MooMama

It seems that every expert on the subject has a different opinion, so which is it? Does nursing only, help to reduce the chances of childhood obesity? And if so, why?

Chrissy

I don't know how true that is, except for the fact that breast milk is by far the best, it comes with all the right nutrients in a balance way, so I agree on that basis.

cutebaby

Child's weight mostly depends on the metabolism of its body. But I'm not sure that breast milk will help reduce the obesity of the baby. Although I definitely agree with Chrissy that breast milk of the mother is the best milk for the baby because it has all the nutrients that the baby needs, no more no less!

boyohboy

Most orginizations seem to agree that bottlefeeding does increase the odds of obesity. Even the AAP in the US and CPS in Canada are saying that. So to me it is fact. the question is why.

A few reasons I've heard are the fats in formula are different than fats in breastmilk, and by ingesting them they sort of program the body differently to store fat instead of burn it. Or the way many parents will try to get baby to take "that last half ounce" to finish the bottle when baby is already full.

I do think genetics are part of it too, and the seditary lifestyles we're teaching our kids. But I do think formula is a factor too.

Urbanmom

I think the ability to self-regulate intake that is a natural component of breastfeeding is a big part of why breastfed babies are less likely to be obese later in life. Mothers learn to trust that their child is getting enough food when they see them growing and thriving on breastmilk, without knowing exactly what their intake was. As they get older and are eating table foods, a nursing mother will be more likely to trust that her toddler is satisfied and nourished after only a few bites of food, because she knows her baby knows what a full tummy feels like. She is less likely to press for those last bites, or press for cleaning the plate, since she didn't press to finish those last few ounces in the bottle back in infancy.

SingleMom_02

Well when i was breast feeding mine could not eat as much as he wanted because i didnt want him getting any alcohol in his system. So had to wait, this was a good thing because my nerves were calm and he had to learn self control.

darline

is it really true that breast feeding is the beat way in avoiding child's obesity?????how true is this?

maemabz

a child's being obese would really depend on how they are fed. What they take would merely show what they eat. It's just a matter of how a child is taken cared of, obesity is a state of choosing to be unhealthy.

Livingston

I think the main difference is that bottle fed babies begin eating baby food much sooner and the baby food in a jar can make them gain weight if they are given enough of it. Breast fed babies start eating food later. They will often get chubby while they are nursing, but slim down as soon as they start walking.