There are so many controversial topics in the parenting community. Why? Because parenting decisions are deeply rooted within intense emotions and personal experience. The top controversial topics in parenting that come to mind are breastfeeding, baby sleep tips, potty training, and of course, the heated vaccine debate. There are more of course, but those seem most prevalent these days.
As a sit here in the last weeks of my third trimester with baby number two, I cannot help but think about the great breastfeeding versus formula debate. On the one side, there are the moms who breastfeed well into the toddler years. On the other side, there are the moms who do not breastfeed or are not able to breastfeed at all. Between the two sides, there are the moms who fall somewhere in the middle.
*post contains affiliate links
Regardless of your choice as a parent, I think we are often wrecked with guilt over our choices. I, for one, often feel like a selfish mom. We all want the best for our children, and wanting the best and seeing it to fruition is easier said than done.
But what if we looked at what science and actual research said about breastfeeding vs. formula feeding rather than because someone simply said so?
As a long time follower of the blog, Science of Mom, I recently had the pleasure of buying Alice Callahan’s first book aptly named The Science of Mom: A Research-Based Guide to Your Baby’s First Year. I was beyond elated when the book arrived at my mailbox. Filled with intrigue in curiosity, I too wanted to know the answers to all the tough controversial parenting questions surrounding a baby’s first year.
Where should my baby sleep?
When should we cut the umbilical cord?
What is the truth about babies and vaccines?
And of course…
What is does science say about breastfeeding vs. formula feeding?
A brief history on breastfeeding mother’s.
One of the greatest arguments for breastfeeding is that it is completely natural. In the past, breastfeeding was the only option…right? Well, not exactly. For those who believe that all mothers make enough milk to support their baby, we know this is simply not true. Since the beginning of time there were mothers who could not successfully breastfeed their children due to low supply, latching issues, or a baby’s inability to gain weight from a mother’s milk.
What exactly did mothers in the 1800s do when they could not breastfeed?
They got a wet nurse or another family member to breastfeed their babies. Basically, another lactating woman would nourish the baby with her breast milk if the mother could not. If that wasn’t possible, babies were given cow’s milk or homemade formula using evaporated cow’s milk, water and Karo corn syrup. This is documented as early as the late 1800s and early 1900s (p. 73-74).
What are the physiological benefits of breastfeeding vs. formula feeding?
From a purely physiological standpoint, babies who are breastfeed during the first year of life experience a reduced incidence of gastrointestinal, ear and respiratory tract infections. “Breastfed infants seem to have a 25%-75% reduction in infections, with better protection associated with exclusive breastfeeding.” The main reason babies experience a reduced rate on infection is breast milk transfers immunity from the mother to the baby.
Regarding ear infections, breastfeed babies experience a reduced risk likely because “breastfeeding requires the baby to create strong pressure in a rhythm suck, swallow, breath pattern, and this is thought to keep the Eustachian tube in the inner ear aerated.”
Science also shows that breastfed babies experience a 50% reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). And lastly, breastfed babies have a lower risk of experiencing a very rare condition called necrotizing enterocolitis, in which the intestinal tissue dies (p. 77-78).
What about the emotional and attachment benefits of breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding?
While the book Science of Mom does not go into great detail on this topic, it does seem that breastfeed babies, bottle fed babies and formula fed babies experience equal outcomes in terms of attachment and emotional bonding.
The act of holding your baby, comforting your baby, and feeding your baby when they are hungry is really the foundation for establishing a strong emotional bond. It’s the constant way we—as parents—communicate to our babies that we are here for them and that we will meet their needs.
What are the long-term outcomes of breastfed vs. formula fed children?
This is an area where we do not have all the answers and more research is needed. Here is a list of conclusions we can draw currently:
— In one study comparing siblings who were formula fed vs. breastfed, there was little difference to how they turned out later in childhood (p. 78-79).
— Another study found that breastfed babies may experience fewer bouts of diarrhea and lower rates of eczema in the first year of life. When the children were seen again at age 6.5 and 11, there was no difference in BMI, obesity, blood pressure, asthma, behavior difficulties or rates of dental cavities (p. 80).
— One more study found that while breastfed babies may experience a reduce incidence of asthma in the early years, they may actually experience an increased risk of asthma later in life.
What’s the big picture?
This is a small glimpse into the science behind the breastfeeding vs. bottle vs. formula feeding debate. The book Science of Mom goes into far greater detail, including how to properly look at infant feeding research, the limitations of scientific studies, as well as cultural barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding.
Need some encouragement, mama?
Try these printable affirmation cards to fill your heart with contentment and happiness.
Here are a few conclusions that we can draw:
— Not every mother is physically able to breastfeed her baby. Lack of milk supply, latching issues, poor infant weight gain, illness, adoption, surrogacy, and beyond are all possible reasons a mother may not breastfeed.
— Breast milk is better for infants during their first year of life. It offers protective benefits to the baby’s health in infancy.
— In the long term, there do not appear to be significant differences among formula fed babies vs. breast milk fed babies.
— It’s also important to note that note all formulas are not created equal and parents should do their research before choosing a formula.
— Lastly, there is no significant difference in emotional attachment among breast fed vs. formula fed babies.
P.S. If you are interested in reading more from TheScience of Mom Book, you can click the link to see it on Amazon. And if you are interested in following along with Alice, you can visit her blog Science of Mom.
Want more on motherhood?
- Top 10 Baby Sleep Tips to Help You Get More Sleep
- 5 Sample Stay at Home Mom Schedules from Real Moms
- 5 Unspoken Truths About Being a Stay at Home Mom
- 25 Easy and Delicious Freezer Meals for New Moms
I've created a free email series just for you!
If you are struggling with feeling happy in motherhood, let me help you streamline your family's daily routines so you can enjoy your family life without the stress. Yes, really. I've seen my routines work time and time again for parents. I know it can work for you too.
This free email series will help you:
- Free sample routines for your child
- Best morning routine tips and tricks your kids will actually follow
- All-time favorite parenting hacks for getting more cooperation at bedtime
- Step-by-step guide for using a printable daily schedule with kids
Jennifer
This topic continues to be controversial, and it really does not have to be. What a mothers chooses to do is her choice. Everyone wants what is best for their baby, and the most important thing is to follow what is best for mom and baby. What is best for one mom and baby, may not be best for another mom and baby. Statistics are able to be, dare I say “swayed,” but they can be manipulated to provide the desired information. While statistics are and can be reliable I would not base what is “best” based off statistics. Do what you feel is right and works for you and your family.
Missy Maestas
I loved this article! Thank you for such a kind and reassuring approach backed by stats for all the moms out there that just want to give their best. My personal goal is to be loving and supportive to all forms of feeding and avoiding an “I’m better than you” attitude with eachother.
Lauren Tamm
Yes. Exactly!
Crystal Fulmer
Thank you! Thank you! I unabashedly gave all 3 of my littles my colostrum.. even my NICU baby, and the first milk they needed, but had to stop somewhere between week 5 and 8 each time because of the stress of frequent moves, work, postpartum depression, anxiety disorder, OCD and host of other things… I even found out later that my two boys have extremely small mouths which contributed to my frustration in nursing. I wish, oh, I wish, that I had been able to breastfeed them all for that whole first year but it didn’t work out and they are strong, beautiful and healthy. Thanks to this article, I know that my choice was ok and what was best for my family, so THANK YOU!
Kanchan
Good to know that they r healthy. Because the question is not d choice but how they grow up in life. My baby is 2.5 months. I could only breastfeed for 1 month that too one feed a day due to inadequate supply. I hope he grows out to b healthy and not lack anything in life. I am not concerned about temporary low immunity like 1st year of life. That will cross. Nothing should be permanent though.
Kimberly Palmer
Thank you for this article. One of the first I have found to give factual information for both sides of feeding babies. I have struggled with both of my children and it is a comfort knowing I am not the only one. I could only pump with my first and my milk dried up at 4 months. With my second, I am making so little that it looks I won’t make it much past a month. So difficult to stop, but gaining all the knowledge I can is helpful. Thank you.
Lilly
It doesn’t matter as long as baby is fed and happy and emotionally stimulated. I’m breastfeeding (well I’m currently hooked up to my pump at work.) but we supplemented with formula before my milk came in. It took 2 weeks because of how much blood I lost. I do want to say for anyone out there interested: it is possible to breastfeed an adopted baby. Even if you haven’t ever breastfed or it’s been a while.
Brandy Flemming
oh my gosh, I am so happy to hear another mom tell me that you can INDEED breastfeed a adopted baby! 🙂
Faith
Dear Lauren Tamm,
There were various opportunities in my parenting class where we could argue whether bottle feeding or formula was better. No could truly say that one is better than the other as u said there are no significant difference between the two. With formula, the family or a caretaker can feed the baby, there are no diet restrictions for the mother and family members are able to bond with the baby when feeding. However, it does not provide the same protection from infections as breastfeeding, it is time consuming to prep the bottles sanitize and test the temperature of the milk as well as can be costly. The issue with formulas causing digestive problems such as constipation and gas is also addressed in your blog.
Breastfeeding on the other hand is free, helps create a bond with the mother and baby as well as it is readily available. I believe if the mother is able to provide the food the baby needs then why not. But like you said other mothers may not have a choice because of lack of milk supply, latching issues, poor infant weight gain, illness, adoption, surrogacy, and beyond are all possible reasons a mother may not. I just have a few questions as a student and out of curiosity. If a mother chooses to breastfeed, How often should the mother breastfeed? How will the mother know whether the baby is getting enough milk? And since there are any types of formulas. What type of formula is the best for a baby?
Anna
Hi there I ve been breastfeeding my third child since 14 months. My other two kids I also did. I am a professional child care specialist living in Europe. What u can say from my own experience is to follow the baby’s needs. Baby doesn’t cry the same way if it’s hungry or if it is something else.It is essential to believe that you can breastfeed and to not have fear. No matter if two weeks or one year if it’s always good to do. Regarding to the formula milk I would recommend to pay attention to ingredients. At the end to not have stomach problems the feeding position is important, and a good bottle easy to clean.
Kim
This information is beyond inaccurate. It’s truly saddening to read articles written by lay women about breastfeeding. As a certified lactation consultant and nurse with years of experience in maternal and child health, I’m horrified by the information you are spreading. STOP THE LIES.
David
If it is inaccurate, please clarify the inaccuracies found in this article. Without this clarification, it is difficult to take your comment seriously. It would also help to fuel an educational debate on the topic.
ash fleming
It seems, Kim, that you are only reading the medical lit on this topic that suits your billable hours! Because in fact, many studies have shown you cannot tell the difference in children as they age. I’m a developmental researcher and was a teacher for 10 years prior. I promise you, 1000% you’re adding stress onto families that is UNNECESSARY. I had classrooms of 22-24 children, and I knew some where breastfed (some still were even at 3.) Guess what? Neither I, nor any of the other teachers in our program could tell the difference. What did make the difference in kids development and learning? Parents that READ books to them. Parent’s that were engaged in their daily life and took an interest (without going overboard) in their education and time at school. Also, happy healthy parents made happy, healthy babies in most cases. Breastmilk is somehow touted as the “magical pill” against obesity. Well, as a medical professional, you should know a little something called CORRELATION, not CAUSATION, right?! Probably not, because you just like to read the research that sells your services, of course. The research actually shows (as well as the hundreds of kids I saw in my teaching days) that overweight parents are more likely to raise overweight children, formula or breastmilk is completely irrelevant for that. Please, for the love of women everywhere, especially if you consider yourself a feminist, understand correlation vs causation!! Every single research article has more “behind the scenes” that MATTER in interpreting the data. Sorry for the rant, but I cannot take this anymore. I have loved ones that have lost babies because “lactation consultants” told them their milk would come in fine, and within days babies were dead. Please be for babies and moms, not some agenda.
Jennifer Brunson
I am so sorry to say this because I know that people don’t want to hear that feeding your infant formula is detrimental to their health. Unfortunately, your article is not accurate and you are perpetuating false information. There are documented lifelong differences between formula and breastfed infants. Formula feeding should only be used when there is no other option. This is not simply a lifestyle choice, this is a significant public health concern. Your source material for this article is just plain wrong, the standard for evidence based data is a peer reviewed journal with quality research. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a very strong position statement on breastfeeding that details the extensive evidence that formula feeding increases the rate of autoimmune disorders, diabetes, leukemia, SIDS… the list goes on. Please read it for yourself before giving mothers false reassurance about formula feeding.
It makes me very sad that we say breastfeeding grants benefits. The truth is that breastfeeding infants are the baseline and formula fed infants have increase rates of infections, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and neurodevelopmental deficits.
Please refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics position statement on breastfeeding. I am a Clinical Nurse Educator and feel a moral obligation to correct the misinformation you have published.
A critically thinking mom
I have three children. The first two never had a drop of formula, but my third, for some reason (possibly due to a lip tie we found out later) could not transfer enough milk via direct nursing, and by a month old my supply dwindled and she started to become dehydrated. Nursing her was extremely painful. Despite seeking help from an LC, I developed crippling anxiety surrounding nursing, which affected my let-down reflex, even while I was building back my supply. She eventually started rejecting me. I pumped for awhile, but got sick of pumping and by month 6 and a half she was on all formula. I shed countless tears over it, but although I grieved the loss of the nursing relationship I had wanted, my daughter is perfectly fine. She’s over 3 now and not one ear infection. Rarely sick. Tall for her age and perfectly formed. VERY bonded to me….she didn’t like it when other people fed her a bottle for awhile. And I’m not saying all this simply out of bias. I refuse to let anyone convince me that she was harmed by 6 months of formula (which btw I chose an organic formula that is free of the junk that is in other formulas). My firstborn who never had formula is autistic and has issues my daughter has never had. So you can take the AAP and their position statement and shove it. They don’t know everything, and breast milk does not have that much power over someone’s future. Sorry.
Jane
I was breastfeed as a baby…well I have severe Crohn’s disease. No family history at all of the disease. My daughter was breastfeed for 14 months and continually sick. I’m pregnant with my second and I’m consider formula as I suffering severe pregnancy depression due to the fact I would have to breastfeed again. All these people who shove breastfeeding down everyone’s throat needs to back off. I almost killed myself over breastfeeding. I hated it and never connected with my daughter. I actually resented her. Once I stopped it’s like my happiness came back and I started to truly love her. I think it’s better to have a happy mom then one who doesn’t care about the baby as they are only focused on the way they are fed.
Emma Gedge
I always look for great informative article and I find your article well-written and best for our understanding, thanks for sharing this with us. I will definitely share it others.