Breast milk is the best food for babies. In addition to providing the necessary nutrients in the right proportions, breast milk is easy to digest, and protects against infections, eczema and allergies. Breast-fed infants are less likely to become obese than formula-fed infants. Childhood obesity is increasing across Europe and carries with it significant long term consequences for health, life expectancy and income. There is also some evidence that children who were breast fed, particularly if they were premature, might have higher IQs and enhanced cognitive development compared to those who were formula-fed.
Breastfeeding is best for the mother’s health too. Breastfeeding protects against pre-menopausal breast cancer and epithelial ovarian cancer. It can also help mothers to re-gain their figure after birth more quickly as breastfeeding burns up about 500kcals/day.
Breastfeeding is also free, convenient and has less environmental impact than formula feeding.
Two reviews of the evidence for the benefits of breastfeeding can be found at
American Academy of Pediatrics Work Group of Breastfeeding and
Health Development Agency.
References
Protheroe, L., L. Dyson, et al. (2003). The effectiveness of public health interventions to promote the initiation of breastfeeding.
Evidence Briefing Health Development Agency.
American Academy of Pediatrics: Work Group on Breastfeeding (1997). "Breastfeeding and the use of human milk."
Pediatrics 100: 1035-1039.
