A century ago, most babies were breastfed. Then women entered the work force, formula was invented and the last two generations have debated the benefits of breastfeeding versus formula.
Dieticians and nutritionists agree that breastfeeding is best. By analyzing 20 studies on breastfeeding, formula feeding, and brain development, and quantifying the IQ benefit from breastfeeding, researchers found that breastfed babies had IQ’s approximately 5 points higher than their formula-fed peers. Babies nursed up to six months saw the most increase, while children who were breastfed for two weeks or less showed no IQ benefit.
Other studies show that breastfeeding protects your baby from diarrhea, respiratory problems, and ear infections. In addition, it appears that moms get benefits from breastfeeding as well; there is evidence that shows breastfeeding may reduce new moms’ stress levels, cut your risk of breast cancer and help you lose weight.
So why would anyone ever not breastfeed? There are circumstances with the mom or the infant that may make breastfeeding difficult or not an option. Thankfully, formula is a choice and then it becomes a matter of finding the right formula for your infant.
A lot of mothers have a very difficult time breastfeeding. It’s a very sad, sad feeling when you’ve just given birth, not to be able to feed your baby or have things go smoothly, struggling with a pump, on top of sleep deprivation, engorgement of your breasts, sore and bleeding nipples..it’s just not supposed to be that difficult.
Hospitals now employ lactation specialists to help the hundreds of moms having problems with breastfeeding. Before you give up, try to use all the resources you have available in your community. There are a lot of programs to help breastfeeding mothers and there are many different products like nipple covers and other tools you can utilize to help with breastfeeding.
For More Information Contact
Stacy Lofton, Pediatric Dietician
Doris Onnis, Registered Nurse and Lactation Consultant
St. Vincent’s Hospital
Contact: Liz Archer
Providence St. Vincent
elizabeth.archer@providence.org
Dieticians and nutritionists agree that breastfeeding is best. By analyzing 20 studies on breastfeeding, formula feeding, and brain development, and quantifying the IQ benefit from breastfeeding, researchers found that breastfed babies had IQ’s approximately 5 points higher than their formula-fed peers. Babies nursed up to six months saw the most increase, while children who were breastfed for two weeks or less showed no IQ benefit.
Other studies show that breastfeeding protects your baby from diarrhea, respiratory problems, and ear infections. In addition, it appears that moms get benefits from breastfeeding as well; there is evidence that shows breastfeeding may reduce new moms’ stress levels, cut your risk of breast cancer and help you lose weight.
So why would anyone ever not breastfeed? There are circumstances with the mom or the infant that may make breastfeeding difficult or not an option. Thankfully, formula is a choice and then it becomes a matter of finding the right formula for your infant.
A lot of mothers have a very difficult time breastfeeding. It’s a very sad, sad feeling when you’ve just given birth, not to be able to feed your baby or have things go smoothly, struggling with a pump, on top of sleep deprivation, engorgement of your breasts, sore and bleeding nipples..it’s just not supposed to be that difficult.
Hospitals now employ lactation specialists to help the hundreds of moms having problems with breastfeeding. Before you give up, try to use all the resources you have available in your community. There are a lot of programs to help breastfeeding mothers and there are many different products like nipple covers and other tools you can utilize to help with breastfeeding.
For More Information Contact
Stacy Lofton, Pediatric Dietician
Doris Onnis, Registered Nurse and Lactation Consultant
St. Vincent’s Hospital
Contact: Liz Archer
Providence St. Vincent
elizabeth.archer@providence.org
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