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The Nursing Mother's Companion

By Kathleen Huggins, R.N., M.S.

Although babies do grow on processed infant formulas, formula manufacturers are continually challenged to include all of the nutrients in breast milk that scientists are gradually identifying as important to infant growth and development. But artificial infant milks, whether based on cow's milk or soybeans, will never be able to duplicate nature's formula. Human milk contains proteins that promote brain development and specific immunities against human illness. In contrast, cow milk contains proteins that favor muscular growth and specific immunities to bovine disease. Babies, like all young mammals, do best with milk from their own species. Babies on a formula diet are at greater risk for illness and hospitalization. Diarrheal infections, respiratory illnesses and ear infections are more frequent and serious among these babies. Formula-fed infants also have higher incidences of colic, constipation and allergic disorders. In fact, a significant number of babies are allergic to formulas, both those based on cow milk and those based on soy. There is also new evidence that artificially fed infants more often experience learning disorders and lower levels of intellectual functioning.

Bottle feeding with formula more commonly leads to overfeeding and obesity, which may well persist into childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Tooth decay, malocclusion (improper meeting of the upper and lower teeth), and distortion of the facial muscles may also directly result from sucking on bottles.