The Miracle of Breast Milk

My name is Fran Lynch, MD. I am a neonatologist in the Neonatal ICU at Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth. On a daily basis, we take care of the smallest, sickest, and most vulnerable infants. There have been so many advances in medications and technology in the past 2 decades, and we are now able to help save babies born as much as 17 weeks before their due date. Despite all these advances, we are learning that one of the most potent medications available to us is not a medication at all--it's BREAST MILK.
Nature doesn't do anything by accident. Human milk is the ideal food for human babies. It contains not only all of the fat, protein, and calories that healthy babies need to grow, it also contains many antibodies and other substances that help baby fight off infection. In fact, healthy babies that are fed breast milk instead of formula for the first year of life have less frequent ear infections, bouts of diarrhea, and "snotty noses". Breast milk also helps protect against more serious infections like meningitis and pneumonia.
Decreased infections are not the only benefit of breastfeeding. Breastfed infants are less likely to develop asthma or allergies, especially if there is a family history of these problems. Some studies suggest that breastfeeding may help prevent obesity and diabetes later in life. Breastfed babies have been shown in some studies to score higher on IQ tests as adolescents. Breastfeeding your infant for a year could potentially make them smarter.
Breastfeeding has benefits for mom as well. Moms who breastfeed lose the "baby weight" faster than those who don't. Breastfeeding can also reduce mom's risk of breast cancer. Last, and probably most importantly, breastfeeding allows moms to bond with their babies in such a special, intimate way--it helps cement the mother-baby bond.
For the financially conscious, breastfeeding is a great deal. Breast milk is FREE, always available, and always the right temperature. You don't have to prepare it or clean plastic bottles after you are done.
I hope that I have convinced you to encourage any expectant moms you know to breastfeed their infants. Breastfeeding is the most special gift that a mom can give to her child. Though breastfeeding only lasts for a short time, the benefits last a lifetime.