Breast is Best

Since I was a little girl watching my mom nurse my baby sister, I knew I would do the same. I had no idea that in the 70s and 80s nursing was no longer in fashion and my mother was breaking rules and choosing to do what was best for us, instead of what was best for her.

It makes me terribly sad to know that even though we have a plethora of information out there regarding the benefits of breastfeeding, some are still choosing to give their infants formula. I do understand that there are circumstances where formula is the only option (a friend of mine's sister with breast cancer just had her son, and he will be formula-fed while she undergoes chemotherapy) but for the rest of us, there just aren't that many good excuses.

If I told you I had a potion that would help to prevent your child from developing allergies, diabetes, obesity, etc- would you give it to your baby? That's what breastmilk is. It helps to prevent so many things because it is packed full of antibodies. It is also much less expensive than formula- a whopping $1200-2500 per year less, in fact, depending on whether you can use the generic store brand or have to go for one of the specialty brands. And not breastfeeding is responsible for annual health-related costs of over $3.6 billion. Breastfeeding is also responsible for releasing a couple of "mothering" hormones- prolactin and oxytocin- which are essential to relaxing and just loving on your baby. And the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastmilk as the primary source of nutrition for the first year of baby's life.

Recent studies regarding formulas, and the fact that no one will release brand names, are alarming. For example, one study by the CDC shows that some 15 of the US's most popular formulas have rocket fuel components in them. How is that legal?!?

And even though an article was written recently about the so-called Case Against Breastfeeding, which cited some obscure studies and ignored relevant ones, a retort to that article was written that goes in depth about the benefits of breastfeeding. If the formula companies are claiming that their products are inferior to breastmilk, who are we trying to kid? Formula is an expensive, inferior option.

Studies have shown that the higher a woman's education, the more likely she is to breastfeed her child. And interestingly, in Third World countries, women who breastfeed are assumed to be in poverty. Formula has been presented as the wealthy family's opportunity, which is consumately sad. I had a friend serving as a missionary in Thailand. As she nursed her baby, a woman came to her and said, "Aren't you an American? Don't you have any money?" My friend tried to explain that nursing was better for her baby, but the lady didn't understand because formula is so tied up in the socio-economic status of the country.

Breastfeeding is not easy, though. It takes time and understanding and there is a learning curve involved. It can be painful at time (during the early weeks) and time consuming. But there is nothing sweeter, in my opinion, than a baby at breast. Most states allow nursing in public. My own state of South Carolina legalized it about 3 years ago. Unbelievable, huh? Our culture is so wrapped up in sexuality and the improper usage of breasts that it is hard for people to watch a baby nurse at the breast. An interesting article was written discussing that very thing. I have the personal belief that if you can turn on TV and see a mostly exposed breast and not be offended, I can sit in a restaurant and nurse my baby and you should not be offended.

All in all, breast is best. Thousands of articles about breastfeeding can be cited to prove this. But you will also need some support- from friends, family, and your spouse. Studies have shown that women who are not supported at home will be more likely to quit breastfeeding. And let's not forget about Dad's feelings- he may feel left out due to not being able to quiet and comfort baby. There are lots of things going on emotionally and physically in regard to breastfeeding. Just know that it is the best choice for you and your baby.