Compare And Contrast Breast Feeding Vs Breastfeeding

Choosing whether to breast feed or formula feed is one of the first and most important decisions you will ever have to make for your baby. A number of health organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the World Health Organization recommend breast feeding as the best choice for babies. Nurses also promote and encourage breast feeding to mothers through demonstration, education and support. (5) Breastfeeding rates are on the rise across the United States and this is no surprise to many medical organizations and researchers, considering all of the important benefits it provides. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that in 2013 seventy seven percent of new mothers chose to breastfeed their babies rather than formula feeding. This is an impressive increase, from seventy one percent which was recorded about a decade ago. The study also showed that almost half of the breast feeding moms are continuing to do so for at least the recommended six months. (2) Often called the “perfect food,” breast milk provides many benefits to not only your baby but you, as the mother. These benefits extend well beyond basic nutrition. Breast milk provides your baby with essential vitamins and nutrients needed to start a healthy life. The milk contains disease fighting and natural

The main immune factor is a substance called secretory immunoglobulin A. This substance is only found in breast milk and is an antibody that plays a critical role in immunity. The secretory immunoglobulin A allows your baby’s body to create a protective layer of mucous on the membranes of their intestines, nose and throat. This protective layer helps your baby’s body guard itself against invading germs which cause common illnesses.