Breast-Feeding/Formula Benefits: Vital parenting information from Eyewitness News

Studies this year, are reflecting the mantra, that for newborns- breast milk is best. Yhe May issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found women who had breast-fed their baby for just one month had lower rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Researchers found a link between how long mothers continued breast-feeding, and the health benefits in their post-menopausal years.

Pediatrician Joe Matusic echoes the benefits of nursing.

Dr. Joe Matusic, MD/Pediatrician
The immune benefits are well known. There are fewer colds, ear infections, stomach flu. This is well documented. And many of those benefits actually stop the day after you stop breast feeding because it's direct immunity from the breast milk that's preventing infection.

How long you do it, is up to you . Many times, women stop nursing after maternity leave, when they go back to work.

Dr. Matusic
The average woman may go until 16-months. Some people say stop at a year because it's just a type of standard limit. There is no magic number.

But he does not condone any undue pressure put on women who choose to use formula for their babies. He says those babies grow up as happy and healthy as any other... and women make the formula choice for any variety of reasons, including preexisting health issues. He says recent additives to formula's such as ARA and DHA, make them a good option.
If you choose to nurse the doctor says don't worry about how long or short of a time you do breast feed. He says devise a plan that works for you.

Dr. Matusic
Breast feeding once is a benefit, you still get the antibodies, it's still going to be a benefit for your child. so go ahead and try it, and see how you like it. And fit it into your lifestyle. Don't let somebody say, 'You've gotta do this, this and this', No you don't. We can always fit it into what fits with you. Be flexible with it.

Because in the end, a happy mom is a good mom. And you'll bond with your baby beautifully, regardless if you choose breast-feeding, or formula.