When you look at the information available on growth for breast and formula fed infants, it is quite different. So much so, that the World Health Organization did extensive work to develop growth charts appropriate for exclusively breastfed babies. Most of the research in the development of growth charts was on formula-fed infants. Generally breastfed babies grow quickly, and then slow down significantly, and are often very lean toddlers. Breastfed babies regulate their feedings, and nursing mothers feed based on cues from their babies.
I think in looking at the results of the study, it makes sense that infants who are mainly bottle fed are more likely to finish the whole bottle as they grow. We want our babies to finish their bottles and expect our children to clean their plates. Self regulation of food intake based on hunger is something breastfed babies are programmed to do. They must communicate with their mother via feeding cues, to ensure adequate intake. Not all mothers have the same storage capacity or ability to produce breast milk, and their success is dependent on the baby communicating its needs.
The risk of obesity is lower in breastfed infant and you have to speculate this ability to self-regulate feeding volumes may contribute to this. They eat when they are hungry. Lots about breastfeeding seems very inter-related. The research outcomes seem to overlap and really emphasize the benefits as being cumulative in many, many ways, which is why Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford sought accreditation from the World Health Organization as a Baby-Friendly hospital.
Laura Burnett, RN, BSN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Nursing Supervisor, Women's Services
Texas Health HEB
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