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Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

Emily Halevy | CWK Producer

Research has shown that breast-feeding builds a baby’s brain development, vision and immune system. But for those moms who can’t breastfeed, does that mean their children are at a disadvantage?

Four-month-old Gabriella is breastfed. Her mother says it’s good for her.

“Well, I have read in books and parent magazines that it was brain food; that overall your child ends up being smarter,” says Melissa Ennesser, Gabriella’s mother.

Smarter, stronger, healthier -- breast milk has been called “the gold standard” of infant nutrition. One reason, experts say, is because breast milk is packed with an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. 

“DHA is found naturally in breast milk. So breast-fed babies have been known to have advantages over bottle-fed babies,” says Dr. Steven Rabin, OB-GYN.

For mothers who can’t breast feed, now there is an alternative: baby formula enriched with DHA.

“The formulas are doing a very good job in trying to be very close to breast milk. The majority of them do contain DHA. These are fatty acids that are shown to improve infants’ brain development and vision, as well as have cardiovascular benefits,” says Dr. Anitha Leonard, M.D., pediatrician.

Still, she says, breast milk is best.

“One of the things that breast milk provides is antibodies that the mother is directly giving to the baby, and the formulas will not do that. But the other components – proteins and other nutrition that comes in breast milk -- the formulas are coming very close to mimicking,” says Leonard.

Gabriella’s mother plans to breast feed as long as she can. She says it’s good for the baby and for her.

“Just for the bonding and getting to know your child,” she says.

Tips for Parents

• Many different formulas -- at a wide variety of prices -- are available these days, which can make choosing one a little overwhelming at first. Which brand you use is up to you, your baby, your pediatrician and your budget. All your friends may have told you that Brand XYZ is the way to go, but your baby might respond differently. Whenever in you are in doubt, consult your physician. (Nemours Foundation)
• Infant formula comes in three basic forms: (Nemours Foundation)
• Powders require mixing with water are the least expensive.
• Concentrates -- liquids that require diluting with water.
• Ready-to-use (or ready-to-feed) liquids that can be poured right into bottles. These are the most expensive but are convenient if you're traveling or can't get to a sterile water supply quickly.
• Within those choices are even more choices. The many kinds of formula on the market include: (Nemours Foundation)
• Cow's-milk-based formulas, often with added iron, which the AAP recommends.
• Soy-based formulas (for babies who may be lactose intolerant or allergic to cow's milk) – some have added iron.
• Hypoallergenic formulas (for babies who can't tolerate the basic formulas). About 30% to 40% of infants who are allergic to cow's milk also are allergic to the protein in soy formulas. The proteins in these hypoallergenic formulas are broken down to their amino acid components and are easier to digest.
• Specialized formulas are designed for premature and/or low birth-weight babies.
• DHA and ARA are polyunsaturated fatty acids (considered the "good" kinds of fat) that may be linked to positive brain and nerve development and can be found naturally in fish oils and eggs. The fatty acids are also found in breast milk. By putting DHA and ARA in infant formulas, the manufacturers are attempting to make their formulas as close to breast milk as possible. (Nemours Foundation)

References

• Nemours Foundation

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