Wholesome Wednesday: Breast Is Best

It can't be denied that breastfeeding is far superior than formula feeding. The nutrients of breastmilk are specifically designed for each specific baby, and can not be duplicated in formula ingredients. The health benefits of breastmilk far outweigh those of formula feeding and it is proven that breastfed babies have lower instances of allergies, obesity, ear infections, doctor visits, and illnesses. The IQ of breastfed babies also tend to be higher. God designed the womb to nurture our babies for nine months and designed our breasts to nurture them for months after their birth.



With that said, I am not here to knock mothers who bottlefeed, whether due to being unable to breastfeed or by choice not to. Due to medical reasons there are many mothers who are unable to supply enough milk, babies who have dietary issues that require a special formula, or a mother on a certain medication which would make their breastmilk unsafe for the baby. In those instances it is a must to supply your baby with nourishment and if that involves relying on formula, than so be it. Those who choose not to breastfeed have hopefully researched both the pros and cons of the decision. Because let's face it, while the formula companies want you to believe that their product is just as good as breastmilk, even they must have a disclaimer on their sites stating that breastmilk is best. Too many people out there are afraid to step on toes and try to make it seem as though both methods of feeding an infant are just as good as the other. Which in turn makes breastfeeding vs. formula now a question of preference, rather than one of health. I heard one mother remark "I don't have to breastfeed as formula is free through WIC". As though breastfeeding was a matter of saving money and nothing more.



Besides the health benefits to the newborn, breastfeeding also creates a strong bond between mother and baby. While the same can happen with a bottlefed baby, it is documented that it happens much quicker between a breastfeeding mother and child. There are health benefits to the mother as well. Breastfeeding helps tone the uterus back up after giving birth and also helps the pregnancy weight fall off quicker. For every year that a woman breastfeeds the percentage of possibly getting breast cancer is decreased.



This is not to say that those who are unable to breastfeed or choose not to are going to have sickly, stupid, fat babies with to whom they haven't bonded. But their babies are going to be smart and healthy babies in spite of formula, not because of it. And there are sickly, obese children who were indeed breastfeed. But every study has founded that breastfeeding is the best start for an infant. The majority of bottle fed babies are going to turn out to be healthy little babies with a wonderful relationship with their mother. But for those who choose to bottlefed, whether for convenience of not having to be with baby 24/7, feeling uncomfortable with breastfeeding, zero support, or a whole host of other reasons...one must weigh the pros and cons. Because there are pros - you don't have to be tied down (though one who breastfeeds is just as easily able to leave baby with others by pumping or occasionally supplementing with formula), you don't have to worry about leaking breasts (this subsides within a few weeks though!), breast infections (not everyone gets them, I've nursed three babies and haven't had one yet!). For me, the cons outweigh the pros - the decreased health benefits of formula, the outrageous price, the time it takes to bottle feed (mixing formula, washing and sterilizing bottles and nipples, warming the formula). Again, I do not look down on those who choose not to breastfeed. Everyone has their reasons and everyone has what works for them, but I do not feel it is fair for many parenting magazines to say that formula is just as good for babies when it is a proven fact that it is not. It boils down to the fact that formula is not as healthy as breastfeeding. This is not a debate about whether one is a better mother for breastfeeding (of course not!) but rather of making an informed decision about the nutrition of your infant.



Breastfeeding is making a slow comeback. A hundred years ago it was basically what everyone did unless there was a medical reason they were unable to do, and then it was often done by a wet nurse or strange formulas were made up. Then, was it in the 40's?, that the formula companies and doctors started pushing the fact that formula was better than breastmilk and many women were discouraged to breastfeed. Then we had women leaving the home and going to the workplace and breastfeeding and working didn't seem to coexist. Now we are starting to get on even playing ground again. Many women who work are able to breastfeed for their six week postpartum leave, and then pump when they return to work. Studies are coming out every day providing us with the facts of how breastfeeding is the healthiest form of nourishment for an infant.

We do still have a long way to go to go as many women give up breastfeeding altogether for the sole reason of not feeling comfortable around others while breastfeeding. One could pump and offer the infant a bottle while in public to be more comfortable, but feeding our baby in public should not be frowned upon any more than feeding our baby a bottle in public should be. I grew up in a breastfeeding household and had many relatives who also breastfed so I was never uncomfortable around breastfeeding mothers and have adjusted well to feeding my own children in public. We must admit that it is rare to see a mother breastfeeding in public and so women contemplating breastfeeding don't have much to go on, unless they join their nearest Le Leche League group (highly recommended, I wish there was one near here). There are some who find it disgusting that a woman would breastfeed in public, as though it is a peep show that they may run across. Actually, breastfeeding is done conspicuously and usually baby is under a blanket so the majority of passersby don't even realize what a mother is doing and the other ones don't catch a glimpse of anything but a baby. There are many companies that make nursing clothing which makes it even easier to nurse without pulling your shirt up at all. If you choose to breastfed, do not be embarrassed at feeding your baby when he/she is hungry. Who knows, maybe you can be a breastfeeding advocate just by allowing others to see a breastfeeding mother!

How were your children fed? What was the major factor in your decision?