Mom, what milk can you give me?
We compare breast milk and infant formula, illustrating their relative advantages and characteristics. To answer one of the big questions of future and new mothers.
Which is better breast milk or formula? This is one of the most frequent questions that mothers ask themselves, addressed during childbirth courses and in conversations between new and future parents.
An answer is offered by the website of the
Ministry of Health , which writes under the heading breastfeeding: «
Mother's milk is the normal way of feeding infants , even premature babies, and small children. It has all the nutrients necessary in the first phase of their life and contains substances capable of protecting them from infections and promoting their correct development ». And the scientific community, from WHO to Unicef to individual paediatricians, agrees, recommending mothers to
breastfeed at least up to the sixth month , unless otherwise indicated (in the newborn, metabolic diseases such as galactosemia or phenylketonuria; in mother, HIV, herpes simplex at the level of the nipple, herpes zoster, tuberculosis, chemotherapy treatments…). Breastfeeding – which in Italy affects about 85.5% of mothers and on average lasts up to 8.3 months, exclusive up to 4.1 (2013 data) – can continue as long as mother and child they want it, without prejudice to the start of weaning around six months. Having said that,
a mother is free to resort to artificial milk «by her own choice or she may have to do so due to a real low production of her own milk, due to the existence of a contraindication to breastfeeding, or because she has to go back to work. In any case, she must not be blamed in any way » . These are again the words of the Ministry of Health, and we can only agree: if it is scientifically proven that mother's milk is the best food for the newborn, the reasons that lead a mother to decide otherwise must however be considered as equally priority (milk that does not arrive or is too little, inverted or bleeding nipples, practical, work, psychological reasons…), in the belief that
the mother's priority will always be her own well-being and that of her baby .
THE PROS OF BREAST MILK
For the baby
■ Offers the 'right' quality and quantity of protein for your baby's development and health.
■ Its 'formula' changes in relation to the needs of the growing infant.
■ It is always ready, fresh, at the right temperature.
■ Protects the child from respiratory infections, asthma, otitis, diarrhoea, diabetes…
■ Improve vision development.
■ Reduces the risk of pathologies and mortality in premature babies.
For mom
■ Breastfeeding strengthens the bond of emotional intimacy with the baby (bonding).
■ Helps to dispose of the extra pounds accumulated during pregnancy.
■ Reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
■ Prevents some breast and ovarian cancers.
■ It's free and practical.
■ Improves the mother's psychological well-being.
■ Reduces the risk of postpartum depression.
THE PROS OF ARTIFICIAL MILK
■ Feedings are usually fewer.
■ The infant is not affected by the mother's diet or by the possibility that she takes medicines.
■ Reduces mother and baby's stress when breastfeeding gets off to a hard start.
■ Joys and hardships of breastfeeding can be shared between parents and extended to grandparents and uncles.
■ No breast pump (as useful as it is inconvenient, slow and often frustrating).
BUT WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL MILK?
Also known as
formula milk , it is designed to replace or supplement breast milk, the composition of which is as close as possible. All essential nutrients are listed in appropriate amounts to meet the nutritional needs of the infant; however, there are no defense factors against infection. It comes
in powder or liquid (ready to use, but more expensive). Formulated milk must be prepared from time to time; if the baby does not complete the meal, the leftover milk must be thrown away. Up to six months
formula 1 or adapted is indicated; follow-on
milk or formula 2 follows ; in the presence of particular problems (premature babies, atopic predisposition, digestive problems…), the pediatrician will recommend a
special formula .
DONATED MILK BANKS
When mother's milk is not available, the
Italian Association of Donated Human Milk Banks (Aiblud) can be used, which carries out collection, control and selection activities throughout Italy
