Breast Vs. Bottle. Your opinions?

[Xithras]

Poll question: Breast Vs. Bottle. Your opinions?

I'm expecting kid #3 in a couple of months, and my wife wants to bottle feed this one. She breastfed the first two, but she also took a year off work after each was born. With this one she wants to cut her leave to three months, and wants to bottle-feed because of it. I'm trying to talk her into pumping, but she doesn't want to deal with the hassle and says there's nothing wrong with bottle feeding. She points to the newer formulas like Enfamil Lipil or Similac Advance and says that formulas have improved and are nearly equal to breast milk.

I've been looking for data on the breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding issue, but have only turned up crusty old studies taken decades ago that don't address modern formula's, so she wont listen to them. I was also attacked by a good friend of hers (and a radical feminist) for trying to impose my "parochial and patriarchal views" on a woman who "obviously doesn't want to be milked like a cow for some mewling parasite" (I really wanted to strangle her for that one, but I did the proper thing and walked away...my wife doesn't need that stress right now).

This issue honestly has me torn between wanting to respect my wifes wishes, and wanting to do what's best for my new baby. Can anyone help? What are your opinions on the issue?

[redqueen]

1. Breast is best

It's not that much of a hassle either. I used a double pump with a refrigerated section for storing the milk. Break times are perfect opportunities to pump.

Kudos on not ******** that ****, btw. :)

[MissMillie]

2. I wouldn't really say you have *NO* say in the matter, but...

Her say definitely trumps yours.

I bottle-fed my son (17 years ago). He had colic and for whatever reason he seemed to like the bottle better.

Lots of kids have been bottle-fed over the years, and I'm sure they're just fine.

[stellanoir]

4. contact the LeLeche League

It's a really supportive "cult" of breast feeders.

Nothing can beat the immunities provided by breast milk. It's far more difficult to deal with heating the bottle in the middle of the night than feeding naturally.

But I agree, it is her body. Yet the child is both of your's.

Fundamentally, breast feeding is easier and healthier. Breast fed kids are less prone to infections and viruses.

The heating of formula and treating of disease is, in the end, far more arduous than the natural alternative.

[redqueen]

6. They're also smarter

At least one study indicated as much. You know how that goes, though.

[politicat]

88. Me: bottle baby. Sisters: breast.

I'm the genius in the family (157 IQ, graduated from HS at 16 with most of an AA under my belt, got my double degree bachelors at 19, my double master's at 23....). I'm also significantly healthier - I don't have the thyroid and parathyroid issues as badly as my sisters have; I have had a much easier hormonal life than they have. I've got better eyes, a stronger immune system, and better teeth and gums.

My sisters are not stupid, by any means (121 and 115 respectively, both had very good grades in HS and have done well in college, but have dropped out) but we're not in the same league intellectually.

We had identical medical, educational and dental care from infancy on. We're genetically as similar as non-monozygotic siblings can be.

I'm not saying that breast feeding is the sole cause - I know that being the eldest helped a lot since I had far more early childhood attention from the various adults than they had. However, saying that breastfeeding makes for smarter babies....

The local gifted and talented school where I've mentored has been taking this data for the last ten years. They believed that initially, but have come to question that conclusion.

Politicat

[Lerkfish]

79. I dunno about that...

my son was bottle fed and is healthier, stronger, and taller than any other kid in his class.
He rarely gets sick, even when other kids do.

I think that's a myth, frankly that pro-breast feeding advocates like to use to pressure mothers into breast feeding, because it plays on fears: "if you don't breast feed your child will be more prone to infections and viruses".

I disagree, I think every case is individual, and the health of the child is the result of a variety of factors, including environment and nurturing, genes of the parents, etc.

[mrboba1]

3. breast milk is better.

my kids had fewer (like none) ear infections, were sick less, etc. than kids that were bottle fed. What would be better than milk from the same species? That's why it's built that way. But, aside from that (which are really just inconveniences in the long run) formula isn't going to harm them, unless you overfeed them (which is easier to do with bottles.) I don't think there's going to be a huge difference when they're 30.

[Hoping4Change]

5. Do you know about La Leche League?

The La Leche League International mission is: To help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.


The following is their breastfeeding information page.



http://www.lalecheleague.org/bfinfo.html

[Xithras]

25. Thanks for the link.

I'd never heard of them (being a man, breast-feeding has never been particularly high on my priority list). It looks like they have a lot of useful info there...hopefully they'll have a recent study of some kind.

[Hoping4Change]

29. Your welcome

My sister who breastfed her kids had excellent help from Laleche.

If you can't find what you are looking for on at the site you can contact them http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Insurance/Insureyourhealth/P91657.asp

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

7. Beer Vs Boobs?

Boobs win every time!

Got to have your priorities!

[cheezus]

11. if only beer came out of boobs...

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

14. ggggrrrgggllllllllllllll....

[slutticus]

64. LOL!!!!

My thoughts exactly!!!

I was always wondering how to spell ""ggggrrrgggllllllllllllll...."!

[Xithras]

21. LOL! We'd have a nation of drunken infants...

...and very happy fathers :evilgrin:

[Radical Activist]

31. If we can land a man on the moon...

why can't we make beer come out of boobs?! Come on!

Ok that was my sexist pig statement of the day. Thank you. :)

[cheezus]

46. ale is the new silicone!

i bet it COULD be done

[SarahB]

8. I'd always vote breast.

Overall, formula fed babies are sicker (yes, I know there are exceptions, but it is true overall and if you click the link, there's the studies to prove it) especially in daycare. Statistically, either of you are far more likely to miss work because of that if she goes with formula feeding. Those new formulas have added DHA, an important element for brain growth that breast milk has NATURALLY, but like all formulas there are no protective immunological benefits.

There are other options than entirely formula feeding. You can combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding. The first few days, she might be a bit sore and full at work, but eventually, her body will adjust and make less milk at that time of day. That way, she could nurse in the mornings, evenings, and nights. Ideally though, she could also pump 2 or 3 times during her work day. A good quality double pump will only take about 15 minutes.
Ultimately, it's her body and her decision, but breast is most definitely BEST!

101 Reasons to Breastfeed:
http://www.promom.org/101/

Breastfeeding and feminism:
http://www.promom.org/bf_info/wababf.html

[mrboba1]

12. this is true.

After a while, my wife breast fed only 2x per day - morning and night. This still gives the excellent benefits while not having to deal with the middle of the day!

[Xithras]

16. THANK YOU for that second link

I'll make sure to forward that to my wifes friend. She seems to be under the impression that breastfeeding is simply a way to domesticize women by forcing them to exclusively care for the feeding of their children. She argued that "real feminists" support bottle feeding because it allows child rearing to be shared by both parents.

Anyone know what NOW's official stance is on this? I have to deal with this woman regularly and it would be nice to show her just how offbase her opinion really is.

[redqueen]

18. I thought that crap went out in the 70's

:wtf:

[SarahB]

22. NOW is VERY supportive of breastfeeding and laws to protect it.

http://www.now.org/nnt/05-98/breastfd.html

[k in IA]

30. I'm sorry but that is just a load of crap. Talk about fighting nature.

Why are we mammals then?

[Xithras]

34. I didn't ask what her logic was

Personally, I consider breatfeeding to be a simple continuation of the nourishment process begun during pregnancy. If I'd pursued the issue with her, it would have just led to a huge fight that I didn't feel like having so I let it drop.

As much as I respect her right to have her own opinions, it honestly took all of my will to restrain myself when she referred to my baby as a "mewling parasite" in front of my other children. If I had my way, she'd never be allowed in my house again.

[k in IA]

36. Does she have kids? I would guess (or hope) not.

I think you displayed nice restraint.

[redqueen]

38. I think he showed UNBELIEVABLE restraint.

And I'd never let that ***** near my kids again. Just reading about this ticks me right off.

:grr:

[Xithras]

42. Yes, one. She doesn't have custody luckily.

She's just an all around interesting person. She actually used to be bi until about a year ago, when she swore off men completely, divorced her husband, declared herself a born-again lesbian, and went on this real amazonian anti-man kick. The courts took her son away shortly afterwards when her husband proved (with witnesses) that she was being psychologically abusive to the kid.

She's only around because she and my wife have been friends for nearly 20 years (since elementary school) and they were very close in the past. My wife seems convinced that she can bring her back from the dark side (her exact quote) and refuses to abandon her.

I respect my wife enough to keep my mouth shut. I think she'll fail, but she needs to find that out for herself. I certainly don't want to create the illusion that I am the reason that she's seperated from her friend of two decades. I'm pretty sure that something happened to her (physically or mentally) that we don't know about which caused this change in her personality, but if the change has lasted this long I'm not holding out much hope for a reversion.

[k in IA]

48. I'm afraid for her son's psychy. The stuff she said sounds like the spew

Limbaugh spreads about Femi-$%#@'s that I had never heard of anyone ever believing.

[tigereye]

82. wha?

never heard that one. You need to do what works for you. I did both breast and bottle and pump at work up til my son was about 10 months, and the whole nine yards. My child was very healthy with no ear infections until he went to kindergarten.

Breast is really good, but it doesn't work for everyone ( some of my friends had a lot of trouble), and no one should be made to feel guilty either way. The point or feminism was for women to make choices that worked for them.

[Red State Rebel]

9. I Breastfed and only had 3 months also...

I just weaned her when it was time. At least that way they get the immune boosting at a crucial time - right after birth. Plus it is supposed to help/eliminate colic.

[yellowcanine]

10. I am still pissed at my Mom for not breastfeeding me. Who knows

how much better my life could be now?

[rbnyc]

13. I'm breastfeeding, and I'm only taking 6 weeks leave.

If she breast feeds for even the first week, that's way better than none at all. But I plan to pump when I return to work. I really think it's healthier for the baby to get breast milk, and moms who breastfeed lose weight quicker.

;-)

[NicoleM]

63. Don't count on that.

The weight loss, I mean. Some people don't lose their pregnancy weight until they *stop* breastfeeding. I've been BFing for 4.5 months and I haven't lost a pound.

[rbnyc]

87. Yikes.

Oh Well. I've only gained 20 pounds anyway, so I'll live. I was kind of hoping tho that somehow I'd come out of this more fit than I was before.

;-)

[radwriter0555]

15. Formula is FINE... your baby will be perfectly fine and perfectly healthy

and happy on a bottle, and even MORE important, so will your wife.

The advances in nutritional formula are fantastic, and the benefits to your wife are immeasurable.

To be tied by a tit is a burdensome thing, with 2 other children and you to take care of. Formula is remarkably liberating for both you and your wife.

I know many men who have encouraged their wives to breast feed, just so they have the perfect excuse not to get up for those middle of the night feedings. I'm sure you're not one of them, but after 3 kids, your wife deserves some slack.

She's clearly a great parent, or else you wouldn't keep reproducing with her, so differ to her best judgement. Mom and baby will be just fine.

[redqueen]

17. I have to ask

Why is it more important for the wife to be happy than the baby?

[regularguy]

33. Because you can't have a happy family without

happy, sane parents.

[SarahB]

19. Just wondering.

Do have any medical studies to back this up? I mean, if there are, it would be great to see. Opinions are not science. Not trying to flame here, but make sure you know what you're saying.

Most people over 35 didn't ride in carseats and are fine too. It doesn't mean it's the best thing to do.

[mrboba1]

20. response to this:

I know many men who have encouraged their wives to breast feed, just so they have the perfect excuse not to get up for those middle of the night feedings.

Whenever our baby cried in the night, I would get up and bring the baby to my wife, who then fed them. She then took them back to bed. If this is a concern to your wife, you (Xithras) could offer that as well.

[SarahB]

26. Exactly.

Men can change diapers, bathe babies, etc. Yes, in the first year, they are more tied to their mothers, but the role of fathers is very important in child development and rearing, especially often involving later socialization skills as they get older.

[Xithras]

28. I did that with our first two...for less altruistic reasons

With my first two children, I always brought them in if they started crying so that she could feed them. I did that because if she picked the baby up, she'd never take them back to the nursery and they ended up in our bed all night. After rolling over onto my daughter twice (the myth that you can't roll onto your own children is just that), I started carrying them to and from the bed myself.

I did it to save MYSELF from feeling guilty every time I did that (we have a very fluffy bed, so the babies were never in any real danger of being squished, and I ALWAYS woke right up when I did it).

[k in IA]

23. If she breastfed for 2 months and then went to the bottle she would still

be giving the baby a great gift. She doesn't have to do it for a year. She doesn't have to pump at all. When you switch, you could switch to formula.

Also, at 2 or 3 months it is still relatively easy to switch the baby to a bottle. I had two kids that I missed the window to switch by not trying until around 6 months. They never took a bottle and just went straight to sippy cups at 1.

Every day is helpful but when it just gets too difficult it is best to switch. Breast milk is different every day and adjusts to the baby's needs which is something formula can't duplicate but they have gotten much better.

Since this is baby 3, I'm sure she already knows that breastfeeding should help with losing weight and getting the uterus back to the right size.

Pumping at work is really a pain. If I were you I would drop that right now.

The baby could take bottles of formula during the day but she could even still nurse at night (if she wanted to) because sometimes it is easier and you get more sleep, along with just having that special bonding time. That can also be tiring and mean the nights are all her responsibility which is great for you but can suck for her. Some nights you could bottle feed formula.

It doesn't have to be one or the other.

Good Luck. Don't push her.

[trotsky]

24. We have one of each.

Our firstborn never did get the boob routine down, and so he was formula-fed. Soy at first, since the milk-based stuff really did a number on his system. Then milk-based when he could handle it.

Our second child, a girl, was exclusively breastfed for the first 3 months, then breast/bottle mix.

Both children had about the same amount of colds during their first few months of life, but the breastfed one had a LOT more ear infections. Go figure.

[Veggie Meathead]

27. Breast feeding is best because, in addition to the many

advantages listed by people on this thread, this milk comes in very attractive containers!

[ArkDem]

32. It makes me gain weight.

[slinkerwink]

35. downside to breastfeeding::: your tits sag more after that

[Dookus]

39. LOL

literally.

[k in IA]

41. They say that pregnancy not breastfeeding causes that.

[SarahB]

49. You're right. Everyone's breasts grow in pregnancy

That's the real cause. Some of us who had a lot to start with would have had to get surgery to remain "excessively perky" past the age of 15. My breasts don't have to look artificial or like a teenager's to be beautiful. They are beautiful as they are. I spent years breastfeeding and they are still quite nice in my not so humble opinion as is the rest of me. I'm enough of a feminist that I wouldn't make health related decisions for my children based upon artificial cultural standards of beauty.

[k in IA]

51. Damn right, SarahBelle.

I haven't heard any complaints and, it he had any, I think he is surely smart enough to keep them to himself.

[redqueen]

74. So well said!

"I'm enough of a feminist that I wouldn't make health related decisions for my children based upon artificial cultural standards of beauty."

:yourock:

[Pithlet]

55. Actually, that's not true.

It's the pregnancy that does a real number on them. But, if you wear a very supportive bra during pregnancy and the entire time you breastfeed, it should minimize it some. I've always worn a good bra without fail, even to bed, and saggage hasn't been a problem for me, and I'm even larger than average in the boob department. Genes are also a factor, too.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

60. Damn

don't I know.

[Ganja Ninja]

37. Nutritionally I can't say which is best.

But from my observation of the cows my neighbor owns, if you put on a lot of weight during pregnancy, breast feeding will help you take it off.

[Book Lover]

40. Breast is best, but

it is a real hassle to be tied to a baby at the breast so often; I can only imagine it with two other children around. Pumping (I do *NOT* recommend a hand pump; it's expensive, but I really, really recommend an electric pump) lets her keep up her supply and lets you feed the baby every once in a while (like at the 4 am feeding, which may I remind us all comes a mere three or four hours of sleep after the midnight/1 am feeding ).

I am dying of curiosity to know what your wife said to the "friend" who called the fetus in her womb a mewling parasite. Some "feminist" indeed.

[Xithras]

44. Disappointingly, nothing

My wife is a serious pacifist and isn't the confrontational type, so she just asked our kids to leave the room. I love the woman dearly, but it would have been nice to her her get angry just that once. I couldn't get angry (out loud anyway) because if I had, I'd have said or done things that I'd have seriously regretted later.

That woman has a habit of finding the most sensitive spot she can and digging her heel into it simply for the joy of watching you squirm (or so I believe anyway). It's entirely possible that the whole feminism angle was just a front used to try and get me mad.

But this is a bit OT. I could devote an entire thread to her and the joys of my weekly run-in's with her, but this one is about breastfeeding :)

[Book Lover]

45. Well, at least

you are married to the polite one. Best of luck with the new baby!

[jus_the_facts]

43. formula is FULL of chemicals...all processed foods are....

....soy has been proven to fluctuate hormone levels and can be hazardous in developing babies....breastfeeding ensures your baby will have a stronger immune system and when the mother is eating healthy there usually aren't any problems with the baby refusing to breastfeed....stay away from ALL processed foods as they add chemicals that are intentionally developed to be addictive and change brain chemistry exclusively to tease the brain into becoming addicted....we're already exposed to way to many chemicals in daily life and it's my opinion from observation that formulas are developed nowdays to begin destructive behaviors as early as possible...just look at the increase in childhood obesity as of late...just my quasi educated opinion on the subject. :)

[HalfManHalfBiscuit]

50. Mother's milk is full of chemicals

You may be shocked, but chemicals are everywhere. Even in your body! The horra!

[jus_the_facts]

52. Yeah I said that in my post.....

....we're already exposed to way to many chemicals in daily life.. :eyes:

[sir_captain]

84. Are you serious?

First off, literally everything one ingests is some sort of combination of chemicals. There is nothing wrong with chemicals--you'd be dead without them.

Secondly, where are you getting this idea that all processed foods have addictive additives? Other than caffeine, I really can't think of any...

[jus_the_facts]

86. oh ever hear of PRESERVATIVES like EDTA ?

.....there was an expose on 60 Minutes or Frontline about how most processed foods are all the SAME and are configured into different forms....there are natural chemicals and there are man made chemicals that are used in processing foods that aren't healthy....I read a book by a neurologist in Mississippi several years ago that listed several chemicals found in food today...that over a period of time causes damage to your brain and also tease it into causing cravings therefore *addiction*....so don't bother trying to insult my intelligence...thank you and good day! :think:

[sir_captain]

89. No one is insulting your intelligence

there's no need to be defensive.

There's a big difference in your suggestion that processed foods are less healthy and have preservatives than the suggestion that you first made that processed foods *all* contain designer chemicals that induce addiction. I'm not really sure what your point about EDTA is. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is certainly a common preservative, and there's some suggestion that it has mutagenic effects and could possibly cause kidney damage, but I've never seen any literature suggesting that it is addictive. What's this book you read? I'd be curious to check it out.

Also, cravings are an entirely different matter from addiction. I crave chocolate sometimes, but I am hardly addicted to it.

[jus_the_facts]

95. here ya go...

http://www.healthpress.com/~healthpr/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=96&osCsid=e0c3d0545180700fd012e8e8043f4cb0

snip

Mike Wallace of "60 Minutes" and his research team used the book Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills, as one of their sources to report on the increasing evidence of a brain tumor connection. Their December 29, 1996, program didn't, however, delve into the enormous epidemic of illness caused by the increasing use of these substances. Dr. Blaylock's book exposes it all in detail--from the questionable history of "approvals" in the 1970s and the 1980s to the increasing body of evidence showing serious brain effects, government inaction, and industry propaganda and cover-up.

The use of aspartame, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and monosodium glutamate in prepared foods and beverages continues to increase on a yearly basis. Dr. Blaylock clearly demonstrates that the neurotoxic potential of excitotoxins such as MSG and aspartame (NUTRASWEET ) is so overwhelming that it can no longer be ignored.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
A Crash Course in How the Brain Works - Very Special Amino Acids - What Is an Amino Acid? - Exciting Cells to Death - Effect of Excitotoxins on the Developing Brain - Creeping Death: The Neurodegenerative Diseases - Alzheimer's Disease: A Classic Case of Excitotoxin Damage - Seizures - Headaches - Brain Injury - Strokes: Ischemia-Anoxia Hypoglycemia - AIDS Dementia - Aspartame, Brain Tumors and the FDA

[sir_captain]

96. Thanks

there's no doubt that there's all sorts of crap in the food we eat that shouldn't really be there...

[jus_the_facts]

97. You're welcome....

.....an informative and interesting read....especially after I saw an interview with an *expert* on the Today show not long after readin' this book...say that the whole issue of Neutrasweet...discovered and pattented by Monsanto btw....was ALL just a rumor and the doctors that spoke out against it were fictitious...well I KNEW better because I'd actually gone to the library and checked out his book!!! :crazy:

[liontamer]

47. has she considered pumping her milk

It's an inconvenience, but breast milk is actually better. It's understandable that she doesn't have the time to actually breastfeed, but this could be a good solution.

[Deja Q]

53. Stick to the boobies. Don't pay Gerber Corporation any more than you must.

I know some moms have difficulty in making the mom-moo, but the natural stuff not only has the vitamins, there won't be any preservatives and other chemicals.

[ChoralScholar]

54. I agree breast feeding is most likely better

but do not make her feel like a failure or a bad mother because she can't or won't breastfeed.
Our little boy wouldn't breastfeed, and our local health department nurses made my wife feel like a complete failure because it just wasn't happening.

Here's something to consider, when you take a look at a room full of new kindergarten kids, you can't tell who was breast or bottle fed or who was potty trained first. What you CAN tell however, is who comes from a family filled with love, who gets read to by their parents, and who has to follow a set of rules at home.

Don't get me wrong, breastfeeding is important, and it is best, but don't let anyone tell you it's the be all and end all. It's not. It's just the first step in a long line of influences we have on our children.

Not only was I not breastfed, I was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, and fed nothing but orange juice for the first two weeks of my life by very stupid and neglectful biological parents.

I have an IQ of 151 and am halfway through a master's degree, so, you be the judge: will the kid's hope to be intelligent or a well adjusted individual end if you don't breastfeed? No.

We don't have as much control over a child's mental development as we'd like to think. If it's gonna happen, it'll happen. We can spend the rest of our lives going "What if" this or that, but it works both ways.

For the kid who was breastfed and is intelligent and well adjusted, WHAT IF he had been bottle-fed? Why, he might have been more intelligent and more well-adjusted...

Thats the messed up thing about life. We just don't know. No one does. Just do the best you can with the hand you're dealt.

</soapbox>

[Gothic Sponge]

56. I'll take Breasts over alcohol any day!

;)

[Pithlet]

57. Even breastfeeding for a short period of time

is better than not breastfeeding at all. It really is best, and on top of that, I think it is more convenient, particularly during the newborn stage. Not having to worry about bottles during the first three months, which are the most intense, is worth it alone. It is easier to just whip it out at 3 am rather than get up and fix a bottle.

Once she goes back to work, there is always the option of bottles during the day, and breastfeeding at night.

Another great perk for mommy is it delays the time that her period comes back. I'm still nursing my 9 month old, and I haven't had a period since Januray 03 :D (sorry if TMI). It also helps her tummy shrink faster.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

58. As someone who did both with one baby

I do have to say, can she breastfeed for at least the first few months? Or even the first few weeks?

That colostrum that comes in at first is AWESOME, just packed with antibodies!

My daughter got that at least, before I wimped out (I am ONLY referring to myself, not making a judgement on any other women!!).

This is a REALLY volatile issue for some women, so tread lightly. I've seen entire websites dedicated to debating this ONE issue and it gets very heated.

I say help her shoot for at least breastfeeding at FIRST. Definite health advantages.

[Lerkfish]

81. why are you a "wimp"?

I wouldn't take the pro-breast feeding insults to heart. You're a good mother, whether you bottle feed or breast feed. To refer to yourself as a "wimp" just perpetuates the condescending opinions of others...why make "judgements" of the mothers at all?

this is what I hate about this issue.

(no offense to the poster)

[LoZoccolo]

59. I chew on pens all the fucken time.

And never drank from a boob.

Do the right thing.

[arwalden]

61. Skim... In A Carton Please

[fortyfeetunder]

62. Six years later, it's still paying off

I am probably part of the extreme, but I let my young 'un nurse as long as he wanted, and he let go a couple of months before his 4th birthday. Cold turkey. Said to me one day, I don't want to nurse anymore...and I thought "hallelujah!". Never came back to this dairy queen.

He's in school now, and extended breastfeeding did have a direct payoff, the kid is rarely sick. He had two very mild ear infections as a baby. In his K class, there were at least 4-5 bouts of strep throat this year, but he never caught it.
`

[slutticus]

65. Aren't there some immunological advantages...

...to breast feeding?

My friend (who recently had a kid) mentioned that to me. I don't know the details tho...

[SarahB]

70. Many and others

http://www.promom.org/101

[NicoleM]

66. As a currently-lactating woman

I say let her do what she wants. Sometimes breastfeeding is just a tremendous PITA. If I had a job, I wouldn't have the energy to do that and pump every few hours. And if I had a job and two other kids, forget it.

I haven't lost the baby weight, the baby was colicky, and he's already had two colds (he's 4 1/2 months old). There are no guarantees.

[radwriter0555]

73. EXACTLY. Mine had colic at 6 weeks, and the formula I switched her to

seemed to alleviate it, actually.

Breastfeeding is terribly overrated, like that whole natural childbirth thing. We have the technology to ease the burdens of these issues, and to make life a little easier for everyone. There is no sense in suffering in this day and age.

I KNOW breastfeeding has benefits, but genetics is what the whole immunity thing is all about.

[redqueen]

75. Genetics is not what the whole immunity thing is about

Sorry, but it's just not true. Google 'colostrum'.

[radwriter0555]

80. Then explain the woman who breastfed one who had more colds than the kid

on the bottle.

Cite all the studies you want, but walk into any classroom in the USA, stand there for an hour and then point out which kids were bottle fed and which were breast fed.

Ya just can't tell the difference.

[SarahB]

83. Anecdotal stories are not science or research

If you make statements like this- prove them! I know I can. Not to mention the pediatric health care professionals in my family who would refute that. Most bottle fed kids are healthy, but we're talking variables of probability here. Why don't you cite some studies? Uh, let me guess. There are none to back up your opinions.

Here's mine:

Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition
"Human milk is uniquely superior for infant feeding and is species-specific; all substitute feeding options differ markedly from it. The breastfed infant is the reference or normative model against which all alternative feeding methods must be measured with regard to growth, health, development, and all other short and long-term benefits."
A.A.P. Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk (RE2729)

Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of breast cancer
It's been known for several years that breastfeeding is associated with lower rates of pre-menopausal breast cancer. Now a new study from China has concluded that a woman who breastfeeds for 24 months of her life has only half the risk of developing breast cancer as a woman who breastfeeds for 1 - 6 months. Protection increases to 75% for those who breastfeed for a total of 109 months. This held true for both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal cancers.
Zheng et al, "Lactation Reduces Breast Cancer Risk in Shandong Province, China" Am. J. Epidemiol. 152 (12): 1129
Newcomb PA, Storer BE, Longnecker MP, et al. "Lactation and a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer." N Engl J Med. 1994;330:81-87

Formula feeding increases baby girls' risk of developing breast cancer in later life
Women who were formula-fed as infants have higher rates of breast cancer as adults. For both premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer, women who were breastfed as children, even if only for a short time, had a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who were bottle-fed as infants.
Freudenheim, J. et al. 1994 "Exposure to breast milk in infancy and the risk of breast cancer". Epidemiology 5:324-331

Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q.
Human breast milk enhances brain development and improves congnitive development in ways that formula can not. One study has found that the average I.Q. of 7 and 8 year children who had been breastfed as babies was 10 points higher than their bottle fed peers. All of the children involved had been born prematurely and tube fed the human milk, indicating that the milk itself, not the act of breastfeeding, caused this difference in I.Q. level.
Another study to support this statement was done in New Zealand. An 18-year longitudinal study of over 1,000 children found that those who were breastfed as infants had both higher intelligence and greater academic achievement than children who were infant-formula fed.
Horwood and Fergusson, "Breastfeeding and Later Cognitive and Acadenic Outcomes", Jan 1998 Pediatrics Lucas, A., "Breast Milk and Subsequent Intelligence Quotient in Children Born Preterm." Lancet, 1992; 339:261-262Vol. 101, No. 1
Morrow-Tlucak M, Haude RH, Ernhart CB. "Breastfeeding and cognitive development in the first 2 years of life". Soc Sci Med. 1988:26;635-639

Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby's immune system.
Formula provides neither of these benefits. "Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses because human milk transfers to the infant a mother's antibodies to disease. About 80% of the cells in breast milk are macrophages, cells that kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Breastfed babies are protected in varying degrees from a number of illnesses including, pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, staphylococcal infections, influenza, ear infections, and German measles. Furthermore, mothers produce antibodies to what ever disease is present in their environment, making their milk custom-designed to fight diseases their babies are exposed to as well."
Williams RD, "Breast-Feeding Best Bet for Babies", U.S. Food and Drug Administration Statement: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/895_brstfeed.html
Koutras, A.K., "Fecal Secretory Immunoglobulin A in Breast Milk vs. Formula Feeding in Early Infancy". J. Ped Gastro Nutr 1989.

Breast milk is more digestible than formula
"Babies can digest human milk more easily than the milk of other animals, probably because human milk contains an enzyme that aids in this process. Breast milk forms softer curds in the infant's stomach than cow's milk (the basis for most formulas) and is more quickly assimilated into the body system. While it contains less protein than does cow's milk, virtually all the protein in breast milk is available to the baby. By contrast, about half the protein in cow's milk passes through the baby's body as a waste product. Similarly, iron and zinc are absorbed better by breastfed babies."
The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos Olds, Copyright 1972, 1987 Comstock, Inc., Workman Publishing Co., Inc., 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Baby's suckling helps shrink mother's uterus after childbirth
"Nursing will help you to regain your figure more quickly, since the process of lactation causes the uterus (which has increased during pregnancy to about 20 times its normal size) to shrink more quickly to its pre-pregnancy size. "
The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos Olds Copyright 1972, 1987 Comstock, Inc., Workman Publishing Co., Inc. 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
The uterus of the non-breastfeeding mother will never shrink back to its pre-pregnant size. It will always remain slightly enlarged.
Chua S, Arulkumaran S, Lim I et al. "Influence of breastfeeding and nipple stimulation on postpartum uterine activity." Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1994; 101:804-805

Baby's suckling helps prevent post-partum hemorrhage in mother
Nursing her baby causes the mother's body to release oxytocin, which stimulates contractions which help shrink the uterus back to pre-pregnancy size while expelling the placenta. These contractions also shut off the maternal blood vessels that formerly fed the baby and discourage excessive bleeding. Women who choose not to breastfeed must be given synthetic oxytocin to insure against hemorrhaging.
Chua S, Arulkumaran S, Lim I et al. "Influence of breastfeeding and nipple stimulation on postpartum uterine activity." Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1994; 101:804-805

Nursing helps mom lose weight after baby is born
Breastfeeding requires an average of 500 extra calories per day.
Dewey KG, Heinig MJ, Nommwen LA. "Maternal weight-loss patterns during prolonged lactation. "Am J Clin Nutr 1993;58:162-166
Breastfeeding mothers generally lose weight faster than bottle feeding moms. "They experience quicker slimming of the abdoment, and decreased risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer, as well as osteoporosis."
Statement by American Dietetic Association
Mothers who breastfed exclusively or partially had significantly larger reductions in hip circumference and were less above their pre-pregnancy weights at 1 month postpartum than mothers who fed formula exclusively."
Kramer, F., "Breastfeeding reduces maternal lower body fat." J. Am Diet Assoc 1993; 93(4):429-33

Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants
"Milk produced by women who deliver prematurely differs from that produced after a full-term pregnancy. Specifically, during the first month after parturition, pre-term milk maintains a composition similar to that of colostrum.."
Hamosh, Margit, PhD, Georgetown University Medical Center "Breast-feeding: Unraveling the Mysteries of Mother's Milk".

The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend it
"...breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; ... it forms a unique biological and emotional basis for the health of both mother and child; ...the anti-infective properties of breast milk help to protect infants against disease; and ... there is an important relationship between breastfeeding and child spacing".(Emphasis added)
(See The WHO/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes).

Breastfeeding protects against Crohn's disease (intestinal disorder)
Crohn's Diease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation extending into the deeper layers of the intestinal wall. It is difficult to treat, but several studies have shown that breastfeeding may help babies avoid developing the disease.
Koletzko S, Sherman P, Corey M, et al. "Role of infant feeding practices in development of Crohn;s disease in childhood." Br Med J. 1989;298:1617-1618
Rigas A, Rigas B, Blassman M, et al. "Breast-feeding and maternal smoking in the etiology of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in childhood." Ann Epidemiol. 1993;3387-392

Formula feeding increases risk of baby developing type I (juvenile, insulin-dependent) diabetes
There are many studies linking development of juvenile diabetes to lack of breastfeeding. The results of a recent study in Finland suggest that at introduction of dairy products at an early age, and high milk consumption during childhood increase the level of cow's milk antibodies in the children's systems. This factor is independently associated with increased risk of insulin dependent diabetes.
Virtanen et al: "Diet, Cow's milk protein antibodies and the risk of IDDM in Finnish children." Childhood Diabetes in Finland Study Group. Diabetologia, Apr 1994, 37(4):381-7
Mayer, EJ, Hamman RF, Gay EC, et al. "Reduced risk of IDDM among breast-fed children". Diabetes, 1988;37:1625-1632
Virtanen SM, Rasanen L, Aro A, et al. "Infant feeding in Finnish children <7 yr of age with newly diagnosed IDDM" Diabetes Care, 1991;14:415-417
Gerstein HC. "Cow's milk exposure and type 1 diabetes mellitus". Diabetes Care. 1994;17:13-19
Borch-Johnson, K., et al., "Relation between breastfeeding and incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus". Lancet 2:1083-86 (1984)

Breastfeeding baby helps decrease insulin requirements in diabetic mothers
Reduction in insulin dose postpartum was significantly greater in those who were breastfeeding than those who were bottle feeding.
Davies, H.A., "Insulin Requirements of Diabetic Women who Breast Feed." British Medical Journal, 1989

Breastfeeding may help stabilize progress of maternal endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease in which the endometrial tissue in a woman's body begins to form in places other than her uterus, such as on her ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outer surface of the uterus. This tissue continues to function like uterine tissue would in the uterus, and sheds once a month during the woman's menstrual cycle. Since there is no vaginal outlet for this blood and tissue, painful complications, including sterility, may result. There is much clinical research showing that pregnancy temporarily stops the progress of this disease. Many women say that the disease also seems to be alleviated by breastfeeding. It certainly makes sense that the delay in the return of a woman's menstrual cycle would be desirable in preventing the endometriosis from starting up again. Some women even claim a permanent cure. After nursing her children for a total of 27 months, one woman stated, "Even today, my periods are still regular, my ovulation normal and predictable, and I have forgotten that pain, like a fist in the stomach that used to keep me awake at night so often".
Annie Havard, "Breastfeeding - a cure for endometriosis", Allaiter ajourd'hui, Quarterly Bulletin of LLL France, No. 25, Oct. - Dec. 1995

Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing ovarian cancer
Based on the research, for every 1.6 women who do not breastfeed, only one woman who does will develop ovarian cancer.
Gwinn ML, "Pregnancy, breastfeeding and oral contraceptives and the risk of Epithelial ovarian cancer." J. Clin. Epidemiol. 1990; 43:559-568
Rosenblatt KA, Thomas DB, "Lactation and the risk of Epithelial ovarian cancer". Int J Epidemiol. 1993;22:192-197
Schneider, AP "Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer". New England Journal of Medicine, 1987.

Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing endometrial cancer
A World Health Organization study has shown that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the less likely she is to get endometrial cancer.
Rosenblatt, KA et al "Prolonged lactation and endometrial cancer" Int. J. Epidemiol. 1995; 24:499-503
Petterson B, et al. "Menstruation span- a time limited risk factor for endometrial carcinoma". Acta Obstst Gyneocol Scand 1986;65:247-55

Formula feeding increases chances of baby developing allergies
"Breastfed babies have fewer allergies than artificially fed babies, This is especially important if your family has a history of allergies. Many babies are allergic to cow's milk formulas. some babies are even allergic to soy formulas. Breastfeeding protects against other allergies, such as atopic eczema, food allergies , and respiratory allergies."
Wiggins, PK , Dettwyler, KA" Breastfeeding: A Mother's Gift", July 1, 1998 ed., Chapter 1, L.A. Publishing Co.
Merrett, TG, et al., "Infant Feeding and Allergy: Twelve Month Prospective Study of 500 Babies Born in allergic Families." American Allergy, 1988; 13-20
Lucas A, Brooke OG, Morley R, et al. "Early diet of preterm infants and development of allergic atopic disease: randomized prospective study". Br Med J. 1990:300:837-840
Halken S, Host A, Hansen LG, et al. "Effect of an allergy prevention programme on incidence of atopic symptoms in infancy". Ann Allergy. 1992;47:545-553
Saarinen UM, Kajossari M. "Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years old." Lancet. 1995;346:1065-1069

Breast milk lowers risk of baby developing asthma
Breastfed babies have lower risk for developing recurrent wheezing when they are older (age 6 or more).
Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Med., July 1995

Formula feeding increases baby's risk of otitis media (ear infections)
"Otitis media is up to 3-4 times more prevalent in formula-fed infants".
Aniansson G, Alm B, Andersson B, et al. "A prospective cohort study on breast-feeding and otitis media in Swedish infants". Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1994; 13:183-188
Duncan, B et al "Exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months protects against Otitis Media", Pediatrics 91(1993): 897-872
Kovar MG, Serdula MK, Marks JS, et al. "Review of the epidemiologic evidence for an association between infant feeding and infant health." Pediatrics. 1984:74:S615-S638
Saarinen UM. "Prolonged Breast Feeding as prophylaxis for recurrent otitis media." Acta Paediatr Scand. 1982;71:567-571

Formula feeding may increase risk of sudden infant death syndrome (S.I.D.S.)
There are a number of studies showing a link between lack of breastfeeding and S.I.D.S. It has been found that for each month of breastfeeding, the chance of S.I.D.S. is reduced by 50% compared to formula fed babies.
Fredrickson, DD et al., "Relationship between Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Breastfeeding Intensity and Duration." Am. Journal of Diseases in Children, 1993: 147:460
Ford RPK, et al ."Breastfeeding and the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome." International Journal of Diseases in Children, 1993, 22(5):885-890
Taylor BJ, Mitchell EA, et al. "Breastfeeding and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Int J. Epidemiol. 1993;22:885-890
Mitchell EA, Taylor BJ, Ford RPK, et al. "Four modifiable and other major risk factors for cot death: the New Zealand Study"J Paediatr Child Health. 1992;28:S3-S8
Scragg LK, Mitchell EA, Tonkin SL, et al. "Evaluation of the cot death prevention programme in South Auckland." NZ Med J. 1993;106:8-10

Breastfeeding protects baby against diarrheal infections
Numerous studies have shown that diarrheal infections are much more common in formula-fed babies. This is true throughout the world, despite a common misconception that only people living in areas with contaminated water need be concerned with this issue. Such infections are more likely to be fatal in developing nations, but all formula-fed infants are at greater risk than their breastfed peers.
Kovar MG, Serdula MK, Marks JS, et al. "Review of the epidemiologic evidence for an association between infant feeding and infant health." Pediatrics. 1984:74:S615-S638
Dewey KG, Heinig MJ, Nommsen-Rivers LA. Differences in morbidity between breast-fed. "Differences in morbidity between breast-fed and formula-fed infants." Pediatr. 1995;126:696-702
Howie PW, Forsyth JS, Ogston SA, et al. "Protective effect of breast feeding against infection." Br Med J. 1990;300:11-16
Popkin BM, Adair L, Akin JS, et al. "Breast-feeding and diarrheal morbidity." Pediatrics. 1990;86:874-882
Beaudry M, Dufour R, Marcoux S. "Relation Between infant feeding and infections during the first six months of life." J Pediatr. 1995; 126:191-197

Breastfeeding protects baby against bacterial meningitis
Meningitis is an infection which causes the inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a type of bacteria called Hemophilus influenzae type b (HiB). Breastfeeding is protective against infections caused by this bacteria, and the meningitis which may result.
Cochi SL, Fleming DW, Hightower AW, et al. "Primary invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease: a population-based assessment of risk factors." J Pediatr. 1986;108:997-896
Istre GR, Conner JS, Broome CV, et al. "Risk factors for primary invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease: increased risk from day care attendance and school-aged household members." J Pediatr. 1985;106:190-198

Breastfeeding protects baby against respiratory infections
These include "infections caused by rotaviruses and respiratory syncytial viruses."
Grover M et al "Effect of human milk prostaglandins and lactoferrin on respiratory syncytial virus and rotavirus" Acta Paediatr. 1997; 86: 315-316
"Breastfed babies were less than half as likely to be hospitalized with pneumonia or bronchiolitis."
Piscane A, et al "Breastfeeding and acute lower respiratory infections" Acta Paediatr. 1994; 83: 714-718
"Breastfed babies had one-fifth the number of lower respiratory tract infections compared to formula-fed infants."
Cunningham, Allan S. MD "Breastfeeding, Bottle-feeding and Illness - An Annotated Bibliography", 1996.
Frank Al, Taber LH, Glezen WP, et al. "Breast-feeding and respiratory virus infection." Pediatrics 1982;70:239-245
Wright AI, Holberg DJ, Martinez FD, et al. " Breast feeding and lower respiratory tract illness in the first year of life." Br Med J. 1989;299:935-949
Chen Y. "Synergistic effect of passive smoking and artificial feeding on hospitalization for respiratory illness in early childhood." Chest. 1989;95:1004-1007
Wright AL, Holberg CH, Taussig LM, et al. "Relationship of infant feeding to recurrent wheezing at age 6 years." Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995;149:758-763

Formula fed babies have a higher risk of developing certain childhood cancers
In a study done by researchers at the University of Minnesota it was found that babies who were breast fed for at least one month had a 21% less chance of getting leukemia than formula fed babies. The risk was 30% for children breast fed for 6 months.
"Breastfeeding May Lower Risk For Leukemia In Children", c. 1999, Mediconsult.com
Davis MK, Savitz DA, Graubard BI. "Infant feeding and childhood cancer." Lancet. 1988;2:365-368
Shu X-O, Clemens H, Zheng W, et al. "Infant breastfeeding and the risk of childhood lymphoma and leukemia". Int J Epidemiol. 1995;24:27-32

Breastfeeding decreases chances of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Preliminary data from U. of North Carolina/Duke University researchers indicates breastfed children were only 40% as likely to develop JA.
"Mother's Milk: An Ounce of Prevention?" Arthritis Today May-June 1994

Breastfeeding decreases child's chances of contracting Hodgkins disease
Hodgkins disease is a type of lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph system. It can develop in children, although it is less likely to do so in children who were breastfed as infants.
"An Exploratory Study of Environmental and Medical Factors Potentially Related to Childhood Cancer." Medical & Pediatric Oncology, 1991; 19(2):115-21

Breastfeeding protects baby against vision defects
In a study in Bangladesh, breastfeeding was a protective factor for night blindness among preschool-aged children in both rural and urban areas. Breast milk is generally the main, if not the only source, of vitamin A during a child's first 24 months of life (or for the duration of breastfeeding).
Bloem, M. et al. "The role of universal distribution of vitamin A capsules in combating vitamin A deficiency in Bangladesh.: Am J Epidemiol 1995; 142(8): 843-55
Birch E, et al. "Breastfeeding and optimal visual development." J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 1993;30:33-8

Breastfeeding decreases chances of osteoporosis
According to the studies below, both breastfeeding mothers and their children will be less at risk for development of this disease.
The odds that a woman with osteoporosis did not breastfeed her baby was 4 times higher than for a control woman.
Blaauw, R. et al. "Risk factors for development of osteoporosis in a South African population." SAMJ 1994; 84:328-32
Dr. Alan Lucas, MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Center of London, found that 8-year-olds who were fed formula rather than breast fed as infants, had less developed bone mineralization than those fed breast milk.
"Bone mineral density decreases during lactation, but after weaning showed higher bone mineral density than those who did not breastfeed."
Kalwart HJ and Specker BL "Bone mineral loss during lactation and recovery after weaning." Obstet. Gynecol. 1995; 86:26-32
Melton LJ, Bryant SC, Wahner HW, et al. "Influence of breastfeeding and other reproductive factors on bone mass later in life." Osteoporos Int. 1993;22:684-691
Cumming RG, Klineberg RJ. "Breastfeeding and other reproductive factors and the risk of hip fractures in elderly woman." Int J Epidemiol 1993;22:684-691

Breast milk is aids in proper intestinal development
"...certain hormones in milk (such as cortisol) and smaller proteins (including epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor, insulin-like growth factor and somatomedin C) act to close up the leaky mucosal lining of the newborn, making it relatively impermeable to unwanted pathogens and other potentially harmful agents. Indeed, animal studies have demonstrated that postnatal development of the intestine occurs faster in animals fed their mother's milk. And animals that also receive colostrum, containing the highest concentrations of epidermal growth factor, mature even more rapidly."
Newman, J, MD, FRCPC "How Breast milk Protects Newborns" http://www.promom.org/bf_info/sci_am.htm

Cows milk is an intestinal irritant
According to Dr. William Sears, MD, cow's milk should not be given as a beverage to infants under one year of age. "Cow's milk can irritate the lining of your infant's intestines, causing tiny losses of iron. This can contribute to iron-deficiency anemia."
The Baby Book - Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby From Birth to Age Two. c. 1993 Little, Brown & Co.

Formula-fed babies are more at risk for obesity in later life
A recent German study concluded "in industrialized countries, promoting prolonged breastfeeding may help decrease the prevalence of obesity in childhood. Since obese children have a high risk of becoming obese adults, such preventative measures may eventually result in reduction in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and other disease related to obesity." The study found that 4.5% of formula fed children are obese, while only 0.8% of breastfed children have this condition.
von Kries, R et al, "Breastfeeding and obesity: cross sectional study." BMJ 1999; 319:147-150 (July 17)

Breastfed babies have less chance of cardiopulmonary distress while feeding
Bottle-fed babies are at increased risk of cardiopulmonary disturbances, including prolonged airway closure and obstructed respiratory breaths due to repeated swallowing.
Koenig HS, Davies Am, Thach BT. "Coordination of breathing, sucking and swallowing during bottle feedings in human infants." J Appl Physiol 69: 1629: 1623-1629, 1990.
Infants can experience oxygen saturation below 90% when bottle feeding. Nine of 50 healthy term infants in one study experienced bradycardia during bottle feeding. Six of these episodes were preceded by apnea, three showed hypopnea (marked reduction in ventilation) and one had certral apnea (no respiratory efforts).
Matthew O, Clark ML, Ponske MH. Apnea, bradycardia, and cyanosis during oral feeding in term neonates." J Pediatr 106:857, 1985

Breastfed babies have less chance of developing ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulceration and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. A number of studies have shown that breastfed babies are less likely to develop this disease.
Whorwell PJ, et al., "Bottle-feeding, Early Gastroenteritis, and inflammatory Bowel Disease." British Med. Jour. 1 (1979):382
Rigas A, Rigas B, Blassman M, et al. "Breast-feeding and maternal smoking in the etiology of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in childhood." Ann Epidemiol. 1993;3387-392

Breast milk protects against hemophilus b. bacteria
Hemophilus influenzae type b is a bacteria which can grow in the respiratory tract with no symptoms, but may spread into the throat, ears or blood and cause grave illness. Breastfed babies are much less vulnerable to such an overgrowth.
Cochi SL, Fleming DW, Hightower AW, et al. "Primary invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease: a population-based assessment of risk factors." J Pediatr. 1986;108:997-896
Takala AK, Eskola J, Palmgren J, et al. "Risk factors of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease among children in Finland. J Pediatr. 1980;115:695-701
Istre GR, Conner JS, Broome CV, et al. "Risk factors for primary invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease: increased risk from day care attendance and school-aged household members." J Pediatr. 1985;106:190-198

Breastfed babies require shorter pre and post-surgical fasting
Breastfeeding may continue until three hours before arrival time at the hospital in healthy children having elective surgery.
Schreiner, M.S. "Preoperative and Postoperative fasting in children." Ped Clinics N Amer 41 (1); 111

Breastfeeding enhances vaccine effectiveness
Breastfed infants showed better serum and secretory responses to oral and parenteral vaccines than those formula-fed.
Han-Zoric, M., "Antibody responses to parenteral and oral vaccines are impaired by conventional and low protein formulas as compared to breastfeeding." Acta Paediatr Scand 1990; 79:1137-42

Breastfed babies have less chance of developing necrotizing enterocolitis
This disease occurs most commonly in premature or sick newborns. In NEC the lining of the intestinal wall dies and sloughs off. Premature infants fed their own mother's milk or banked human milk are one sixth to one tenth as likely to develop NEC. An Australian study has estimated that 83% of NEC cases may be attributed to lack of breastfeeding.
Drane, D. "Breastfeeding and formula feeding: a preliminary economic analysis" Breastfeed Rev 1997; 5:7-15
Lucas A, Cole TJ. "Breast milk and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis." Lancet. 1990; 336:519-1523
Convert RF, Barman N, Comanico RS, et al. "Prior enteral nutrition with human milk protects against intestinal perforation in infants who develop necrotizing enterocolitis." Pediatr Res. 1995; 37:305A. Abstract

Breastfeeding is a natural contraceptive
This is true only if you are exclusively breastfeeding, and have not yet gotten your period back following childbirth. Night nursing encourages longer amenorrhoea (periodlessness). If you really don't want to get pregnant again, use some back up birth control even if you haven't gotten your period again. Unless you are carefully following a natural family planning program, you will have no way of knowing when your first ovulation will occur, and by the time you figure it out you may be expecting! Still, generally speaking, breastfeeding contributes to optimum child spacing.
Kennedy KI, Visness CM. "Contraceptive efficacy of lactational amenorrhoea." Lancet. 1992; 339:227-230
Gray RH, Campbell OM, Apelo R, et al. "Risk of ovulation during lactation." Lancet. 1990; 335:25-29
Labbock MH, Colie C. "Puerperium and breast-feeding." Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 1992; 4:818-825

Formula is expensive
The cost of feeding a baby on formula for one year was estimated to be around $1000 in 1990. It has certainly gotten more expensive since. If you factor in the added medical cost you are statistically likely to incur, that brings the cost up to around $2,300 per year. If your baby happens to require a hypo-allergenic formula, you will have to considerably more.
Batten W. Hirschman J. Thomas C. Impact of the special supplemental food program on infants. J Pediatr 117 II:SIOI-109, 1990

Formula costs the government (and taxpayers) millions of dollars
The U.S. government spends over $500 million a year to provide formula for its WIC supplemental food program.
Batten W. Hirschman J. Thomas C. Impact of the special supplemental food program on infants. J Pediatr 117 II:SIOI-109, 1990

Breastfed babies are less likely to die before their third birthday
Not only are breastfed babies less liekly to contract life-threatening diseases, they are better able to combat any illnesses that may develop.
Van Den Bogaard, C. "Relationship Between Breast Feeding in Early Childhood and Morbidity in a general Population."Fan Med, 1991; 23:510-515

Fewer waste packaging products
No wrappers, canisters, disposable bottles etc...
"If every child in America were bottle-fed, almost 86,000 tons of tin would be needed to produce 550 million cans for one year's worth of formula. If every mother in Great Britain breastfed, 3000 tons of paper (used for formula labels) would be saved in a year. But formula is not the only problem. Bottles and nipples require plastic, glass, rubber, and silicon; production of these materials can be resource-intensive and often leads to end-products that are not-recyclable. All these products use natural resources, cause pollution in their manufacture and distribution and create trash in their packaging, promotion, and disposal."
"Mother Nature Loves Breastmilk" D. Michels, Pub. various periodicals, available on Internet at http://members.aol.com/diamichels/greenbm.htm

Facilitates proper dental and jaw development
"Suckling at the breast is good for a baby's tooth and jaw development. Babies at the breast have to use as much as 60 times more energy to get food than do those drinking from a bottle...As muscles are strenuously exercised in suckling, their constant pulling encourages the growth of well-formed jaws and straight, healthy teeth."
The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos Olds, Copyright 1972, 1987 Comstock, Inc., Workman Publishing Co., Inc., 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
"Among breastfed infants, the longer the duration of nursing the lower the incidents of malocclusion."
Labbok, M.H. "Does Breastfeeding Protect against Malocclusion? An Analysis of the 1981 Child Health Supplement to the National Health Interview Survey" American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 1987

Breastfed babies get fewer cavities
Breast milk contains bacteria fighting cells that may help kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Furthermore, bottle-fed babies "are at increased risk for baby bottle caries, a destructive dental condition which occurs when a baby is put to bed with a bottle containing formula, milk, juice or other fluids high in carbohydrates. Extensive dental repair may be required at a cost of thousands of dollars." Furthermore, breast milk contains bacteria fighting cells that may help kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Loesche WJ, "Nutrition and dental decay in infants." Am J Clin Nutr 41; 423-435, 1985
Lucas, A, Cole T, "Is Breast Feeding a Likely Cause of Dental Caries in young Children?" Journal of American Dental Assoc., 1979; 98:21-23

Better speech development
Tongue thrust problems often develop among bottle-fed babies as they try to slow down the flow of milk coming from the artificial nipple. This can lead to speech problems, as well as "mouth breathing, lip biting, gum disease, and a generally unattractive appearance."
The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos Olds, Copyright 1972, 1987 Comstock, Inc., Workman Publishing Co., Inc. 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Broad, Frances E., "The Effects of Infant Feeding on Speech Quality." New Zealand Medical Journal, 1976; 76:28-31

Less chance of baby getting eczema
"We conclude that breastfeeding is prophylactic against atopic disease (eczema), the effect extending into early adulthood. Breastfeeding for longer than 1 month without other milk supplements offers significant prophylaxis against food allergy at 3 years of age, and also against respiratory allergy at 17 years of age. Six months of breastfeeding is required to prevent eczema during the first 3 years, and possibly also to prevent substantial atopy in adolescence." The differences by infant feeding method were so pronounced that they "suggested an influence of early milk feeding that may exceed the heredity burden.
Saarinen UM, Kajosaari M. "Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years of age." Lancet. 1995; 346:1065-69.

Eczema was less common and milder in babies who were breast fed (22%) and whose Mothers were on a restricted diet (48%). In infants fed casein hydrolysate, soymilk, or cows milk, 21%, 63% and 70% respectively, developed atopic eczema.
Chandra R.K., "Influence of Maternal Diet During Lactation and the Use of Formula Feed an Development of Atopic Eczema in the High Risk Infants". Br Med J. 1989

Less gastrointestinal reflux (Spit-up)
Breastfed neonates demonstrate gastroesophageal reflux episodes of significantly shorter duration that formula fed neonates.
Heacock, H.J. "Influence of Breast vs Formula Milk in Physiologic Gastroesophageal Reflux in Healthy Newborn Infants". Jour. Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 1992 January; 14(1): 41-6

Lack of breastfeeding associated with multiple sclerosis in later life
Although thought to be multifactorial in origin, and without a clearly defined etiology, lack of breastfeeding does appear to be associated with an increased incidence of multiple sclerosis.
Dick, G. "The Etiology of Multiple Sclerosis." Proc Roy Soc Med 1989;69;611-5

Less chance of inguinal hernia
The inguinal canal brings down the spermatic cord and certain vessels to the groin area . A hernia is a defect in the opening where these things pass through from the abdomen to the groin because the canal opening gets too big or tears off. The hernia allows abdominal contents to get down into the groin area.
Breastfeeding is protective against inguinal hernias. For unknown reasons breastfed babies experience significantly fewer of them. Human milk contains gonadotropin releasing hormone, which may affect the maturation of neonatal testicular function. One recent case control study showed breastfed infants had a significant dose response reduction in inguinal hernia.
Pisacane, A. "Breast-feeding and inguinal hernia" Journal of Pediatrics 1995: Vol 127, No. 1, pp 109-111

Better cognitive development
In 771 low birth weight infants, babies whose mothers chose to provide breast milk had an 8 point advantage in mean Bayley's mental developmental index over infants of mothers choosing not to do so.
Morley, R., "Mothers Choice to provide Breast Milk and Developmental Outcome". Arch Dis Child, 1988

Better social development
The psychomotor and social development of breastfed babies clearly differs from that of bottle fed ones and leads at the age of 12 months to significant advantages of the psychomotor and social capabilities.
Baumgartner, C.,"Psychomotor and Social Development of Breast Fed and Bottle Fed babies During their First year of Life". Acta Paediatrica Hungarica, 1984

Suckling optimizes hand-to-eye coordination
Baumgartner, C., "Psychomotor and Social Development of Breast Fed and Bottle Fed babies During their First year of Life". Acta Paediatrica Hungarica 1984; 25(4): 409-17

No worry about latest ingredient discovered to be missing from formula
"Formula" is really a formula for synthetic human milk. There is no real formula that can duplicate human milk because, as the FDA recognized in a recent statement, "...the exact chemical makeup of breast milk is still unknown."
"Formula-fed infants depend on products which can be quite different from each other, but which are continually being found deficient in essential nutrients... These nutrients are then added, usually after damage has occurred in infants or overwhelming market pressure forces the issue."
M. Walker, R.N., International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, The Journal of Human Lactation, Sept 1993


Sure, Breastfeeding is meaningless and all the scientific literature backs your statement up. :eyes:
(Most smilies were caused by accident because of how some of the letters and colons matched up by the way.)

[Lerkfish]

67. A scary story...

My wife and I discussed breast/bottle before the birth of our son. I was willing to go either way, and so was she, but we decided the breast might be more natural.
At the hospital, she had trouble nursing. Nothing she tried seemed to work. We ask the lactation specialist (who was extremely overbearing and rude) and who kept telling us: keep doing it, it will work eventually.
The baby wasn't nursing well, though, and they sent us home during a blizzard. they didn't send us home with any formula.
the roads were blocked with snow the next morning, my car was trapped in the garage, with a huge snowdrift blocking it.
Our son was not nursing, no matter what we tried, he was crying constantly and we were at our wits end. Finally we decided we HAD to get some formula because he wasnt getting nourished at the breast. I tried to dig out my car but couldn't because the shovel was ALSO in the detached garage (d'oh!). just as I was about to panic, I saw a kid on a snowmobile farting around. I asked if he would go to the store to get some formula for my newborn, and he said "hop on pops!". So I got a ride to the store and was able to bring it back.
Our son took the formula IMMEDIATELY and thrived.
From that point on, we only fed him formula. The other advantage was I could take shifts feeding him so my wife could get some rest. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in a rocking chair with a baby and a bottle. I'm personally glad I was able to share in that bonding experience.

Oh, how did my kid turn out? Bottle-fed, but at 105% in height, strong as a bull, sharper than a tack, well-adjusted, happy 5.5 year old getting ready to enter kindergarten.

I think the breast is cool, if you can do it, but a certain amount of women can't. The problem was the lactation specialist browbeat my wife at a very emotional time and didn't even discuss formula as an option. If I had not found that snowmobiler, our son might have ended up malnourished. There should be NO shame for mothers who bottle-feed.

[regularguy]

68. Nice post, thanks for that story...

We've has similar, though less dramatic, experiences with the lactation folks. Breast is no doubt best, and yes some of the things that companys like Nestle do are wrong, but bottle fed kids (such as myself) turn out just fine. New mothers need support not guilt.

[SarahB]

69. That makes me sad.

:(
I'm in nursing school and am considering becoming a lactation consultant. I have been involved in the past as a post partum doula, doing hands-on work with new moms in assisting them with some initial breastfeeding problems. Unfortunately, I have heard far too many stories about less-than-sensitive lactation consultants in the hospital environment. Most of these people are professional and extremely sensitive and it's sad that the few out there that are control freaks make an already difficult and emotional experience even harder.

[Lerkfish]

71. exactly....more...

the consultant had my wife in tears in her hospital room because she was making my wife feel inadequate because my son wasn't nursing properly.
about a month later, we sent a letter to the hospital complaining about her behavior. Guess who calls us at home to follow up on the letter? you got it, the lactation consultant (we nicknamed her the lactation nazi) and instead of addressing our concerns, proceeded to try to make my wife feel bad AGAIN, though we weren't falling for it this time.
then we later got a copy of the consultants' letter to her superiors saying she resolved the problem...which she didn't.

[SarahB]

72. I'll give you a good story.

When I had my youngest, I had some major problems. I was an experienced breastfeeder at that point and had already worked in helping other moms, but the first time I breastfed him, I ended up with this bloody blister and he just couldn't get latched on. The lactation consultant figured out his frenulum was too short (tongue-tied- i.e. the little thing under the tongue was so short he was physically unable to latch on properly). I had to pump and use this finger feeding mechanism for a few days (and given the rough birth, it was rather Hellish- but that's another story). He eventually had the little thing under his tongue snipped just a little (very easy procedure) and it was almost immediate relief.

If not for the lactation consultant, I wouldn't have figured it out. Thank goodness I had a sensitive one. I hope if you have more children and want to try to breastfeed again, you are able to have a better experience. Breastfeeding is natural, but not always easy that's for sure. Those who are specialists within the field need to make sure they do with jobs without emotionally attacking women at a time when they are most vulnerable.

A big :hug: to your wife. I'm so sorry you guys had to go through that.

[Lerkfish]

77. thanks...all's well that ends well....

but we often tell new mothers to do what seems best to them.
I think the tendency of breast feeding advocates is to get lost in their own zeal for breastfeeding and forget that not all women can breast feed (or want to), and that's a choice instead of a character flaw.

I'm glad you got to breastfeed, but I wouldn't trade my being able to bottle feed my son at late night feedings for anything. I think breastfeeding (naturally) procludes husbands from that kind of bonding. I think my relationship with my son is very close as a result, and he's growing into a very well-rounded boy.

[redqueen]

76. That's just awful

You're so right... sometimes babies have problems nursing or just refuse to and there's no justification for making a woman feel guilty for that! All the lactation consultants in my experiences have been wonderful and supportive. My first was premature and had trouble nursing, so she had formula a few times during the first few days. I spent a lot of time working on it before succeeding. What new moms need is support and encouragement, not chastisement during a very emotional time.

That burns me up... I hope you sent a copy of her letter saying she'd addressed the problem to her superiors with one of your own giving your side of the story. The fewer moms she torments the better!

[TX-RAT]

78. If they'd just put Crown Royal in a breast.

OH Happy Days.

[MisterP]

85. I thought this was Governor vs. President

[ScreamingMeemie]

90. Feeding your baby is what is most important. Here is my story.

I bottle fed my daughter, and she turned out okay. She is very smart, very healthy and was feed only formula. My son was breast fed. He is very smart, and also very healthy. I think it is a personal choice. Voice your opinion and then support your wife in whatever direction she chooses to go.

Good luck with your new baby!

Laura

[politicat]

91. Xithras, It's "our new baby," not YOUR new baby.

It's got to be an agreement you two come to. There are going to be compromises.

Give her credit for knowing what's going on with her life and body and for making decisions as a parent. She's been there before, you know.

Talk it out. Some of the earlier suggestions, like 10 weeks of breast and bottle and then to exclusive bottle (which gives your wife a couple weeks not breastfeeding before she goes back to work) sound like a far better solution than both of you unhappy.

Happy parents are as critical to a baby's happy development as what baby is fed. If your wife resents your attitude (which I know I would, having carted the kid around on my frontside for 40 weeks and then getting told I didn't have the brains to make decisions about our health and happiness as a family) it will cause discord in the family.

Best wishes, and I'm so sorry you're having a third. Hope this is your last,

Politicat

[Xithras]

92. Wow. Do you hate babies or something?

I agreed with your entire post up until that last line. What the heck is up with that?

[0rion]

93. Breast as a baby, Bottle after growing up.

Maybe my future wife will let me try breastfeeding again when we have kids. :D

[Xithras]

94. Ick

Horrible confession time. When my wife was nursing baby #2, I thought it would be kinky or erotic to take a little sip. Blech!! Human milk tastes very different from any other kind of milk I've ever tasted (cow, soy, goat) and is NOT tasty, is NOT erotic, and is NOT kinky.

Some people may enjoy it, but I certainly didn't :puke:

[wickywom]

98. I hated breastfeeding...

and I'm not ashamed to admit it-- I can't even tell you how many times women i didn't even know would ask "are you nursing"-- "you know breast is best"
I tried it and I'll try it again next time ,but i hated it-- i felt like a giant, milking orangutan

She's crawling at 6 months-- is beautiful and healthy.

My only warning--
formula is very, very expensive.

Hope you have a COSCO.

[afraid_of_the_dark]

100. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[afraid_of_the_dark]

99. Start checking into the cost of formula...

That stuff is VERY expensive, and whether your family can afford to go this route needs to be part of the consideration. Since I don't have kids, I don't feel it is right for me to assert that I know which option is best, but I do think it's important for you to factor the cost into your planning.

Good luck and congrats, dad-to-be! :)