Lindsey Waldo

Dr. McClure
English 1301
October 20, 2012
Breast Is Best: Feeding the Mommy Wars

Each parent strives to make the best possible choices for their children even before birth, so it
isn't a surprise that one of the most controversial divides of the so called mommy wars, is how to
meet a baby's most basic need-to breastfeed or formula feed. Contrary to billion dollar advertising
campaigns by the formula industry, a plethora of studies and experts agree that breastfeeding is the
optimal choice because of the countless benefits for baby, mom and the bond between the two.
Breastfeeding is advantageous to babies in a multitude of ways. Breast milk is biologically
tailored by the mother's body for their child. As the child ages, the composition of nutrients in the milk,
such as protein and fat, adjust to reflect the infant's new dietary needs, therefore breast milk produced
when baby is one week old is completely different from the milk produced at four months of age. This
specific balance is optimal for infant digestion and results in breastfed babies having less diarrhea and
constipation than their formula fed peers (Feeding). The nutritional make-up of formula does not
change regardless of the child's age. Formula also consists of synthetic substitutes that are not as easily
digested, which causes constipation and gas in many cases. Breast milk facilitates an infant's immune
system in ways in which formula is incapable. Breast milk contains human milk oligosaccharides,
known as HMOs. These molecules are not digested by the body but are instead food for the beneficial
bacterial flora of infant intestines. These bacteria elevate immunity and help defend against infections
(HHS). Formula relies on sugar molecules to mimic HMOs. Breast milk is also rich in antibodies
produced by the mother's body. As a mother encounters pathogens, her body produces antibodies that
are then transferred to her infant through the milk. The mother's immune system supplements the self-

produced antibodies of the infant to inoculate them from pathogens they have not yet faced.
Breastfeeding is also immensely rewarding for mothers. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, a
hormone which causes a mother's uterus to constrict after birth to help her heal more quickly. A mother
who breastfeeds has a 25% less chance of developing breast cancer. The risk continues to decrease with
the amount of time she continues to breastfeed, even through multiple children. A woman's risk for
osteoporosis and uterine and ovarian cancers is also significantly decreased (Dermer). In a study
produced by the National Institute of Health Women's Health Initiative, cardiovascular disease risk was
also significantly decreased in women who breastfed for seven to twelve months (Wall). Breastfeeding
also benefits a mother's mental and emotional well being. Another hormone, prolactin, produces a sense
of calm and triggers milk production for the mother. A study by the University of Washington found
that mothers who breastfed their infants had significantly less anxiety than formula feeding mothers
(Wall).
One of the most important benefits of breastfeeding is the facilitation of the mother-child bond.
Mother's who use formula can and do still bond with their children though sometimes mot as easily or
strongly. On a very basic level breastfeeding causes a biological sequence that encourages mother and
babies to be close from birth. Formula feeding cannot mimic this physical impact. The hormones
prolactin and oxytocin, previously mentioned, are often referred to as the bonding hormones.
Mothers who breastfeed have higher levels of oxytocin, which specifically triggers the emotional
connection between mother and baby (Rochman). It is aptly called the love hormone. MRIs have
shown that breastfeeding mothers' register more brain activity than formula feeding mothers when they
hear the cry of their infant (Rochman). When a baby feeds from the breast they are enjoying very
important skin to skin time multiple times a day. Skin to skin contact between mother and baby
increases the production of bonding hormones and regulates baby's temperature and respiration. It
allows an overall sense of relaxation between the pair. Also the increased closeness of breastfeeding
allows mothers to learn to read their baby more quickly and thoroughly. An increased reaction time

to baby's needs in turn fosters a deeper attachment (Breastfeeding and Bonding).

If the benefits of breastfeeding were as advertised as formula the choice would be clear.
Breastfeeding is so much more than food. Though formula does provide basic nourishment for babies,
it cannot help but to be biologically and nutritionally inferior. As pediatrician Tonse Raju notes, An
infant suckling at his or her mother's breast is not simply receiving a meal, but is intensely engaged in a
dynamic, bidirectional, biological dialogue (Fields).

Works Referenced
"Breastfeeding and Bonding: Building a Relationship." Disney Family.com. Web. 03 Nov. 2012.
"Comparison of Human Milk and Formula." Ask Dr. Sears. Web. 03 Nov. 2012.
Derbyshire, David. "Breast-feeding DOES Help Mothers Bond with Babies." Mail Online. Web. 03
Nov. 2012.
Dermer, Alicia. "A Well-Kept SecretBreastfeeding's Benefits to Mothers." Editorial. New Beginnings
July 2001: 124-27. LLLI. 11 June 06. Web. 03 Nov. 2012.
"Feeding Your Newborn." KidsHealth. KidsHealth. Web. 03 Nov. 2012.
Fields, R. Douglas. "Surety Bond: Breast-Feeding May Increase Children's IQ: Scientific American."
Scientific American. Web. 03 Nov. 2012.
"HHS HealthBeat (July 6, 2012)." Breast Milk and Good Bacteria. U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, 6 July 2012. Web. 03 Nov. 2012.
"Nutrient by Nutrient Why Breast Is Best." Ask Dr. Sears. Web. 03 Nov. 2012.
Rochman, Bonnie. "Breast-Feeding Is Important to Mother-Baby Bonding." Time. Time, 07 Dec. 2011.
Web. 03 Nov. 2012.
Wall, Ginna. "Outcomes of Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding.pdf." LLLI. Feb. 2010. Web. 03
Nov. 2012.