Human milk also contains beneficial bacteria that prevent the growth of harmful organisms that can lead to digestive problems and diarrhea. In addition, human milk contains over 100 ingredients not found in formula. And unlike formula, no baby is allergic to mother s milk unless she has eaten something that disagrees with the baby. If the baby does have a reaction, the mother simply eliminates that food from her diet. The actual act of breastfeeding is also beneficial to the baby.
Milk is much harder to get out of a breast than a bottle.
Therefore, breastfeeding strengthens the baby s jaw muscles and also promotes straight, healthy teeth. Studies have shown that breastfeeding can create an early bond between mother and baby. Newborns can only see 12 to 15 inches from their face, which is about the distance between the nursing baby and the mother s face. Currently, more than 60 percent of new mothers in the United States are choosing to breastfeed, says Andrea. At Clark Memorial, we encourage mothers to try breastfeeding.