Babies Fed Breast Milk
Smarter Than Premature Formula Counterparts - Less Bed Wetting and Brain
Development Improvements
July 9th 2006
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New research published in the July issue of Pediatrics finds that
premature children fed breast milk in the hospital did better on tests
of mental development later in life than did others fed only formula.
The premature babies all weighed less than 2 pounds, 3 ounces.
The study involved 1,035 premature babies, some of which were born 3
months premature. Of these babies, one quarter were fed only formula.
The researchers took into account many factors, including the parent’s
income and education. They found that on the average, the babies given
breast milk scored higher on tests of mental development when they were
18 months old than the babies fed formula only.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that premature and
other high-risk infants be fed breast milk. Since the preemies had
trouble suckling, medical personnel needed to feed the babies by tube or
bottle.
This is believed to be the first study comparing breast milk and formula
on premature newborn babies. The researcher believe it is the fatty
acids that benefit the babies, and that feeding the smallest babies
breast milk could save money in special education services.
A separate study found that children fed breast milk were less likely to
become bed-wetters later in childhood. The researchers believe that
bed-wetting could be caused by a delay in neuro-development. The
researchers say that breast milk had no effect on rates of cerebral
palsy, blindness or hearing problems.
The International Formula Council (IFC) says that “the AAP recommends
that all infants weaned before 12 months of age should receive
iron-fortified infant formula. Iron-fortified infant formula is the only
safe and effective alternative to breast milk, providing complete
nutrition to meet the unique needs of growing infants.”
Dan Wilson
Best Syndication
Books on Pregnancy
Keywords and misspellings: priatal prenatal pre-natal
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