Are babies that are breast fed healthier than babies that are bottle -fed with formula? Over the years this has been a great debate. Human milk has been referred to as a complete food that is able to meet the nutritional requirements of the newborn and older infant. Health experts say that breast feeding could save lives. More than two decades of research have established that breast milk is perfectly suited to nourish infants and protect them from illness. When it comes to nutrition, the best first food for babies is breast milk.
             The primary benefit of breast milk is nutritional. Mother's milk has been perfectly bioengineered by nature to satisfy all the nutritional needs of infants. "Human milk is made for human babies and meets all the specific nutrient needs" (www.fda.gov). It contains just the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino. About 80% of the cells in breast milk are macrophage cells that kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
             The unique properties of breast milk are so valuable that one could say the they were worth their weight in gold. New discoveries are continuously being made regarding the active components in human colostrum and milk. Colostrum is the first milk. It is a concentrated form of nutrition with a yellowish color due to the presence of B-carotene. It is high in protein and low in fat. Breast milk contains at least 100 ingredients not found in formula. When compared to cow's milk, breast milk contains a different type of protein.
             Research has found that breast milk is perfectly suited to nourish infants and protect them from illness. It provides the baby with a balanced nutrition, boosts the immune system and may even enhance brain development. Breast-fed babies have improved eyesight and score seven to eight points higher on IQ test than formula fed infants.
             "Doctors have long felt that breast milk fights infection by passing some of the mother's protecti...