Breast milk contains at least 100 elements not found in cow's milk. It's easier to digest than commercial formula, less likely to cause allergic reactions, always the right temperature, contains no additives or preservatives, and changes automatically to meet the nutritional needs of the baby. Breast-feeding also promotes good jaw and tooth development since babies must work harder to get the milk. It also eliminates the possibility of baby bottle tooth decay when practiced exclusively. Cow's milk, from which formula is made, is designed to grow an animal with big muscles.
Breast milk is brain food.
Moms also benefit from breast-feeding. When a baby breast-feeds right after birth, the mother's uterus contracts in response. The contractions help close bleeding capillaries and expel the placenta, alleviating the need for drugs to do this. Long-term benefits for moms include lowered risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis and urinary tract infections. In addition, breast milk is free, requires no preparation or storage, and is environmentally friendly.