Why BF???? Isn’t formula the same?????
Why BF???? Isn’t the formula the same?????
Well, let’s lean into this. Both are liquid and both have the purpose of feeding a baby. This being said, they each provide milk but different nutrition factors and benefits.
Breastmilk has many micronutrients that formula doesn’t. Man just can not create the same perfect milk that God does.
Benefits of BF for mom
· Decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
· Decrease in bleeding after delivery.
· Help return to pre-pregnancy weight sooner.
Benefits of BF for babies
· Decreased risk of childhood cancer, diabetes & obesity.
· Decreased risk of SIDS.
· Promotes brain development.
· The most complete nutrition.
Breastfeeding allows mom to bond with her baby since she is feeding 8 or more times a day. It just makes sense if you are the one who is always feeding your baby you will naturally bond more.
Does this mean that the formula should never be given? NO! There are times when a baby must be given formula. If a mom is unable to BF due to a medical condition of the mom or the baby or both. Then the next best feeding option would be formula. Follow the advice of your healthcare provider they will know best if BF is not an option for you.
If because of a medical condition I can not BF, does this mean I can not bond with my baby as with BF? Absolutely not! You most certainly can still bond with your baby. Doing skin-to-skin with your baby after feeding. Talking, singing, and eye-to-eye contact with your baby while you bottle feed. Making feeding your exclusive job during the first four weeks of a baby’s life. All these ways can help you and your baby to bond.
So, does breast milk and formula contain the same contents? The answer to this question is yes and no. There are some contents that are in both but, there are some contents that are only found in breastmilk. So, what are the contents of breastmilk and formula?
Contents of Breastmilk
Proteins
60% Whey, Lactobacillus, Lactoferrin Lysozyme, Serum Albumin
40% Casein, Secretory IgA, and Hamlet(which is made lethal to tumors)
Carbohydrates
Lactose, Oligosaccharides
Vitamins
A, D, E, C, K, B6, B12
Riboflavin, Pantothenic, Nacin, Biotin, Inositol, Thiamine
Fats
More than 35 different fats
18 Minerals
9 Enzymes
20 amino acids
14 nucleotides
Antibiotics
Leukocytes-SIgA, IgG, IgM, IgE, Igd
23 hormones
22 growth factors
DHA/ARA
Peptides
Anti allergens
Non-protein nitrogens
Disease-fighting stem cells
Water
Contents of Formula
Protein
Whey (from cow’s milk)
Carbohydrates
Lactose
Vitamins
C, A, D3, B12
Inositol, Niacin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Hydrochloride, Thiamine, Folic Acid, Biotin, Phylloquinone
Fats
6 different kinds of fats
13 minerals
1 enzyme
2 amino acids
5 nucleotides
antibiotics none
hormones none
growth factors none
peptides none
anti-allergens none
non-protein nitrogen none
stem cells none
water
As you can see formula has no antibiotics, hormones, growth factors, DHA/ARA, peptides, anti-allergens, non-protein nitrogen, or stem cells. The formula does not have as complete nutritional contents as the breastmilk. This is why the AAP recommends breastfeeding the mom and baby if they are able. Certainly, there may be a situation where it is not possible for breastfeeding to take place. In these rare cases, the formula is then the next best option.
BF is the best and most complete food you can give your baby. If you and your baby have no medical condition excluding you from BF, then giving your milk will help the baby to be healthy today and in years to come.
Comment below ways you feel BF helped you or your baby. This may encourage someone. Remember iron sharpens iron. Let’s help sharpen each other to a peaceful haven.
