Breast feeding has many health benefits for bothmom and baby.Naturopathic Doctor Iris Grattan, recommendsbreastfeeding exclusively as it can return the mothers uterus to its normalsize Can delaythe return of menstrual period.Decrease the risk of breast and ovarian cancerWomen that breastfeed can burn more calories,which can help with loosing all that baby weight.A mother’s milk contains natural nutrients such asfatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and proteins. These nutrients promote brain development,healthy intestinal flora, decreases unhealthy bacteria found in the gut and hasanti-inflammatory functions.Breast milk contains active white blood cellsand natural chemicals which helps protect newborns from infections.
Babies that are breastfed are less likely tohave ear infections, Diarrhea, pneumonia, bronchitis and viral infectionsInfant formulas are a man-made supplement forbabies and are typically made with cow milk and have been altered to have thenutrients as breast milk but in most cases, it is not nutritious. The clean label Project- a non- profitorganization conducted a study on 530 infant formulas and discovered that 80%of the formulas tested positive for arsenic They alsofound lead, acrylamide, cadmium and Bisphenol A (BPA)In 2010, Similac formula had recalled 5 millioncans of powdered formula due to a possible incidence of a beetle InFrance, nearly 8 tons of formula that was shipped to China, Greece, Peru andPakistan was recalled after 26 infants became sick with salmonella poisoning. In 2008, in China, 6 children died afterconsuming baby milk contaminated with Melamine, an industrial chemical Transition:now that we know more about formula lets look at the different health risks itcauses for children Per the World Health Organization, arsenic hasbeen linked to developmental defects, cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity,diabetes and childhood leukemia.Children with low levels of lead in their bloodhave lower IQ’s slower growth, behavioral problems and anemia.
Babies that drink formula are more likely to havean unhealthy childhood and can possibly die during infancy and childhoodBabies who are exclusively formula fed have ahigher risk of SIDS.Babies are more prone to middle ear infections.Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach andintestines) is another common issue babies will face because of drinking formula. Conclusion:In conclusion, breast milk has the best source of nutrientsfor babies, as it contains vital nutrients and is easy to digest. Breast milk can promote a healthy childhood. Formulas are man made and contain manydifferent ingredients, some good and some that are harmful. There is always achance of getting a bad batch of formula.
Lastly, Babies can be breast feed upuntil age 2 but its recommended to exclusively breast feed for the first 6-12months
