Is formula feeding less beneficial to my baby's health compared to breastfeeding?

Upon receiving a positive pregnancy test, a woman is often advised by her doctor to breastfeed if she wants the best for her baby. While breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for both mom and baby, sometimes things don't go as smoothly as expected, leaving moms feeling guilty about turning to formula as an alternative. Breastfeeding difficulties or concerns about milk supply can leave moms unsure about whether or not they made the right choice. With an overwhelming amount of breastfeeding information available, it can be challenging to navigate and determine what's best for you and your baby. Regardless of where you're at in your feeding journey, it's difficult not to feel like you're falling short of your intentions.

Breastfeeding Benefits:

Infants who are breastfed can reap both short and long-term advantages. These include a decreased risk of infections due to the presence of antibodies in breast milk, fewer instances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), reduced occurrences of allergies such as asthma and eczema in childhood, lower chances of developing diabetes and obesity in adulthood, as well as higher IQ and academic performance.

However, this does not imply that parents should be concerned if they need to use formula. In reality, most babies receive some formula at some point. In the United States, 75% of infants have consumed formula by the time they reach six months of age.

The Evidence Behind Breastfeeding Studies

The benefits of breastfeeding are often associated with advantages that children from wealthier families have, such as higher IQ and lower levels of illness. Therefore, it can be difficult to determine the true benefits of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding and IQ

Numerous studies have shown that breastfed babies have an IQ that is about four points higher than formula-fed babies. However, a study published in the British Medical Journal analyzed 5000 children aged five to 14 and found that the difference dropped to 1.6 IQ points when researchers controlled for wealth. When the mother's IQ was also taken into account, the difference was only 0.5 points. Additionally, when researchers compared siblings, one breastfed and the other not, the IQ point difference dropped to 0.02 points.

Breastfeeding provides protection against infections

Breast milk is known to contain antibodies that can help protect infants from various infections such as gastroenteritis and ear infections. This is especially significant for premature babies who are more vulnerable to infections due to their underdeveloped immune systems. In fact, many hospitals have breast milk banks specifically for premature babies to ensure they receive this protective benefit. However, it's important to note that healthy, full-term babies are generally able to fight off minor infections regardless of how they are fed.

Breastfeeding and SIDS

Breastfeeding has been linked to lower rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which can understandably be a concern for parents who are considering using formula. However, while studies have found a correlation between breastfeeding and lower rates of SIDS, the exact reason for this link is not clear. What is clear is that following safe sleep guidelines is the most important factor in reducing the risk of SIDS. This includes providing a safe cot that is free from loose bedding and toys. Additionally, mixed-feeding has been found to be almost as protective against SIDS as exclusive breastfeeding. If you have any concerns, it's always a good idea to speak to a health professional who can provide reassurance and guidance.

Siblings and Breastfeeding

Studying siblings within families is an important way to understand the true benefits of breastfeeding. These studies compare children who were brought up in the same family and in the same circumstances, where at least one child was breastfed and one was not.

One example is a study conducted at Ohio State University which analyzed 1700 siblings aged four to 14. When comparing across families, the breastfed children had lower rates of obesity and asthma, as well as higher levels of intelligence and educational achievement. However, when comparing siblings within families, the differences were found to be very small. This highlights the importance of considering other factors, such as genetics and environment, when examining the benefits of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding and Mothers

Breastfeeding can have positive impacts on the health and well-being of moms as well. It is believed to aid in faster weight loss after birth, as it can burn an additional 300 calories per day. However, weight loss can be individual and not guaranteed for every breastfeeding mother. Both breastfeeding and formula feeding mothers can face challenges with weight loss, and a healthy diet is key for both.

Breastfeeding has also been linked to lower risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis in mothers. A year of breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 4.3%.

Breastfeeding can also be a lovely and calming experience for mothers and their babies, which can help strengthen the bond between them. However, bonding with your baby is not limited to feeding time and can occur during playtime or simply by spending time together.

Ultimately, bonding with our babies comes naturally as we care for and love them. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and your baby, whether that be breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both.

Formula, A Healthy Alternative?

Formula was developed as an alternative to breastfeeding when mothers experience difficulties with milk production or feeding issues, such as a tongue tie or physical conditions like PCOS, hyperthyroidism, or previous breast surgery. Additionally, some mothers may struggle to breastfeed for emotional reasons. This option allows families to choose what works best for them. In the past, when breastfeeding was not an option, babies whose mothers could not breastfeed were given untreated cow or goat milk or a mixture of bread and water known as "pap," which often resulted in harmful bacterial infections. Some mothers could afford to hire a wet nurse or have a friend or relative help feed their baby. However, prior to the invention of formula in 1865, only one in three babies who were not breastfed survived to their first birthday in the UK. Formula has provided a lifesaving option for babies who would have otherwise not survived.

Using Formula Due To Medical Reasons

Formula can sometimes serve as a helpful aid for both mothers and medical professionals due to medical reasons.

According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2018, babies who were losing significant amounts of weight after birth were found to benefit from small formula top-ups. These infants, who received a top-up after each breastfeeding session, were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital due to weight loss.

Additionally, jaundice is a common occurrence in breastfed infants, particularly when the baby is not receiving enough milk due to low supply or a physical issue such as tongue tie, and the mother is not aware of the issue. Although mild jaundice is not harmful, severe cases can lead to brain damage, and prompt treatment is necessary. Doctors often recommend formula top-ups to manage jaundice and prevent hospitalization.

Can babies be safely fed with formula?

In developed nations, where access to clean water is available to everyone, formula feeding is generally considered safe. However, it must be prepared carefully by following the instructions on the packaging and using sterilized bottles and equipment. Incorrectly preparing formula can be harmful to infants.

This is one of the reasons why global health bodies like the World Health Organization recommend breastfeeding until the age of two. In developing nations, where access to clean water is limited, formula feeding can pose a risk.