Breastfeeding is more than nourishment, it is a gift to woman and her baby. The world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7 annually to raise awareness of its importance and needs.
With uncertainty surrounding the benefits of formula milk, Focus explores the differences between breast and formula milk – and which one is best for your baby.
Babies need a variety of nutrients, essential for growth and development. Breastmilk and formula milk are two of the most important supplements, an important source of calcium and protein.
Not only is breast milk the very first and best supplement for any newborn baby, but it also fights against allergies and sickness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding as the best option for babies, especially during the first six months.
But breastfeeding may not be possible for all mothers, for personal or medical reasons. And although formula milk does not have the same benefits of breast milk, it is the only healthy alternative that provides babies with the nutrients they need.
Focus did some research on both forms of milk, looking at how both can have an effect on your baby. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each method can also help you to make a rational decision for what is the best for you and your baby.
The benefits of breastfeeding:
Nutrition and ease of digestion: All the nutrients that exist in breast milk – lactose, protein and fat – help your baby to grow and all are easily digested by a newborn.
Different nutrients: Normally, a breastfeeding mother needs up to 500 extra calories per day, which should come from a variety of well-balanced foods. Whatever you eat, you will introduce your baby to different nutrients that you have eaten, through your breast milk.
Convenience: Breast milk is always fresh and available wherever and whenever you are. Nor do you need to fight with your partner to wash bottles and nipples or warm up bottles in the middle of the night…
Intelligent babies: According to the the Canadian Institute of Health Research, children who were breastfed showed more improvement in cognitive development, as measured by IQ and teachers’ academic ratings.
This is just one study, however, and it is not to say those who aren’t breastfed, are no less intelligent – but the nutrients within breastmilk are certainly helpful for cognitive growth.
Benefits for the mother: The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said that breastfeeding can lower the chance of breast cancer by reducing exposure to hormones such as estrogen, which are linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Possible challenges of breastfeeding:
Pain: Breastfeeding can hurt, especially during the first 10 days, but only for a minute or so. But if your nipples or breasts are sore, it’s a good idea to get help from a doctor.
Time and frequency of breastfeeding: It requires a strong commitment from mothers to go through the breastfeeding stage, especially in the beginning, when babies feed often. A breastfeeding schedule can make it harder for some moms to do daily work, run errands and travel.
Diet: It is good to remember that your baby will also consume what you eat and drink, through your breastmilk. Breastfeeding moms must be aware of what they eat and drink, since these can be passed to the baby through their breast milk.
Maternal medical conditions: Medical conditions can pose a threat to breastfeeding. It is highly recommended to check with a doctor if you are unsure of what effect your specific condition may have when breastfeeding.
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