LESSON #2
BREAST FEEDING BASICS

Risks of Not Breastfeeding

Everyone knows that breastmilk provides the best nutrition for babies. The truth is that breastfeeding is the natural and normal way to feed a baby, and the use of breastmilk substitutes (e.g. formula, carnation evaporated milk, cow’s milk etc.) may pose risks to the health of mothers and babies.

According to INFACT Canada, 2002, the most common risks of using formula instead of breastmilk are:

  • Increased risk of asthma
  • Increased risk of allergy
  • Reduced cognitive development
  • Increased risk of acute respiratory disease
  • Increased risk for infection from contaminated formula
  • Increased risk of childhood cancers
  • Increased risk of chronic diseases
  • Increased risk of diabetes
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Increased risk of obesity
  • Increased risk of gastrointestinal infections
  • Increased risk of mortality
  • Increased risk of ear infections
  • Increased risk of side effects of environmental contaminants
 

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