The rate of breastfeeding is now rising but far from meeting the Year 2000 Health Objectives of 50 percent. Despite overwhelming evidence that supports the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding, too few women nurse their infants beyond the first few weeks of infancy. At the same time, policy makers are increasingly recognizing that breastfeeding can reduce health care costs and enhance maternal and infant well-being. Not only is breastfeeding important for babies and mothers, but it is important for society as well. Human milk is uniquely suited for human infants.
Human milk is a living dynamic fluid specifically produced for human infants.
It contains nutrients in the amount and quality needed by the infant. No formula has been produced that replicates the composition of nutrients in human milk. In addition to nutrients, human milk contains enzymes, hormones, growth factors, immunological and anti-allergic factors and prostaglandins. Formula contains nutrients but does not contain any of the other components mentioned above. And, the concentration and availability of nutrients are superior in human milk.