[Treehuggin'Mama]

I know that the physical closeness of breastfeeding cannot be replaced by a pump and bottles... but are the health benefits for mom and baby the same?

 

[the_lissa]

NO they are not the same. Breastfeeding promotes proper orthodontal and jaw development.

The interaction of the infant's saliva with the mom's breast is part of the feedback system where a mom makes a milk specific for that particular baby and her needs and viruses, etc. That is how a tandem nursing mom makes the perfect milk for both her babies.

Of course, pumping is still great and a million times better than formula.

 

[mamanurse]

Storing bm also decreases the antioxidant, antibodies, and protein integrity.