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The Gold Standard

Breastfeeding is the natural and normal way to provide optimal nutritional, immunological, and emotional nurturing for the growth and development of infants.  No artificial baby milk (formula) is the same as breastmilk in terms of nutrients, enzymes, growth factors, hormones, immunological and anti-inflammatory properties or in infant growth and developmental outcomes.  Therefore, BREASTMILK doesn't just add benefits, but sets the STANDARD for INFANT FEEDING.

Breastmilk is the GOLD Standard of Health Outcomes
Infants fed artificial baby milk (formula) have:
increased rates of respiratory disease (1)
increased rates of otitis media (ear infections) (2)
increased rates of gastroenteritis (3)
increased rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (4)
increased incidence of allergies (5)
increased risk of childhood cancers (6)
increased risk of IDDM in susceptible children (7)
increased rates of ulcerative colitis (8)
increased incidence of Crohn's Disease (9)
increased possibility of improperly stimulated immune system (10)
increased risk for less favorable response to vaccines with low antibody levels leaving some artificially-fed babies under-immunized (11)

Breastmilk is the GOLD Standard of Cognitive Outcomes
Infants fed artificial baby milk (formula) have:
a different brain composition than breastfed babies (12)
a lower neurodevelopment response at 4 months of age (13)
lower mental development scores at 18 months of age (14)
lower cognitive scores at 3 years of age (15)
twice the rate of minor neurological dysfunctional 9 years of age (16)
lower IQs at ages 11-16 years (17)

Breastmilk is the GOLD Standard of Composition
Artificial baby milk (formula) does NOT contain: (18)
secretory IgA
lysozymes
macrophages
hormones
enzymes
growth factors
long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA and AA) (read labels a few formulas have added  DHA & ARA as of 2002)
Artificial baby milks (formulas) CANNOT meet these standards.  The only food that meets them is BREASTMILK - a living fluid and the GOLD standard.

Other Formula concerns:                                                                               
PDF WABA Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women: where does breastfeeding fit in?


References
1) Wright AL et al. Br Med J, 229, 1989
2) Duncan B et al. Pediatr, 91, 1993
3) Howie PW et al. Br Med J, 300, 1990
4) Frederickson DD et al. Am J Dis Child, 147, 1993
5) Saarinen UM et al. Lancet, 346, 1995
6) Dais MK et al. Lancet, 8/13, 1988
7) Mayer DJ et al. Diabetes, 37, 1988
8) Whorwell PJ et al. Br Med J, 1:382, 1979
9) Koletzko S et al. Br Med J, 298, 1989
10) Newman J. Scientific American, 12:76, 1995
11) Hahn-Zoric M et al. Acta Paediatr Scand, 79, 1990
12) Uauy R. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 11, 1990
13) Agostoni C et al. Pediatr Res, 38, 1995
14) Florey C du V, et al. Intl J Epidermal, 24 (suppl 1), 1995
15) BauerG et al. Psych Reports, 68, 1991
16) Lanting CI et al. Lancet, 344, 1994
17) Green LC, et al. Biochem Soc Trans, 23, 1995
18) See labels on formula cans in your area


What can you do to promote the GOLD Standard?
Individual
If you are currently breastfeeding, be proud that you have decided to give your baby the very best.
Don't be defensive about your decision to breastfeed.  Remember the majority of women in the US breastfeed their babies.
Refuse all free samples and coupons for artificial baby milk (formula), that the companies use to market their products.
Refuse all breastfeeding literature and supplies from artificial feeding companies as it increases the cost of artificial baby milk (formula) to families.
Share with others your feelings about breastfeeding.        
       Share your feedlings and support with others.
       Be sure your healthcare professionals KNOW of your infant feeding decision.
       Be sure your healthcare professionals KNOW you expect their support in your choice.
       Ask your life and health insurance carriers for discounted rates since you are practicing
                good preventative health practices for both you and your baby.
Community
When you see a breastfeeding mother and baby, go up to her and congratulate her for deciding to give her baby the best.
Request reimbursement for all breastfeeding support and services that you require or provide.
State
Join a breastfeeding task force.
Ask that breastfeeding be a part of the biology and family health curriculum in your school system.
Explore state legislation for ways to support breastfeeding women and babies:
        nursing in public issues
        workplace support for breastfeeding
        appropriate maternity stays and maternity benefits
        third-party reimbursement for lactation visits and support
National
Inform your legislator that Breastfeeding Support and Services are needed in any health care reform or universal health care for children.
Inform government agencies and your legislators about the cost savings afforded by breastfeeding.
Participate in World Breastfeeding Week activities every August 1 - 7.
This information was prepared by Marsha Walker and members of NABA in 1997 for NABA.

"Empowering our society to become a breastfeeding culture."

© 2002 - 2012 Florida Lactation Consultant Association, all rights reserved.
This internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only.
If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should
always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.