Breast feeding plays major roles in many areas of proper development in an infant and it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that the child is breastfed for their entire first year.  It is the best way to ensure the child will receive the nutrients to develop their brain, bones, organs and immune system properly.  By building a strong immune system in the infant it also reduces the rates of asthma, diabetes, pneumonia, diarrhea, and ear infections.  It has also been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer in both mothers and daughters and it reduces the risk of ovarian cancer in mothers who breastfeed. It also is very important in developing a bond between the mother and the child.  With breast feeding there are a number of neonatal reflexes that are involved which build on each other to promote the proper development of the nervous system.  If these reflexes are not properly used and integrated the child could have difficulties with speech, writing, balance, coordination, and even hormone production.

Because the benefits of breast feeding run deeper than just the nutrients that are received from the mother it is difficult to receive the same benefits by providing formula to an infant.  However, there are cases when formula is necessary and a good formula can help provide the nutrients that are essential in growth and development.  The Weston-Price Foundation and Dr. Mercola have a few recipes that can be made at home that are better for the infant than anything found in the local grocery store. They can be found through the links I’ve attached to the names above.

In times when money is tight and the health of our nation is declining at a disgusting rate, prevention of health problems is one way to reduce bills and improve the nation’s health all at once. Breast feeding is an essential first step in this process, and the use of the above formulas is an acceptable alternative.