Did you know:

1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all mothers breastfeed their infants for a minimum of one year, and the World Heath Organization recommends breastfeeding for two year and beyond.
   
2. Studies show higher death rates for babies not fed human milk, and could prevent 720 infant deaths a year in the US alone. (Chen, 2004)
   
3. Human milk protects a baby from infectious diseases and reduces the chance of respiratory and digestive infections. (Labbok, 1998)
   
4. Breastfeeding has been associated with a higher IQ of between 5 and 11 points. (Anderson 1999)
   
5. Breastfeeding promotes optimal development of the oral cavity, and will reduce the risk of sleep apnea in adulthood. (Palmer, 2004)
   
6. From 6 to 12 months of age, the infant receives 3/4 or more of his nutrient needs from human milk.
   
7. Breastfed babies are less picky when eating solid food, because of the changing experience in taste and odor that are not provided in the formula fed baby.
   
8. The USDA stated that a minimum of $3.6 billion dollars would be saved per year if breastfeeding rates were increased.

Breastmilk vs Formula

Although they may share a lot of the same ingredients, breastmilk is ALIVE, not pasteurized like baby formula. These ingredients are what prevent disease and provide the best nutrition for your baby.

Cost of Formula-feeding
in the First Year of Life

 

Up to $2500 in infant formula*, Up to $475 in additional medical costs**, $1,700 in lost wages due to illness***, $50 in bottles and formula feeding accessories. Total cost $4,725.

*William Sears, MD (www.askdrsears.com)

**PEDIATRICS Vol. 103 No. 4 April 1999, pp. 870-876
Health Care Costs of Formula-feeding in the First Year of Life
Thomas M. Ball, MD, MPH and Anne L. Wright, PhD

***County Employment and Wages Summary
Fourth quarter 2007 Article: 691-5902
Average weekly rate for Santa Clara, Calif.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding
for the first six months.