 months, breast cancer among pre-menopausal women could be reduced by 11%. In addition, they suggested that if women with children breastfed for a lifetime total of 24 months or longer, the incidence of this form of breast cancer might be reduced by almost 25%.

Lastly a study in September 2009 found Breast-feeding baby for even 3 months reduced risk by 59 percent for women who have a previously diagnosed sister or mother.

Bottles that contain Bisphenol A may leach into milk

As of March 2010, Leading British retailers were selling baby bottles in the UK that are banned in Canada and US.

BPA, a synthetically-produced hormonal substance which is added to plastics to make them tougher - can leach into milks. According to independent scientists, BPA may be an underlying cause of a collection of illnesses rapidly rising in the West, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, fertility problems and birth defects. One of a class of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, BPA interferes with the release of the female hormone oestrogen, and its impact is greatest on disorders associated with metabolism, fertility and neural development.

Breast Cancer UK has launched a campaign calling for the removal of BPA from baby products. Clare Dimmer, chair of trustees at the charity, said:

“It’s amazingly cynical that, despite the serious health concerns surrounding infant BPA exposure, retailers and manufacturers still find it perfectly acceptable to continue to sell BPA stock here despite similar products already being withdrawn from sale in the US and Canada.”

Read more here

Formula is less digestible than Breastmilk

“In recent years nutritionists have voiced concern about overly high levels of protein in the Western diet. Cow’s milk contains about twice as much protein as human milk. Formula-fed babies often receive more protein than they need (much of it in the form of the less digestible casein).

The impact of early nutrition on subsequent growth and disease is described as programming. What happens to a child before the age of two can be seen to influence their growth, weight and health for many years afterwards. Infants fed a high-protein diet also show increased levels of growth stimulating hormones.

Baby’s suckling helps shrink mother’s uterus after childbirth

The uterus of the non-breastfeeding mother will never shrink back to its pre-pregnant size. It will always remain slightly enlarged.

Nursing will help you to regain your figure more quickly, since the process of lactation causes the uterus (which has increased during pregnancy to about 20 times its normal size) to shrink more quickly to its pre-pregnancy size.

Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q

Human breast milk provides normal brain and cognitive development.

One study has found that the average I.Q. of 7 and 8 year old children who had been formula fed as babies was 10 points lower than their breastfed peers. All of the children involved had been born prematurely and tube fed the human milk, indicating that the milk itself, not the act of breastfeeding, caused this difference in I.Q. level.

Another study to support this statement was done in New Zealand. Here an 18 year longitudinal study of over 1,000 children found that those who were bottlefed as infants had both lower intelligence and reduced academic achievement than children who were breastfed.

Breast milk is always ready and does not need strict prep guidelines, formula can be contaminated with bacteria.

Powdered infant milk is not sterile and recent studies have found potentially life threatening bacteria can contaminate the product. Therefore new guidelines are that ALL bottles should be made and used immediately; using water that has been heated to above 70 degrees and allowed to cool for no more than 30 minutes.
In lower temperatures and longer periods of time, bacteria can thrive - leading to sickness and diarrhoea bugs, Gastroenteritis, E-Coli and E -sakazakii (which can lead to Meningitis)

These conditions are only common in formula fed infants.

Furthermore March 2010 - Researchers studies samples from 30 infants in California that were infected with Botulism, and took samples from market purchased powdered infant formula. 7 of 9 of the samples of formula were shown to contain multiple strains of Botulism. Botulism is also suspected to be linked to some infant deaths that are officially classified as SIDS.

Breast milk helps pass meconium

Babies are born with a sticky tar-like substance called meconium in their intestines. Colostrum, or early milk, is uniquely designed to help move this substance through the infant’s body which reduces the risks of jaundice.

Breastfeeding satisfies baby’s emotional needs and increases bonding between mother and baby.

Breastfeeding stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin in the mother’s body. “It is now well established that oxytocin promotes the development of maternal behavior and also bonding between mother and offspring.”

Not breastfeeding increases mother’s risk of developing ovarian cancer

Based on the research, breastfeeding for a total of 12 to 24 months can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer by about one-third.

Nursing helps mum lose weight after baby is born

Breastfeeding requires an average of 500 extra calories per day and breastfeeding mothers who eat a normal diet lose the extra weight they gained during pregnancy faster than moms who choose to bottle feed. In one study, mothers who breastfed exclusively or partially had significantly larger reductions in hip circumference and were less above their pre-pregnancy weights at 1 month postpartum than mothers who fed formula exclusively.

Other studies have also shown that women who were overweight when they began their pregnancies can safely get closer to their ideal weight by breastfeeding in conjunction with a moderate exercise program.

Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants

It is known that when babies are born preterm or are sick, the use of breastmilk substitutes is associated with increased adverse outcomes both in the short and long term.

“Milk produced by women who deliver prematurely differs from that produced after a full-term pregnancy. Specifically, during the first month after parturition, pre-term milk maintains a composition similar to that of colostrum..”

Researchers tracked 1,035 extremely low-birthweight infants born at 15 hospitals. About three-quarters of the babies received at least some breast milk in the hospital. One-quarter received only formula. Even when the researchers took education and income into account, the formula fed infants scored lower on tests of mental development when they were 18 months old. The more breast milk the babies consumed, the better they did on the tests. The societal implications of a 5-point potential difference (one third of an SD) in IQ are substantial.

UNICEF also reports that moderately premature infants leave hospital up to two weeks sooner when breastfed.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend it.

“Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. There after, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Exclusive breastfeeding from birth is possible except for a few medical conditions, and unrestricted exclusive breastfeeding results in ample milk production”.

Breastfeeding protects against Crohn’s disease (intestinal disorder)

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic intestinal disorder. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation extending into the deeper layers of the intestinal wall. It is difficult to treat, but several studies have shown that non breastfed infants are at increased risk of the disease in later life.

Formula feeding increases risk of children developing diabetes

There are many studies linking development of insulin dependant Type I diabetes (formerly referred to as “juvenile diabetes”) to lack of breastfeeding. The results of a study from Finland suggest that the introduction of dairy products at an early age, and high milk consumption during childhood increase the level of cow’s milk antibodies in the children’s systems. This factor is associated with an increased risk of insulin dependent diabetes.

Now a new study has indicated that not breastfeeding also increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. This sort of diabetes was formerly referred to as “adult onset” diabetes, but has been mysteriously occurring in more and more youngsters.

Breastfeeding baby helps decrease insulin requirements in diabetic mothers

Reduction in insulin dose postpartum was significantly greater in those who were breastfeeding than those who were bottle feeding

Breastfeeding may help stabilize progress of maternal endometriosis

There is much clinical research showing that pregnancy like hormonal drug treatments, usually suppresses the symptoms of endometriosis. Breastfeeding frequently delays the return of the menstrual cycle and so can also delay the return of symptoms after baby is born.

Not breastfeeding increases risk of post-partum hemorrhage in mother

Nursing her baby causes the mother’s body to release oxytocin, which stimulates contractions to help shrink the uterus back to pre-pregnancy size while expelling the placenta. These contractions also shut off the maternal blood vessels that formerly fed the baby and discourage excessive bleeding. Women who choose not to breastfeed must be given synthetic oxytocin to insure against hemorrhaging.

Not breastfeeding increases mother’s risk of developing Endometrial Cancer

A World Health Organization study has shown that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the less likely she is to get Endometrial Cancer. Other studies echo this result.

Not breastfeeding increases mother’s risk of developing Ovarian Cancer

There was an approximate 20% reduced risk of ovarian cancer in parous women who had ever breastfed compared to those who had never breastfed in one collaborative study.

Another study found an effect only in certain histological subtypes of ovarian cancer.

The only prospective study to examine this issue showed a significant reduction in risk for women breastfeeding for 18 months or longer.

Formula feeding increases chances of baby developing allergies.

“Artificially fed infants have more allergies than breastfed infants. This is especially important if your family has a history of allergies. Many babies are allergic to cow’s milk formulas. Some babies are even allergic to soy formulas. Breastfeeding protects against other allergies, such as atopic eczema, food allergies, and respiratory allergies.”

Breast milk lowers risk of baby developing asthma

A number of studies have linked lack of breastfeeding to asthma. According to one study, six year old children were more likely to have asthma if they had not been exclusively breastfed for at least 4 months.

Formula feeding increases baby’s risk of otitis media (ear infections)

Research has shown that ear infections are up to 3-4 times more prevalent in formula-fed infants.

Aew study of 315 infants who were fed breast milk from a bottle shows that these infants had fewer ear infections than infants who got formula from a bottle.

Conclusion: it’s not just the mechanics of breast feeding but something in the breast milk itself that helps protect against ear infections, says the medical journal Infectious Diseases in Children.

Researchers from the State University of New York’s School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences revealed how exclusively breastfed children have a decreased risk of otitis media - More than 300 infants were included the study, which found peak incidence of acute otitis media and otitis media effusion (when pus is discharged from the inner ear) was inversely related to rates of breastfeeding beyond three months of age.

Infants who where exclusively formula fed had a twofold elevated risk of first episodes of inner ear infections compared to infants who were exclusively breastfed for at least six months. The researchers found that formula-feeding was the most significant predictor of inner ear infections, although the amount of time spent at day care was also a risk factor

A 1990 study on the risk factors for recurrent acute otitis media and respiratory infection in infancy found that short durations of breastfeeding is a significant risk of recurrent middle ear infections.

Breastfeeding protects baby against diarroheal infections

Numerous studies have shown that diarroheal infections are much more common in formula-fed babies. This is true throughout the world, despite a common misconception that only people living in areas with contaminated water need be concerned with this issue. Such infections are more likely to be fatal in developing nations, but all formula-fed infants are at greater risk than their breastfed peers.

Formula offers no protection to baby against bacterial meningitis

Meningitis is an infection which causes the inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a type of bacteria called Hemophilus influenzae type b (HiB). Breastfeeding is protective against infections caused by this bacteria, and the meningitis which may result.

Formula offers no protection to baby against respiratory infections

Breastfeeding effectively protects nurslings from many life-threatening respiratory infection including those caused by rotaviruses. Studies have shown non breastfed infants are more than twice as likely to be hospitalized with pneumonia or bronchiolitis, and have five times more lower respiratory tract infections compared to formula-fed infants. According to a recent meta-analysis of studies from developed countries, the risk of severe respiratory tract illness resulting in hospitalization is more than tripled among infants who are not breastfed, compared with those who are exclusively breastfed for four months.

A 2006 study concluded: Babies fully breastfed for six months are less likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses in their first two years than babies fully breastfed for only four months. We found that babies who received an additional two months of full breastfeeding were over four times less likely to contract pneumonia.

Formula feeding increases chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis

May 2008 - Swedish researchers announced that “Breastfeeding halves rheumatoid arthritis risk”.

“Mothers who breastfed for 13 months or more were half as likely to get the painful joint condition as women who never breastfed”

said Mitra Pikwer and colleagues at the Malmo University Hospital in Sweden, who led the study.

“Although it is difficult to separate the effect of breast feeding from that of childbirth, our data suggest that rheumatoid arthritis is inversely associated with long-term breastfeeding, rather than with the number of children born,”

they said.

An earlier University of North Carolina/Duke University study had indicated breastfed children were only 40% as likely to develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Breastfeeding protects baby against some vision defects

In a study in Bangladesh, breastfeeding was a protective factor for night blindness among preschool-aged children in both rural and urban areas. Breast milk is generally the main, if not the only source, of vitamin A during a child’s first 24 months of life (or for the duration of breastfeeding).

Not breastfeeding increases chances of Osteoporosis

According to many studies, both non breastfeeding mothers and their children will be at increased risk for development of this disease. One study found that the odds that a woman with osteoporosis did not breastfeed her baby was 4 times higher than for a control woman. In another study, Dr. Alan Lucas, MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Center of London, found that 8-year-olds who were fed formula rather than breast fed as infants, had less developed bone mineralization than those fed breast milk.

“Bone mineral density decreases during lactation, but after weaning showed higher bone mineral density than those who did not breastfeed.”

Formula hinders intestinal development

The gastrointestinal system of a newborn baby is not yet mature. It is still permeable, allowing bacteria, viruses and toxins to pass through. This intestinal permeability decreases more slowly in formula-fed babies. According to Dr. Jack Newman “…certain hormones in milk (such as cortisol) and smaller proteins (including epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor, insulin-like growth factor and somatomedin C) act to close up the leaky mucosal lining of the newborn, making it relatively impermeable to unwanted pathogens and other potentially harmful agents.

Indeed, animal studies have demonstrated that postnatal development of the intestine occurs slower in animals fed milk not from their own species. And animals who do not receive colostrum, containing the highest concentrations of epidermal growth factor, mature even more slowly.”

Formula-fed babies are more at risk for obesity in later life

A study of 32200 Scottish 3 year old children found that the incidence of obesity was significantly lower among those who had been breastfed, after adjusting for socioeconomic status, birthweight and gender. Another study, this one of Czech children, found that the even older children (6 -14) who had been breastfed were less at risk for overweight/obesity. Additionally, a German study found that 4.5% of formula fed children are obese, while only 0.8% of breastfed children have this condition

In a study published in the journal Epidemiology, Harvard researchers found that even within a single family, children who were breastfed for a longer time were slightly less likely to become overweight than their siblings who were breastfed for a shorter period.

The difference within families was similar to that found in the study population as a whole, where each 4-month increase in breastfeeding was linked to a 6 percent dip in the risk of becoming overweight by adolescence.

Bottle fed infants have more chance of pulmonary distress whilst feeding

Bottle-fed babies are at increased risk of cardiopulmonary disturbances, including prolonged airway closure and obstructed respiratory breaths due to repeated swallowing. According to one study, infants can experience oxygen saturation below 90% when bottle feeding. Nine of 50 healthy term infants in one study experienced bradycardia during bottle feeding. Six of these episodes were preceded by apnea, three showed hypopnea (marked reduction in ventilation) and one had certral apnea (no respiratory efforts).

Non breastfed infants have more chance of developing ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulceration and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. A number of studies have shown that non breastfed infants are more likely to develop this disease.

Breast milk protects against hemophilus b. bacteria

Hemophilus influenzae type b is a bacteria which can grow in the respiratory tract with no symptoms, but may spread into the throat, ears or blood and cause grave illness. Non breastfed babies are much more vulnerable to such an overgrowth. . Interestingly, a 1999 Swedish study found that even 5 - 10 years later, children who had been breastfed were much less likely to contract hemophilus b.

Breastfed babies require shorter pre- and post-surgical fasting

Breastfeeding is considered a clear fluid, unlike formula which is dairy. Breastfeeding may continue until three hours before arrival time at the hospital in healthy children having elective surgery.

Breastfeeding results in less sick days for parents

Since breastfed babies are statistically healthier than their formula fed peers, the parents of breastfed babies spend less time out of work taking care of sick children.

Breastfeeding also reduces stress levels of the mother, another common reason for time away from work.

Breastfed infants showed better serum and secretory responses to oral and parenteral vaccines than those formula-fed.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services’ National Women’s Health Information Center, breastfed babies respond better to immunizations against polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and Haemophilus influenzae than formula-fed babies.

Breastfed babies have less chance of developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis

This disease occurs most commonly in premature or sick newborns and can be fatal. An Australian study has estimated that 83% of NEC cases may be attributed to lack of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding contributes to optimal child spacing

First of all, please know that it is certainly possible to get pregnant while you are still breastfeeding. However, many breastfeeding women do not ovulate for the first 6 months or so following the birth of a new baby. This is true only for those who are exclusively breastfeeding 8-12 times per day (no supplements or solid food), are nightfeeding, have not yet gotten their periods back following childbirth (and had no blood loss/spotting) and uses no pacifiers or bottles. This method of birth control is known as “LAM” and is around 97% effective.

Breastfeeding is easier than using formula

After the initial start up period, breastfeeding is very easy. All you have to do is raise your shirt and let the little one latch on. No shopping for formula, bottles, and other supplies. No mixing, heating, refrigerating and cleaning up of formula. No running out or forgetting something vital! If you sleep with your baby, or sleep the baby next to your bed, you can forget about all the disturbing nighttime rituals associated with formula use. All you have to do is roll over, let the baby latch on, and go back to sleep!

Breast milk is free

Any way you look at it, you’ll spend a lot more money if you choose to formula feed. The added calories a nursing mother must take in are a negligible expense, and nursing clothes are optional. If you need to pump, excellent pumps are available for between £25 and £120. A good pump can be used for more than one child, so they are really an investment. Do be sure to buy a pump manufactured by a company specializing in their manufacture. Beware of pumps made by formula companies. Many woman report these pumps to be inefficient at best, and painful at worst.

Formula is expensive

It presently costs upward of £800 per year to formula feed an infant in the UK. There is not just the milk to consider, but bottles, teats, sterilisers and warmers.

Formula costs the government (and taxpayers) millions of pounds

The U.S. government spends more than $2,665,715 a year to provide formula for the children of non-breastfeeding mothers participating in the WIC supplemental food program. Of course, this doesn’t take into consideration the additional costs of caring for those infants who are statistically much more likely to get sick. According to research 2009; not bresatfeeding costs the US £13 billion per year.

In the UK, more mothers breastfeeding would bring health gains to mothers and babies and savings for the NHS in both the short and longer term. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of a range of diseases including gastroenteritis in babies, neonatal necrotising enterocolitis (in pre-term infants), child onset diabetes mellitus and middle ear and respiratory infections.

” The main cost saving to the NHS comes immediately in the form of reduced hospital admissions for gastroenteritis. The rate of admissions in babies bottle fed or breastfed for only a short period is just over 5 times more than in babies breastfed for 13 weeks or more. At a cost per inpatient stay of about £1200, the saving associated with each one percentage point increase in breastfeeding in the average health district is about £4,000 - about a half a million pounds in England and Wales. For Gastroenteritis ALONE - If all babies were breastfed this would be equivalent to almost £300,000 a year for the average district or £35 million for the country as a whole.”

Non breastfed babies require more doctor visits

Since non breastfed babies are statistically less healthy, they see the doctor more often.

Thirteen general practices in Glasgow were involved in a study of 935 babies. During their first six months, researchers investigated GP consultation rates and multi-level modeswere used to analyse the number of each consultations of reach baby during its first 26 weeks.

Results showed the strongest predictor of consultation rates was previus consultations, particularly during the preceeding week. Breastfed babies visited their GP 15% less often than formula-fed babies and those with older mothers also consulted less often.

Breast milk always has the right proportions of fat, carbohydrates and protein

Formula companies are constantly adjusting these proportions looking for the best composition. The reality is that a mother’s milk composition changes from feeding to feeding depending on the needs of her child. No formula can do that! According to the American Dietetic Association blockquote>”human milk provides optimal nutrition to the infant with its dynamic composition and the appropriate balance of nutrients provided in easily digestible and bioavailable forms.”

Breast milk acts like a natural tranquiliser for baby

Mother’s milk contains chemicals and hormones that relax and calm baby and seem to work like “knock-out drops” for tired babies. Even if baby doesn’t fall asleep, he/she will certainly calm down and become more agreeable. If you choose to breastfeed into toddlerhood, you may find that the “terrible twos” never materialize. As you don’t have to worry about over feeding breastfed babies, you can use this handy tool any time your baby needs settling!

Breastfeeding acts like a natural tranquiliser for mom and protects against maternal abuse

Nursing mothers often joke about falling asleep on the job. The sleep inducing qualities of nursing a baby are remarkable. Even pumping at work can be a great way to calm down and get refocused during a stressful day. All this relaxation is caused by the hormone oxytocin, which is released each time a mother breastfeeds. It decreases blood pressure and calms the mother.

Interestingly, studies have also found that there were far fewer incidences of domestic violence and sexual abuse in breastfeeding families. One study found “Mothers who didn’t breastfeed were almost four times more likely to be reported for maternal neglect than mothers who breastfed for four of more months.”

“For mothers who breastfed for less than four months, the risk was about 2.3 times.”

Breast milk tastes better than formula

Human breast milk is sweet and light. Formula is pasty and bland. Which would you rather eat?

Formula fed infants are less healthier over-all

Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest HMOs in the U.S. has conducted internal research to determine the value of the company lactation support program. This research found that formula fed babies had many health disadvantages compared to breastfed babies, including worse overall health.

These differences in health outcomes can be explained, in part, by specific and innate immune factors present in human milk which provide specific protection against pathogens in the mother’s environment. In addition, innate immune factors in milk provide protection against infection

Non breastfed babies are more likely to die before their third birthday

Not only are non breastfed babies less likely to contract life-threatening diseases, they are lessr able to combat any illnesses that may develop.

Rsearch April 2009 found at least 900 infant deaths in America were directly due to formula.

Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Chicago, surveyed nearly 9000 infant deaths throughout America. They found that breastfed babies were 20% less likely to die between one and twelve months than those who were not. The longer babies were breastfed, the lower the risk of early death.

Breast milk is always the right temperature

Severe burns to babies’ mouths have occurred due to improper heating of artificial milks. Even when it’s done correctly, it’s never fun to try to warm a bottle for a fussing baby

Formula is not environmentally friendly

Wrappers, canisters, disposable bottles etc, transportation…

“If every child in America were bottle-fed, almost 86,000 tons of tin would be needed to produce 550 million cans for one year’s worth of formula. If every mother in Great Britain breastfed, 3000 tons of paper (used for formula labels) would be saved in a year. But formula is not the only problem. Bottles and nipples require plastic, glass, rubber, and silicon; production of these materials can be resource-intensive and often leads to end-products that are not-recyclable. All these products use natural resources, cause pollution in their manufacture and distribution and create trash in their packaging, promotion, and disposal.”

Breastfeeding means no bottles to wash and carry.

Unless you’re pumping and transporting the milk for later. Even then there are fewer bottles to deal with as the milk is ready and does not need special preparation due to live antibacterial properties.

Breastfeeding may lower the risk of developing high cholesterol

A recent British study found that breastfeeding seems to be associated with lower levels of damaging cholesterol in adulthood. The authors concluded that breastfeeding may have long-term benefits for cardiovascular health.

No need to refrigerate

Of course, breast milk stays fresh because it’s made on demand. Even pumped breast milk keeps for a long time outside of the fridge.

Check out the guidelines for storing breast milk at breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

Not breastfeeding increases risk of Cardiovascular problems in mum

A study Dec 2009 found Breast-feeding, even for just a couple of months could significantly lower a woman’s risk of metabolic syndrome - a dangerous cluster of heart disease risk factors years later. And, the longer a woman breast-fed, the better it was for her later health. Breast-feeding for longer than nine months dropped the risk of metabolic syndrome by 86 percent in women with gestational diabetes. Women without gestational diabetes saw a 56 percent reduction in their risk of metabolic syndrome, according to the study.

“We found a very strong protective effect for lactation, and longer duration is associated with a greater risk reduction,”

Gunderson.

Not breastfeeding increases risk of Postnatal Depression

Breastfeeding has an important role to play in mothers’ postpartum mental health. Groër and Davis noted that “breastfeeding confers some psychoneuroimmunological benefits to mothers” in part because of its impact on stress. In an earlier review, Groër, Davis and Hemphill noted that although women experience many stressors in the postpartum period, breastfeeding protects them by inducing calm, lessening maternal reactivity to stressors, and increasing nurturing behaviour. The PNI approach is relevant to lactation specialists because it demonstrates that breastfeeding can protect mothers’ mental health and is worth preserving whenever possible.

Opting not to breastfeed precludes and/or brings all of the processes involved in lactation to a halt. For most of human evolution the absence or early cessation of breastfeeding would have been occasioned by miscarriage, loss, or death of a child. We contend, therefore, that at the level of her basic biology a mother’s decision to bottle feed unknowingly simulates child loss

- University of Albany evolutionary psychologist Gordon Gallup.

There is at least correlational evidence to support this evolutionary claim, too. For example, in a paper presented earlier this year, Gallup and his colleagues reported their findings that, among a sample of 50 mothers recruited from local pediatric clinics and who had given birth in the previous 4-6 months, those who bottle fed scored significantly higher on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale than breastfeeders did. This effect panned out even after controlling for the mother’s age, education, income and relationship status with her current partner.

Women who do not exclusively breastfeed also get less sleep, get less restorative sleep, and are more likely to suffer depression. (see below)

Breast milk aids in the proper development of a baby’s gastrointestinal tract

“The cells of the mature intestinal lining are tightly packed together so that potential allergens cannot seep through into the bloodstream. But in the early months, the lining of a baby’s immature intestines is more like a sieve, allowing potential allergens to get through, which sets the infant…up for allergies and infections. Breast milk contains a special protein called imunoglobulin A (IgA), which acts like a protective sealant in the digestive tract…Breast milk also contains a special substance called epidermal growth factor (EGF), which promotes the growth of the cells lining baby’s intestines as well as other surface cells, such as the cells of the skin.”

Breast milk provides natural pain relief for baby

Breast milk actually contains chemicals that suppress pain (endorphins) and is recognised as a painkiller by the British Medical Journal. Aside from this, the comfort a baby derives from being held close and suckling is remarkable. Many a bruise or scrape has been soothed away almost instantly by a few moments of nursing. If you choose to have your child vaccinated, it is a good idea to nurse immediately after he/she receives a vaccination. This soothes the hurt, as well as enhancing the vaccine’s effectiveness.

Human milk is the perfect food for a sick infant

When a formula fed baby gets a gastrointestinal ailment they are usually put on an artificial electrolyte solution because formula is too hard for them to digest. Breast milk, however is considered a clear fluid, is easily digested and soothing to the intestines - so there is no need for artificial and expensive electrolyte solutions. If a baby gets a respiratory illness, formula may cause even more mucus. In contrast, breast milk contains antibodies to these ailments, as well as being highly digestible and not contributing to excess mucous formation.

Studies show that formula feeding/supplementing mothers get LESS sleep…

Several studies between 2004 and 2009, showed that exclusive breastfeeding mothers got more sleep. Three sets of parents have been studied: those that were exclusively breastfeeding, those that were breastfeeding AND formula feeding, and those who were feeding only formula.

Although, the exclusively breastfeeding mothers were awakened more times throughout the night than the other mothers, they still got an average of 40-45 minutes MORE sleep each night.

Not only did the breastfeeding mothers get more sleep, they got BETTER SLEEP. The studies showed that REM (rapid eye movement) sleep was similar within the groups, but the difference in slow-wave sleep (SWS) was remarkable. People who get less SWS report more day-time fatigue. Studies also show that those who get less SWS are more likely to suffer depression. To be clear, the “breastfeeding mothers got an average of 182 minutes of SWS. Women in the control group had an average of 86 minutes. And the exclusively bottle-feeding women had an average of 63 minutes.”

In short, women who do not exclusively breastfeed get less sleep, get less restorative sleep, and are more likely to suffer depression.

Doan and colleagues noted the following.

“Using supplementation as a coping strategy for minimizing sleep loss can actually be detrimental because of its impact on prolactin hormone production and secretion. Maintenance of breastfeeding as well as deep restorative sleep stages may be greatly compromised for new mothers who cope with infant feedings by supplementing in an effort to get more sleep time.
In sum, advising women to avoid nighttime breastfeeding to lessen their risk of depression is not medically sound. In fact, if women follow this advice, it may actually increase their risk of depression.”

Babies that nurse are happier at night

A baby that gets its night time needs met quickly is more likely to get right back to sleep than a baby who has to wait for a bottle while crying and swallowing air.

More sleep for dad

Again, even if he helps with baby burping, nappies, bathing and carrying baby, there are no bottles to deal with. Also, breastfed babies often don’t need winding!

Less equipment to maintain and store

Those bottles, measuring devices, sterilizing equipment and other gadgets take up shelf space and they all require cleaning.

Breastmilk has never been recalled due to manufacturing problems

Formula has been, sometimes after causing injury or death. There were 22 “significant” recalls of formula including 7 potentially life threatening situations.

In 2008, 700 tonnes were recalled in China, when at least 13 infants died and at least 50 more suffered Kidney problems; after formula was found to be contaminated with contaminated with melamine, an industrial chemical used in plastic.

No need to worry about which brand is better

Each artificial breast milk formula is different from all its competitors, but none of them come close to duplicating the real thing. Some experts believe there are as many as 100 constituents of breastmilk that cannot be reproduced. It can be very stressful for formula feeding mothers to try to determine which brand is the best of the lot. No matter which formula is used “it is increasingly apparent that infant formula can never duplicate human milk. Human milk contains living cells, hormones, active enzymes, stem cells, immunoglobulins and compounds with unique structures that cannot be replicated in infant formula.”

No need to worry about adding contaminated water

Even in regions of the world where bacterial contamination is not an issue, water can contain dangerous elements like arsenic, lead, flouride and aluminum. These contaminants can become concentrated if water is boiled to sterilise it before being added to formula.

Non breastfed babies get more stomach infections

According to a study of 17,046 mother and infant pairs in Belarus, breastfed infants had a significant reduction in risk of gastro-intestinal infection

Bottle feeding hinders proper dental and jaw development

Nursing is good for a baby’s tooth and jaw development. Babies drinking from the human breast have to use as much as 60 times more energy to get food than do those drinking from a bottle. Obviously, a nursing baby’s jaws are receiving much more exercise as she pulls her mother’s milk into her mouth. This constant gentle pulling assists the growth of well-formed muscles, jaws and straight, healthy teeth. Among breastfed infants, the longer the duration of nursing, the less chance of dental malocclusion.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Milan and published in Archives of Diseases in Childhood of 1033 children, found posterior cross-bite was more frequent in bottle fed children. Children with non-nutritive sucking activity and being bottle fed more than doubled the risk of posterior cross-bite. Not breastfeeding seems to have a negative effect on development of posterior cross-bite in deciduous dentition.

Bryan Palmer DDS has also studied feeding method and oral development extensively. His opinion is that bottles and pacifiers have the potential to changes facial features and can cause all manner of health issues from sleep apnea to long face syndrome.

Bottlefed babies have more tooth decay

Breast milk contains bacteria fighting cells that help kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Bottle-fed babies “are at increased risk for baby bottle caries, a destructive dental condition which occurs when a baby is put to bed with a bottle containing formula, milk, juice or other fluids high in carbohydrates. Extensive dental repair may be required at a cost of thousands of dollars.”

Breastfeeding reduces the amount of money spent on corrective orthodontia

The longer you breastfeed, the more likely the babies teeth will come in properly. If the teeth come in straight, there’s no need to fix them.

Not breastfeeding increases risks of delayed speech development

Tongue thrust problems often develop among bottle-fed babies as they try to slow down the flow of milk coming from an artificial nipple. This can lead to speech problems later on. “Early weaning may lead to the interruption of proper oral motor development provoking alterations to the posture and strength of the speech organs and harming the functions of chewing, swallowing, breathing, and articulation of speech sounds. The lack of physiological sucking on the breast may interfere in the oral motor development, possibly causing malocclusion, oral respiration and oral motor disorders.”

Not breastfeeding increases the chance of baby getting eczema

A number of studies have indicated that breastfed babies are less likely to develop eczema - an itchy skin rash

Breastfed babies have great skin

You don’t have to refer to the many studies showing that breastfed babies have fewer rashes. Check out the skin of a breastfed baby and see what you think.

Formula fed infants more likely to spiut up and reflux

Breastfed newborns demonstrate gastroesophageal reflux (spit-up) episodes of significantly shorter duration that formula fed newborns

A 1996 study found that 41.8% of cases of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was associated with, and probably caused by, an allergy to cow’s milk. It was concluded that all babies who present with GER should be screened for cow’s milk allergy.

Formula feeding is worse for premature infants

A recent Israeli study confirmed that the more formula milk premature babies receive, the less responsive they are. Infants receiving substantial amounts of breast milk showed better neurobehavioral profiles - in particular motor maturity. “These infants were also more alert during social interactions, and their mothers provided more affectionate touch. In addition to its nutritional value, breast milk may be related to improved maternal mood and interactive behaviors, thereby indirectly contributing to development in premature infants.”

Lack of breastfeeding associated with multiple sclerosis in later life

Although thought to be multifactorial in origin, and without a clearly defined etiology, lack of breastfeeding does appear to be associated with an increased incidence of multiple sclerosis.

Non breastfed infants have more chance of inguinal hernia

Breastfeeding is protective against inguinal hernias. For unknown reasons breastfed babies experience significantly fewer of them. Human milk contains gonadotropin releasing hormone, which may affect the development of a baby boy’s testicles.

Non breastfed low birth weight babies display reduced cognitive development

In 771 low birth weight infants, babies whose mothers chose to provide breast milk had an 8 point advantage in mean Bayley’s mental developmental index over infants of mothers choosing not to do so.

Breastfed babies display better social development

The psychomotor and social development of breastfed babies clearly differs from that of bottle fed ones and leads at the age of 12 months to significant advantages of the psychomotor and social capabilities.

Non breastfed infants have increased risk of urinary tract infections

Breastfed babies have fewer urinary tract infections than their bottle fed peers. According to one study, infants who were exclusively bottle fed were more than five times as likely to develop urinary tract infections compared with those that were breastfed

Not breastfeeding delays hand-to-eye coordination

It isn’t completely clear why, but breastfed infants are able to see and manipulate objects quicker than their formula fed counterparts. This is one of the many benefits of breastfeeding that are still being explored.

Breastfeeding protects mothers against anemia (iron deficiency)

Since many exclusively breastfeeding mothers do not begin to menstruate for a year or longer their iron stores are not depleted by monthly bleeding during this time.

Breastfeeding mothers spend less money on menstrual supplies & nappies

Many breastfeeding mums do not begin to menstruate again until 12 or more months after giving birth. That means for 12 months, many nursing moms don’t have to buy tampons, sanitary napkins, and cramp relief medication! “Multiply this by the four million US births each year to see that over one billion sanitary products annually could be kept out of our nation’s landfills and sewers. To compound the scenario, because breast milk is absorbed by babies more efficiently, breastfed babies excrete less and thus require fewer diaper changes than formula-fed babies.”

Breastfeeding is a self confidence booster for mum

There is nothing more amazing than looking at a plump six month old baby and knowing that the only nutrition this happy little creature has received has come from your own body.

Breast milk may help combat eye infections

There is evidence that breast milk could help ease the symptoms of conjunctivitis, however: in vitro tests show that colostrum, and mature breast milk, can potentially combat some of the bacteria known to cause neonatal eye infections.

Another study provides evidence that it does seem to be an effective treatment for eye infections in young babies. At a hospital in Spain, babies diagnosed with neonatal sticky eye were treated either with antibiotics or breast milk. Babies treated with breast milk generally recovered much faster: 26 out of 45 (57%) of those receiving milk had recovered after 30 days, compared with 3 out of 20 (15%) of those receiving antibiotics.

Not breastfeeding may increase blood pressure in Childhood

A 2004 study of 4763 British children showed that 7.5 years later, those who were not breastfed as infants had higher blood pressure compared with those who were breastfed. In another new study from the U.K., a small but important reduction in adult diastolic blood pressure is associated with having been breastfed as an infant.

No worry about latest ingredient discovered to be missing from formula

There is no formula that can duplicate human milk because, as the FDA recognized in a recent statement “…the exact chemical makeup of breast milk is still unknown.” “Formula-fed infants depend on products which can be quite different from each other, but which are continually being found deficient in essential nutrients… These nutrients are then added, usually after damage has occurred in infants or overwhelming market pressure forces the issue.”

Formula makes for BAD nappy changes

The bowel movements of breastfed babies smell mild and inoffensive. The same can not be said about those of formula fed babies. Try changing a few formula fed babies if you are uncertain about wanting to try breastfeeding!

Breastfed babies smell fantastic

No scientific study needed here. There is something almost magical about the scent of your own breastfed baby, whether you’re the mother or father involved. Try it, you’ll like it!

It’s what breasts were designed for!

Not breastfeeding increases risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mother

A study of reproductive and hormonal risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a cohort of 121,700 women has found a strong trend for decreasing risk of RA with increasing duration of breast-feeding.
Looking at total lifetime breastfeeding, regardless of the number of children, women women who had breastfed for between 13 and 23 months had a 20% reduction in RA compared with the women who did not breastfeed. Women who had breastfed for at least 24 months - two full years out of their childbearing years - increased their risk reduction to 50%.

Not breastfeeding increases infant’s blood pressure

Researchers at the University of Bristol determined breastfeeding might be as effective at lowering blood pressure as are low-salt diets or increased physical activity,

And the longer a child is breastfed, the greater the benefits for its blood pressure, the researchers said. When it comes to diseases related to high blood pressure, breastfeeding “is of public health importance,” they concluded.

More than 2,000 children between the ages of 9 and 15 from Estonia and Denmark were surveyed. The findings were similar for children in both countries.

Not breastfeeding increases risks of atherosclerosis

Not breastfeeding may be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis in later life according to a cohort study based on a 65-year follow-up of the Carnegie (Boyd Orr) survey of diet and health in prewar Britain.

Breastfeeding may protect against schizophrenia

Breastfed babies may have a slightly lower risk of later schizophrenia according to the results of a Danish study of 6841 individuals. Maternal schizophrenia was the strongest risk factor but no or early cessation (<2 weeks) of breastfeeding was also significantly related to later schizophrenia.

Not breastfeeding increases risk of gluten intolerance (coeliac disease)

A meta-analysis of six case-controlled studies found a 52% reduction in coeliac disease in babies breastfed at the time of gluten introduction compared with those not breastfed.

The study also revealed longer breastfeeding reduced coeliac disease risk; researchers suggested continued breastfeeding during gluten introduction might limit the amount of gluten the child was exposed to and therefore decrease symptoms.

Not breastfeeding increases mum’s risk of diabetes

The study of more than 157,000 mothers found that for each year a woman breast-fed her baby, she was 15 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the next 15 years. It didn’t matter how a woman tallied up the time; feeding one baby for 12 months or two babies for six months each worked equally well.

Breast feeding wards off bed-wetting

Children breast-fed as infants are less likely to wet the bed later on, probably because they have a developmental edge.

There is strong evidence that in many cases bed-wetting can “result from delayed neurodevelopment,” breast-feeding is beneficial because of the role that certain fatty acids passed onto the infant play in brain development.

Not breastfeeding increases hospital admissions

1385 children in Spain were followed during the first year of life. Full breastfeeding, hospital admission and other relevant variables were recorded. After estimating for attributable risk, it was found that 30% of hospital admissions would have been avoided for each additional month of full breastfeeding. It is estimated that 100% of full breastfeeding among 4 month old babies in an industrialised country would avoid 56% of hospital admissions in babies who are younger than 1 year.

Not breastfeeding may increase Autism risks

In a case-control study using data from the Autism Internet Research Survey, an online parental survey conducted from February to April 2005; results were recorded for 861 children with autistic disorder and 123 control children.

Not breastfeeding for six months was significantly associated with an increase in the odds of having autistic disorder. The use of infant formula without docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid supplementation versus exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a significant increase in the odds of autistic disorder when all cases were considered.

Not breastfeeding increases the likelyhood of mental health problems

“Breastfeeding for a longer duration appears to have significant benefits for the onward mental health of the child into adolescence,”

Dr. Wendy H. Oddy of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in West Perth and her colleagues report in The Journal of Pediatrics 2010.

The researchers found children who were breastfed for shorter periods of time had worse behaviour. Differences were seen for internalising behavior, in which negativity is directed inwards, for example depression; and in externalising behaviors, such as aggression.

For each additional month a child was breastfed, behavior improved.

Breastfeeding for six months or longer remained positively associated with the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents after the investigators adjusted for social, economic and psychological factors as well as early life events.

They conclude:

“Interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding duration could be of long-term benefit for child and adolescent mental health.”

Another study has found that babies that are breastfed for longer than six months have significantly better mental health in childhood. Researchers found growing evidence that bioactive factors in breast milk played an important role in the rapid early brain development that occurs in the first year of life.

Even adjusting for socio-economic status/their education/their happiness and family functioning, children who were breastfed for less than six months compared to six months or longer had a 52% increased risk of a mental health problem at 2 years of age, a 55% increased risk at age 6, at age 8 the increased risk was 61% while at age 10 the increased risk was 37%. The analysis is based on a scientifically recognised checklist of child behaviour that assessed the study children’s behaviour at 2, 6, 8 and 10 years of age.

Researchers concluded that children who were breastfed had particularly lower rates of delinquent, aggressive and anti-social behaviour, and overall were less depressed, anxious or withdrawn.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding

According to the AAP

“Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is the reference or normative model against which all alternative feeding methods must be measured with regard to growth, health, development, and all other short- and long-term outcomes. In addition, human milk-fed premature infants receive significant benefits with respect to host protection and improved developmental outcomes compared with formula-fed premature infants… Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.“

The American Dietetic Association promotes breastfeeding

The ADA also believes that “the bonding that occurs during breastfeeding makes it a special choice.” The ADA actively promotes breastfeeding, stating that:

“It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that broad-based efforts are needed to break the barriers to breastfeeding initiation and duration. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 12 months is the ideal feeding pattern for infants. Increases in initiation and duration are needed to realize the health, nutritional, immunological, psychological, economical, and environmental benefits of breastfeeding.”

Further reading:

The Risks of Not Breastfeeding for Mothers and Infants - Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Fall; 2(4): 222–231 states:

Health outcomes in developed countries differ substantially for mothers and infants who formula feed compared with those who breastfeed. For infants, not being breastfed is associated with an increased incidence of infectious morbidity, including otitis media, gastroenteritis, and pneumonia, as well as elevated risks of childhood obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, leukemia, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For mothers, failure to breastfeed is associated with an increased incidence of premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, retained gestational weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome.

Suck On This.

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