The advantages of breastfeeding over formula feeding still represent a popular research topic. Guzzardi et al. (2020) studied the intellectual development of eighty infants to explore connections between the type of nutrition and developmental patterns later in life. Within the frame of data analysis, the researchers drew comparisons between exclusive breastfeeding (EB) and receiving any amount of infant formula. Their conclusions demonstrated a steady positive link between EB, especially in the first twelve weeks of life, and female children’s cognitive development. Specifically, girls in the EB group outperformed their female and male non-EB counterparts in hearing and language development functions at the age of five (Guzzardi et al., 2020). Interestingly, the feeding mode’s positive effect remained significant regardless of the mother’s intelligence level, anthropometric characteristics, and age when giving birth (Guzzardi et al., 2020). With that in mind, the key message is that the mother’s refusal to use any substitutes for breast milk early in the child’s life is conducive to healthy intellectual development, especially in girls.
The pros and cons of the two infant feeding options require consideration. In terms of its advantages for health, breastfeeding protects infants from abnormal weight gain and metabolic irregularities as they grow older (Guzzardi et al., 2020). Moreover, breastfeeding does not require food expenses and is natural, which means that breast milk’s temperature is always the best for the infant. Its disadvantages primarily refer to the mother’s discomfort, nipple soreness, injuries from biting, and the need for dietary limitations (Guzzardi et al., 2020). As for the pros, formula feeding eliminates injurious incidents affecting the woman’s health, offers convenience and flexibility, and is helpful for women with milk production issues. The disadvantages are health-related as formula feeding is not protective against infections, BMI and metabolic issues, and cognitive challenges (Guzzardi et al., 2020). New mothers should consider the options’ effects to make the right choices in their situations.
Reference
Guzzardi, M. A., Granziera, F., Sanguinetti, E., Ditaranto, F., Muratori, F., & Iozzo, P. (2020). Exclusive breastfeeding predicts higher hearing-language development in girls of preschool age. Nutrients, 12(8), 1-12.