Breastfeeding Prevents Overfeeding in Newborns

Researchers have just identified one more reason why breast feeding is better than formula. While all babies lose weight during the first few days after birth, a new study published in the Journal of Human Lactation found that exclusively formula-fed newborns lost substantially less weight than breast-fed babies. On the surface, this would seem like a drawback of nursing. In fact, researchers suggest that newborn weight loss is a normal form of self-regulation of infants, and providing formula overrides it, possibly setting up infants for weight gain and obesity later in life.

Newborns mostly lose water weight and meconium as well as a small amount of fat, in the first few days as they learn to regulate their own body temperature. Additionally, the breast milk that they are typically sipping on in the first few days after birth is colostrum, a yellowish, nutrient-dense, but low-calorie substance that new moms produce before their milk comes in. Newborns typically lose 5 to 7 percent of their birth weight in the first week.

If your newborn is in this healthy weight loss range, and the nurses or doctors recommend supplementing with formula to boost your baby’s weight, discuss your concerns about overfeeding. Just like when you’re mother insisted that you “clear your plate,” we’re just now learning that eating more than you need isn’t always a good thing!

Other benefits of breast feeding include:
For the baby:
Lower risk of infections
Lower risk of food allergies and asthma
Higher IQ
Lower risk of obesity and diabetes

For the mom:
Reduced postpartum bleeding
Stress relief
Lower risk of depression
Stronger bones
Greater weight loss