The Science of Breastfeeding: facts are not judgement

The science of breastfeeding can make some people uncomfortable. An already emotive topic, seeing evidence of why breastfeeding matters can be a trigger for those who were not able to meet their breastfeeding goals (yet oddly doesn't seen to have the same effect on those who chose not to breastfed at all)

Facts are not judgement.

Media articles sharing the latest discoveries researchers have made are often skewed to create debate - not the intention of the studies themselves. It is the media seeking to create so-called "mummy wars" with alarmist headlines often not related to the research itself.

But facts they are.

There are no benefits to feeding babies as they are biologically intended to feed. Breastfeeding doesn't reduce the risk of anything, because it is the natural state. But increased awareness of the risks of NOT breastfeeding means infant feeding cannot be dressed up as a lifestyle choice but needs to be acknowledged as a public health issue.

Knowing what breastmilk is and what it does is important. Knowing what cannot be replicated in formula matters. Knowing the short- and long-term health impacts of not breastfeeding matters.

Even if it hurts some feelings.

Because we need to know what we are feeding our babies.