I think we’ve long gone past the acceptance that nothing is better for the baby than breastmilk. For many years, those groups such as the La Leche League were ostracized and viewed as crazy people. Fast forward decades of research and we now know that there are tangible benefits of breastfeeding that far outweigh formula.
Heck, it has only been recently that we found out that probiotic strains like Lactobacillus actually show up in breastmilk! And further recent evidence finds that supportive factors like galacotoligosaccarhides (GOS) are present to support the further growth of healthy bacterial flora in the newborn’s gut.
As research progresses I’m sure we’ll find many more compounds unique to breastmilk that are not in formula. It has never and will never compare. So why do we have this fascination with formula?
It seems like the recommendations at the hospital as well as the pediatrician’s office favor formula. You can’t leave a newborn alone in the hospital or he or she may be fed formula. A new mom goes home with a wonderful bag loaded with formula samples and coupons.
This particular study demonstrates just how pathetic hospitals are at promoting breastfeeding, despite what they may say to expectant parents. In 2009, a paltry 3.5% of US hospitals met at least 9 out of 10 criteria for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative put together by the WHO. 3.5%.
How comfortable does that make YOU feel about giving birth in a hospital?