Over the years, we’ve seen trends come and go with regards to breastfeeding.

Changing Popularity of Formula Feeding Vs. Breastfeeding Over the Years

In the 1950s, commercial baby formula became available. Like all things new and convenient for the average mother during that time and propelled by strong marketing campaigns and women joining the workforce, formula was embraced as the new way to feed infants which eventually pushed breastfeeding out of favor. But the 1980s brought new information to light about the benefits of a mother’s natural milk and during subsequent years, there have been many fluctuations in the popularity of breastmilk vs. infant formulations.

Health Organizations Are All in Agreement

One thing we do know, however, is that there are many benefits of breastfeeding, both for babies and for moms. Health organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization have confirmed that breastfeeding is the best choice for the child for the following reasons:

Nutritional excellence – breast milk contains everything an infant requires for the first six months of life with the exception of Vitamin D. A mother’s breast milk even changes with a baby’s age and changing nutritional needs.
Antibodies – breast milk contains antibodies that assist in the fight against bacterias and viruses during that fragile first year.
Protection from germs – breast milk offers a greater immune response and protection from infections and diseases.
Obesity – studies have shown that breastfed babies have a 15% to 30% lower risk of childhood obesity when compared to formula-fed babies.
Brain development – studies suggest that breastfeeding enhances brain development in babies compared to formula-fed babies.
Ease of digestion – for many babies, formulas are much more difficult to digest than breast milk.

The Benefits for the Mother

Not only is breast milk superior for a baby but breastfeeding is important to the mother as well.

Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract after childbirth. The uterus will do this during a process called involution. The hormone oxytocin that is secreted by the body during childbirth helps with this. Continued breastfeeding also increases oxytocin to help with this process.
Physical contact between a mother and child is important for infants, enabling them to feel more secure. Skin to skin contact during breastfeeding boosts oxytocin levels which also help calm the mother.
Studies have also shown that breastfeeding for over a year can reduce a mother’s risks of breast and ovarian cancers by nearly 28%.

Formula is a Good Alternative if Breastfeeding Isn’t Possible

There are times when it is challenging or not physically possible for a new mother to breastfeed her baby. The good news is that today’s formulas are far superior to those of the past and more closely resemble a mother’s milk nutritionally. Mothers who cannot breastfeed can have peace of mind knowing that new commercial formulas come very close to duplicating breast milk with the right combinations of nutrients for their baby.