A new study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology says that feeding infants formula in their first days of life prevents babies from developing an allergy to cow's milk.
In the study, the longest and largest prospective study of its kind, the researchers looked at the feeding history of 13,019 infants. Children who were started on infant formula containing cow's milk protein in the first through the 15th days of life were almost completely protected from developing Cows Milk Protein Allergy (CMA) -- 19 times more protected than babies fed cow's milk protein after 15 days. CMA can be dangerous to babies, leading to rashes, respiratory problems, shock and even death, so this boost to the immune system early in life acts as a "vaccination."
What's interesting about this study (besides the obvious) is they recommend that babies get one bottle of formula every day for the first 15 days of life. Something we've been told to avoid at all costs.
Introducing formula later than 15 days has no value and can even trigger a cow's milk allergy if given during the three- to five-month period after birth. Which is the previous recommendation for introducing a bottle, if not introducing formula.
The study doesn't advocate for formula or decry breastfeeding, explaining that you can nurse all day long, just slip in some formula at some point.
Of course, as the doctor points out, giving the baby a bottle is an excellent way for dad to step in and bond with the baby too.
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9 comments:
100% breastfeed baby are a lot more protected from allergies. Introducing a bottle during the first 15 days is a big no, no, if a mom is trying to be successful in breastfeeding.
Didn't work for us either time. My son still had a milk protein allergy and my 3 month old daughter is so allergic to formula including hydrosolate that she is on a special amino acid formula only available online.
It's not a big no no. I had issues with milk production early on and had to supplement with a bottle starting at day 5. My son continued to latch and nurse properly even with the introduction of the bottle. Formula feeding gets nothing but negative press which leads to a lot of guilt in moms who have no choice. I'm glad someone finally pointed out one of the positives.
Actually, anonymous poster #1. 100% breastfed babies aren't more protected from allergies. As long as a baby gets some breast milk, they receive the same protections as an exclusively nursed baby does. And since a scientific study shows that some formula protects from a milk allergy, something breast milk cannot do, sounds like you should do some research before you make judgemental comments.
I breastfed and had to give supplemental formula in a bottle (one bottle per day) during the
1st 15 days for 3 of my kids and I never had a problem with them breastfeeding. Moms can have someone else give the bottle and then their is less chance baby will refuse to nurse.
This is unfortunately misinformation. Pregnant first-time moms should know that breatfeeding protects babies far more than formula, and formula is a poor substitute for breastmilk. Please be informed on the benefits of breastfeeding, and don't just make a decision based on this study, which I'm sure was funded by the formula companies.
Pregnancy Weekly should be ashamed of printing this misleading article. It would be sad for moms to listen to the advice in this article because they would likely be depriving their newborns of so many other more important benefits that breastfeeding provides.
Pregnant women should be encouraged to breatfeed.
not ever mother has the luxary to breastfeed. my baby came late in my life and i had no milk after the cesarion. my daughter is 4 and a half months old now and has been on formula since her frst day. No allerges, very healthy and roust.
I'm not sure if I could agree with the 1st (and only) comment made by ANONYMOUS i.e. 100% breastfeed baby are a lot more protected from allergies.
I'm not sure if I could agree with the 1st (and only) comment made by ANONYMOUS re. 100% breastfeed baby are a lot more protected from allergies.
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