I have no doubt that breastfeeding is optimal for the child, but I do think there is likely more to the story.With studies linking breast feeding to lower Obesity and higher IQ
-How does this data stack up socioeconomically? Are women that choose not to breastfeed (*choose* being the optimal word) more likely to be uneducated and obese themselves, therefore resulting in having a child that is obese and uneducated?
There is a bias between women who breastfeed and those who don't. Being that those who don't often have to return to work and can't afford help at home etc. Having said that most of these studies control for these cofounders and incorporate that into their results. Unfortunately I'm not able to post the full study up. The obesity study was done in Japan though, not in the United States so theres definitely socioeconomic factors at play there.
those who don't often have to return to work and can't afford help at home etc.
There is also a contingent that opt for formula because, frankly, it's easier. Also, you have the hospital system essentially getting mothers and baby's alike "hooked" on formula from day one. When you leave the hospital in the US you are given a basket of goodies, among which is an ample amount of formula. -Not trying to be cynical again, but there are corporate interests at work there, no doubt. Don't you think?
I no doubt believe there are some corporate interests at work, and it's true hospitals give you normally a month's supply of formula to new mothers. However, there are also classes on breast feeding and lactation experts, not to mention more push from pediatricians to breast feed. I think if more mothers were given time off after their pregnancy you'd see breast feeding rates rise irrespective of the fact they get formula from the hospital. The important corporate interests are about getting them back to work, not pressure from "big formula". If we really want to fight obesity and improve our children's future this is the place to start.
My wife is a physician. We are extremely health conscious when it comes to the food our daughter consumes. My wife breast fed our daughter for the first few weeks and then, the milk stopped. We hired a consultant to come in to our home and help and took some pretty extreme measures to avoid formula. It was really hard on her, but ultimately we had to use it. -albeit an organic version. I forget the name. My daughter is extremely bright, aware and her vocabulary for a 2.5 year old is staggering. She's in no danger of ever being obese due to her beginnings with formula. My guess is that most women that resort to formula do so out of convenience. Even a working mother can pump, but it's extremely inconvenient. The mothers that do pump are highly motivated to provide the best care/nourishment for their child. My guess is that this care spills in to their future diet and their future cognitive development. I would guess (lot's of guessing, I know) that it's the motivation of the mothers that is the driving force behind both the positive outcomes of breastfeeding and it's the lack of motivation which leads to obesity and a lesser cognitive development. I would think that the actual formula has less to do with these negative outcomes than the conditioning of the parent. edit: Also, if we want to combat obesity and increase cognitive development I think there are better places to start than breastfeeding.If we really want to fight obesity and improve our children's future this is the place to start.