This is the post that almost wasn’t. If you’ve ever read my blog here, you know that I advocate breastfeeding whole heartedly. I do not believe that formula is just as good and I believe that many women who think they “can’t” simply didn’t have the support necessary to continue. Many of you have written me personally to tell me that I’ve helped you to continue by providing good information and support. (To those of you who have written me, I offer a big heart felt thank you–I’m so glad I could help.) But neither have I said that breastfeeding is the only way to do things. I advocate that it is better nutrition, but feeding your infant does not make or break you as a mother. It is simply one of many facets of parenting.
However, I do like to bring out recent research in this blog and this particular study was published in the most recent Journal of Pediatrics. I have not actually read the study but have read commentary on it by other doctors. Essentially, the study says that many of the benefits of breastfeeding are over stated. I have my doubts. But first I have to point out that this study is significant because it is the first longitudinal study to compare formula fed vs. breastfed infants through 6.5 years of age. Essentially, it concluded that there is no benefit to infant/maternal attachment (bonding) and that there really aren’t that many health benefits associated with increased breastfeeding. The point wasn’t to discourage moms from breastfeeding but rather to say that we don’t need to make up benefits that don’t exist.
And to that I say–ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I will concede (and have often said) that bonding is not a one time event. Moms can bond with their babies just fine if they bottle feed. I do feel that often times people misunderstand what is being said about the health benefits of breastfeeding as well. I always get a comment or two about how their child was formula fed and was perfectly healthy. That is a misunderstanding of statistics though as you cannot build a statistical argument on just your kids. With that said, I strongly suspect that perhaps this study was funded by someone with monetary interest in the formula industry. To not say that there are significant health benefits to breastfeeding over formula feeding is just. . .well. . .a step backwards.
Should moms who bottle feed feel guilty? No–infant feeding is one small part of your baby’s life. Granted it is an all consuming part of your life in the beginning but it is just a season. However, again I say: let’s be honest about breastmilk vs. formula.
Are you looking for breastfeeding information and support? You can PM me with specific questions or check out my Breastfeeding Index to see if I’ve already answered your question!
Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, solves breastfeeding problems, shares parenting tips, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as a regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.
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