Infant Formula – An Alternative for Breast Milk

Infant formula is an artificial substitute for breast milk if the mother doesn’t prefer breast feeding. The decision to breastfeed or formula feed babies should be based on the mother’s comfort level with breastfeeding as well as their lifestyle. Some parents choose formula-feeding either because of personal preference or because medical conditions of either the mother or the infant make breastfeeding risky.

Besides breast milk, infant formula is the only other infant milk which the medical community considers nutritionally acceptable for infants under the age of one year. Cow's milk is not recommended because of its high protein and electrolyte (salt) content which may put a strain on an infant's immature kidneys. Evaporated milk, although perhaps easier to digest due to the processing of the protein, is still nutritionally inadequate.

The article Infant Formula Fortification Protocol advised that; soy milk, almond milk, or carrot juice are absolutely not acceptable substitutes for breast milk or even for formula. It is also advisable for breastfeeding moms to be much careful of what they eat because this can affect their baby and also their health. Breastfed mothers are advised to avoid foods that contain Trans fats and anything with hydrogenated or even partially hydrogenated oils.

Many scientists believe that non-breastfed infants suffer significantly from ear infection, intestinal and other bacterial infection. In addition, bottle feeding can be less successful than breastfeeding in promoting the natural bonding process of mother and child. Infant formulas, like other processed food products, are the subject of occasional reviews, usually due to bacterial or foreign object contamination. Since all infant formulas are regulated by Infant Formula Act, they are all nutritious, just make sure that you prepare the formula carefully and store them safely.

Keep in mind that there’s no perfect substitute for breast milk, its nature’s gift to mankind. Besides, research found that breastfed babies have lower rate of medical problems and most major medical and heath organizations recommend breastfeeding than formula feeding. Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial for premature babies and may also protect children against allergies, asthma, diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome. So still, breast milk is the perfect food for babies, but for mothers who are unable to breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is good enough as an alternative.

Dr. Joseph Mercola is the founder of Mercola.com , one of the world's most visited and trusted health websites, and publisher of the FREE Mercola.com e-newsletter , -- your source of natural health information.