Below you will find the truth about infant formula and its impact on infant mortality, life expectancy and IQ as breastfeeding initiation fell from nearly 70% om 1910 to only 25-30% from the late 1940’s to the early 1970’s and rose again to over 75% in recent years:
As you can see, despite claims of spectacular theoretical benefits, in practice breastfeeding had no impact on infant mortality, life expectancy or IQ.
The next time anyone chastises you or attempts to make you feel guilty about formula feeding, show them this. And the next time you are inclined to beat yourself up about not breastfeeding, take a long look: in first world countries, the benefits of breastfeeding are trivial. Infant formula is an excellent, nutritious food source that provides a strong foundation for health, IQ and long life.
References:
Achievements in Public Health, 1900-1999: Healthier Mothers and Babies, MMWR October 01, 1999, 48(38);849-858.
Life expectancy in the United States. Shrestha, Laura B. Congressional Information Service, Library of Congress, 2005.
The Resurgence of Breastfeeding at the End of the Second Millennium, Wright A, Schanler R, J. Nutr. February 1, 2001 vol. 131 no. 2 421S-425S.
Trends and differentials in breast feeding: an update. Hirschman C, Butler M. Demography. 1981 Feb;18(1):39-54.
