Is breast milk overrated? Get the facts right

Dear Doctor,

I recently read somewhere that as much breastfeeding is beneficial to a child; it doesn't make them any smarter. I'm pregnant and my mum has been singing the breastfeeding song since she knows I don't intend to breastfeed. The story further vindicated me by stating that formula-fed kids have no difference with their breastfed counterparts in matters brilliance. I am well aware of the benefits but I don't find them convincing enough...please educate me.

Concerned mum-to-be

Dear mum-to-be

 While I do not entirely dismiss your claims about breastfeeding, allow me to submit that you have picked out just one of the benefits of breastfeeding and made it your main point of divergence as regards breastfeeding. In fact, intelligence and brilliance is way down on the reasons why we promote and encourage mothers to breastfeed their young.

We know that the benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to increased intelligence. Breastfeeding ensures a lower likelihood of contracting middle ear infections; cold and flu; a reduced risk of childhood onset diabetes, obesity, dental problems, asthma and eczema; and a decreased risk of developing psychological disorders, particularly in adopted children. There is no commercial formula that can equal breast milk.

Even when we know that breast milk contains very little iron, and that the internal iron supplies of the infant, held in the infant's liver are exhausted at 4–6 months, introduction of complementary feeding at 4-6 months helps to prevent anaemia.

Colostrum, the initial milk produced by the breast during the first few days after birth, is a thin yellowish fluid that also usually leaks from the breasts during pregnancy. It is rich in immune antibodies and proteins which coats the gastrointestinal tract of the baby. This helps to protect the newborn until the baby's own immune system is functioning properly, and helps move gut contents easing emptying of bowel.

This also helps to prevent the build-up of bilirubin, a byproduct of breakdown of blood which often can cause yellow colour change in the body called jaundice. Human milk is thinner and sweeter than cow's milk. Whole cow's milk does not contain sufficient vitamin E or essential fatty acids. Whole cow's milk also contains excessive amounts of protein, sodium, and potassium, which may put a strain on an infant's immature kidneys.

In addition, the proteins and fats in whole cow's milk are more difficult for an infant to digest and absorb than the ones in breast milk. The benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh any alternative known to man, and must be encouraged, especially in the first year of life.

Besides the baby nursing directly from the mother's breast, breast milk can be pumped and then fed to the baby. In wet nursing, breast milk is supplied by a woman other than the baby's mother. It is recommended that a baby be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.

- Dr Ombeva Malande is a paediatrics and child health expert