Breastfeeding is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT GIFT any woman can give to her baby. It reduces the risk of allergies, asthma, increases IQ, bolsters the immune system, and a host of other vital functions. It is so important, in fact, that most baby animals cannot survive without their mothers’ breast milk.
Please encourage any expectant mothers to breastfeed. It is dramatically cheaper (can save thousands of dollars per child), and is much more convenient (don’t have to lug formula everywhere you go). Frankly, I think woman who voluntarily choose not to breastfeed (not including woman who try but can’t) are committing child abuse. For every mother out there who chooses to formula feed, listen up. Every time your baby gets a cold, an earache, an ear infection, acid reflux, bloody stool, and delayed developmental markers, IT’S YOUR FAULT. Feeding your baby the equivalent of marginally better fast food is the reason your baby is getting sick, period.
Breast milk is composed of many immune system components that help provide immunity to the baby.
Over course, there are those who tell us “My pediatrician said that my baby is allergic to my breast milk.” Guess what? Your pediatrician is an idiot. There may definitely be a chance that the baby is sensitive to something YOU are eating, which is then passed through the breast milk. Solving this “breast milk allergy” is as easy as identifying that food to which the baby is sensitive and avoid it. For example, our older son became collicky when his mom ate broccoli. Mom avoids broccoli……problem solved. Please do not ever think that switching to formula is a good solution.
Again, BREASTFEEDING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN EVER DO FOR YOUR BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Extra exclamation points for added emphasis)
Dr. Morningstar
