Dr. Jeff Hersh says breast feeding remains superior to baby formula. Here's why
Q: With all the advances made in baby formula, is it better to feed your baby that than breast milk?
A: No, and I'm asked this question a lot. In general, when breastfeeding is possible, it is best for both baby and mom. Specifically, the antimicrobial aspects of breast milk and its benefit to the baby’s immune system (from the living cells, growth factors and immunoprotective substances in it), as well as its ideal balance of nutrients and other factors (for example, factors that promote gastrointestinal function and development), make it ideal for newborn infants.
Breastfed babies have:
Fewer infections, including lower incidences of pneumonia, ear infections, urinary tract infections and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC, a disease that affects about 1 in 1,000 babies, is more common in premature babies and which is the most common surgical emergency in newborns).
Improved digestion, including better stomach emptying and improved intestinal motility.
Lower incidence of obesity later in life.
Decreased risk for certain cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma.
Decreased incidence of certain allergies.
Decreased incidence of Type 1 diabetes.
Improved neurodevelopment, including better vision, better hearing and improved cognition, and some newer research suggests an association with the baby doing better in school later on in life.
Less stress.
There are also benefits for mothers, including:
Faster recovery after giving birth.
Enhanced weight loss after delivery.
Longer period of time before menstruation returns.
Decreased risk of certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers.
Less stress.
There may be reasons why someone cannot breastfeed, such as having certain infections (e.g., active hepatitis B or C infections, HIV in someone not on antiretroviral therapy that is successfully suppressing the virus, others), being on certain medications (e.g., certain antineoplastic medications, certain anti-seizure medications, others), taking drugs of abuse, contraindications due to the infant’s condition (e.g., certain birth defects) and others. However, the overwhelming percentage of new mothers can breast feed.
Most breast issues are not contraindications to breastfeeding. Women who have had breast surgery (including breast reduction or augmentation) should discuss this with their health care providers. Women with very small breasts or nipple issues (inverted, flat or rigid nipples) can be taught specialized techniques to ensure successful breastfeeding.
And, of course, there may be some practical consideration limiting the ability to directly breastfeed, such as mothers having to work or having other obligations that may interfere with breastfeeding. However, when these kinds of issues arise, mothers can still try to pump breast milk to maximize its availability for the baby’s nutrition.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. surgeon general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many medical and public health groups and I all recommend breastfeeding. For the first six months of a baby’s life, breast milk is the ideal nutrition. As the baby’s intestines mature by age 6 months or so, solid foods can slowly be introduced (one at a time, to see how baby reacts to each food) while breastfeeding continues, until at least 1 year of age or longer.
Planning is an important step. Speak with your obstetrician to be sure the hospital where you're going to deliver supports breastfeeding (over 90% do), has teaching available for you, has your baby sleep in your room so you can start breastfeeding immediately, and has breastfeeding support available after discharge (only about a third of hospitals have this, but this support can come from mom’s GYN doctor or the baby’s pediatrician). The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends pre- and post-natal education, behavior-oriented counseling, practical skill training (including problem solving techniques for barriers that may arise, for example sore or dry nipples, other) and ongoing support for women to breast feed.
If you're pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, you should learn about breastfeeding. There are many books you can read, friends and health care providers you can speak with and support you can contact (for example, the USDA Food WIC breastfeeding support website https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/).
The most important thing to give your baby is love, but of course there are many other things you can do to improve the chances that they will be healthy and happy. One of these is breastfeeding. Despite advances in baby formula, breastfeeding is still the best choice for both baby and mother. They each should be monitored after birth to ensure baby is getting adequate nutrition (there is adequate milk production by mom and intake by baby), and if issues are identified that they are appropriately addressed.
Jeff Hersh, Ph.D., M.D., can be reached at DrHersh@juno.com.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Dr. Hersh explains why breastfeeding remains superior to baby formula
