Harried, sleep deprived new parents who are desperately wishing that their baby came with a instruction manual are happy to see that at least there is no ambiguity when it comes to formula instructions, its all there in black and white. Infant formula is less stressful when compared to breastfeeding for a lot of new parents because they come with clear, easy to follow instructions. Their doctor can tell them how much to feed the baby, and they can see how much baby is drinking.
Though breastfeeding is a natural act, it is also learned behavior. There is a learning curve to breastfeeding and mothers often need reassurance and support while they learn to breastfeed. Some of the myths surrounding exclusive breast feeding for six months are that it is only for "poor people, who do not have access to clean water", or that "breast milk is not enough".
WHO in its infant feeding recommendations states:
"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 breastfed1 for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health2.Formula is not "normal", breast milk is the perfect food for the baby. In addition to providing adequate nutrition it promotes cognitive and sensory development in addition to both long term and short term health benefits for mother and child. Breastfeeding is for everyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
Thereafter, 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."
A WHO sponsored expert review (Butte, Lopez-Alarcon, Garza. 2002) evaluated the nutrient adequacy of breast milk for exclusively breastfed full term infants in terms of growth, neuro development and immune response and found that :
- Breast milk provides adequate energy and protein for the first 6 months
- A well nourished mother can provide adequate Vitamin A and B6 for the first 6 months, if the mother is under nourished/ deficient corrective measures need to be taken.
- Vitamin D levels were found to be insufficient in breast milk indicating the need for adequate exposure to sunlight or Vitamin D supplements
- Calcium requirements for the first 6 months are met by breast milk regardless of the mothers diet
- Iron and Zinc levels in breast milk are adequate for the first 6 months of life when subsidized by prenatal stores. Infants will need additional iron and zinc from complimentary foods or supplements after 6 months to meet nutritional requirements.
If you are interested in learning more about infant and young child nutrition this link will take you to WHO's "Infant and young child feeding: Model Chapter for textbooks for medical students and allied health professionals" that has a lot of information and scientific references.
The kellymom.com website also has a list of benefits (along with scholarly papers) of breastfeeding. This link will take you to the Kellymom resource page.
UNICEF has started the Baby Friendly Initiative, a global accreditation program (involving both UNICEF and WHO) to provide a framework for implementing evidence based standards of practice. This link will take you to their breastfeeding research overview that lists the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies. If you are interested in getting accreditation with the Baby Friendly Initiative this link will take you to the Baby Friendly Initiative standards.
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