I had a book called, I think, "The Importance of Human Milk", that had all the research I've used in the past - but I think I gave it away when I donated books to the midwives. I can't find it. :(
So I've been looking online, and can't find the research all in one place, and oh well, it's old anyhow. So I did a search to see what I could find. So far, not what I am looking for, but I thought I would include what I did find so far, and add to it as I find more.
1. Colostrum continues to offer the immunities that were available to your baby via the placenta.
- Formula does not.
2. Colostrum contains the correct amounts of sodium, potassium, chloride and cholesterol thought to encourage optimal development of your baby’s heart, brain and central nervous system.
- Formula does not.
3. Colostrum’s natural laxative benefit encourages the passage of meconium, which reduces the risk of jaundice in your baby.
- Formula does not.
4. Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, which protect your infant from viruses and infections.
- Formula does not.
5. Human milk resembles blood more than milk due to the many live cells called macrophages. These cells kill bacteria, fungi and viruses.
- Formula is a dead food.
6. Lactoferrin in human milk coats and protects your baby’s intestines. When combined with lysozyme, they have a direct antibiotic effect on bacteria such as E. coli and staphylococci.
- formula does not.
7. Secretory IgA, along with other immunoglobulins protect the ears, nose and throat, as well as the GI track against foreign viruses and bacteria. These antibodies are capable of altering their protective qualities to fight any allergens, germs or bacteria that may be present in your environment.
- formula does not.
8. Human milk contains numerous long-chain fatty acids including DHA and ARA. These lipids are responsible for cell membrane integrity in the brain, retinas and other parts of your baby’s body.
- formula uses algae, which has not proven to make any difference.
9. Breastmilk changes during the course of a feeding and throughout the day. It is secreted first as foremilk, which satisfies your baby’s initial thirst. Hindmilk is secreted as the feeding progresses.
- formula does not.
10. Preterm milk differs markedly from full term milk by offering premature babies longer access to colostrum, higher levels of IgA and other antiinfective properties. Preterm milk also contains greater concentrations of triglycerides and long-chain fatty acids. These qualities offer the premature infant optimal nutrition for his short-term energy needs as well as for his long-term neurological and visual development. Preterm milk also offers the best protection from necrotizing enterocolits (NEC), an often fatal condition in premature babies.
- formula does not.
Taken from http://www.breastfeedingonline.com%2Fimportanceofhumanmilk.html&ei=PLvxSr-fAsml8AbNnIWFCQ&usg=AFQjCNGkAAr2svu3Oks5ISwIFVJty5ukbw&sig2=yRsYQllpILUgP1d2TRqXHQ
11. Human milk contains relatively high levels of
polyamines. Human milk contains substantial amounts of mainly spermine and spermidine with a lower quantity of putrescine. Polyamine concentrations in human milk increase during the first weeks postpartum, reach a maximum after one to two weeks and then decline.
Polyamines are essentially involved in various processes of cell growth and cell differentiation. Because of its high proliferation rate, intestinal mucosa has a high demand for polyamines. Based on the results of published investigations and our present knowledge, an adequately high amount of polyamines in milk seems to be important for early infant nutrition.
- In formula, the polyamine concentrations were about ten time lower than in human milk, with no differences in putrescine and spermine concentrations between first age and second age formulas
Taken from http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FBJN%2FBJN84_S1%2FS0007114500002257a.pdf&code=b9da49778931e830c3e652438a6bb5dd
12. Human milk gangliosides are enriched with certain fatty acids, and the fatty acid composition of milk gangliosides of human and cow species are significantly different. Gangliosides, considered bioactive components in human infant nutrition, and their fatty acid composition alters their biological effects.
- We hypothesized that the differences in the fatty acid composition of milk gangliosides result in physiological distinctions between breast-fed and formula-fed infants and therefore are of importance for human infant nutrition.
Taken from http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/134/11/3016
13. Human milk is rich in cholesterol, a vital nutrient for growing brains and bodies, may predispose a child to adult heart and central nervous system diseases.
- formula has none.
14. Human milk contains vitamin C.
- Ascorbic acid concentration declined in all bottle systems during testing, Differences between the bottle systems were noted. Ascorbic acid concentrations declined to less than 40% of recommended daily intake for infants in 4 of the bottles systems at the 20 minute sampling.
Taken from http://www.internationalbreastfeedingjournal.com/content/3/1/19/abstract
