Babies fed directly from breast may be at less risk for ear infections
Feeding at the breast may be healthier than feeding pumped milk from a bottle for reducing the risk of ear infection, and feeding breast milk compared with formula may reduce the risk of diarrhea, according to a recent study. Ref. Source 9w.
Breastfeeding associated with better brain development, neurocognitive outcomes
A new study, which followed 180 pre-term infants from birth to age seven, found that babies who were fed more breast milk within the first 28 days of life had had larger volumes of certain regions of the brain at term equivalent and had better IQs, academic achievement, working memory, and motor function. Ref. Source 3t.
Breast milk sugar may protect babies against deadly infection
A type of sugar found naturally in some women’s breast milk may protect newborn babies from infection with a potentially life threatening bacterium called Group B streptococcus, according to a new study. These bacteria are a common cause of meningitis in newborns and the leading cause of infection in the first three months of life globally. Ref. Source 1x.
From mother to baby: 'Secondhand sugars' can pass through breast milk
Add breast milk to the list of foods and beverages that contain fructose, a sweetener linked to health issues ranging from obesity to diabetes. The proof-of-concept study involving 25 mothers and infants provides preliminary evidence that even fructose equivalent to the weight of a grain of rice in a full day's serving of breast milk is associated with increased body weight, muscle and bone mineral content. Ref. Source 7b.
I think more mothers should make themselves aware of the food they are eating can cause issues with their children through breast feeding. On another note look at what all is in some of the baby formulas that are out there. Are any of these same chemicals in them? If so then can we really place the blame on mothers who do breast feed their children? I think breastfeeding is still the best bet.