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A Dynamic Fluid
Breastfed babies are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, Type II diabetes, obesity, and more. Breast milk gives a growing baby the perfect balance of fat, sugar, easy-to-digest protein, and water. Cooler still, breast milk contains premade maternal antibodies that help babies fight off infections.
But this data is pretty commonly known. Deep down, everyone knows breast milk is superior to formula, though most Americans greatly underestimate the disparity. In addition to all the benefits listed above, breastfed babies are shown to have higher IQs than formula-fed infants. Breast milk outshines the best formula man can create, yet, the margin of difference is a matter of debate.
New research further tilts the scale. The benefits of breast milk go far beyond the nutrients contained within it; breast milk delivers live cells to the baby. Through breast milk, the mother imbues her baby with T-lymphocytes, a white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune system, and undifferentiated stem cells that are capable of adapting to their environment and becoming a needed type of cell. Wow. How clever is that?
The red and blue cells are mammary stem cells isolated from breast milk
To me, this is game-changing data. This research provides yet another mechanism that reveals just how critical breast milk is to proper immune system development. I think we have only a very superficial understanding of the benefits of breast milk, and I believe the disparity between breast milk and formula to be far, far greater than is currently known.
There can be no doubt that babies fare better in this world when they begin their life being nourished by the food created by the ingenious forces that designed the human body. As cool as this research is, I bet this is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm certain there are even more amazing mechanisms yet to be discovered that reveal yet another layer of genius to breast milk's design.
The data is overwhelming: breastfed babies begin life better equipped to meet its many challenges, and even the best formula is, and always will be, lightyears behind.
Best Wishes,
Dan
Daniel A. Clinton, RN, BSN
CPR & First Aid Instructor and Professional Tutor
www.clintoncpr.com
www.awesomenursingtutor.com | 
