There are quite a few posts that I have read tonight regarding breast feeding.
First off I am a trained breast feeding mentor and a person whom is studying to become an IBCLC, misinformation infuriates me. Secondly, I am a modern day milkman. I deliver donated milk to babies in need and to Mommy's who can not produce, but understand the benefits of breast milk. Milk sharing is what has kept babies alive for centuries. In many Northern states, donated breast milk is the standard of care in a NICU, because babies do NOT respond well to formula.

So rather than go on the defense, I just wanted to share some information that I have recently acquired.

First I would like to share a link to the CDC website. On the 2nd page of this link, it shows the statistics by state of woman who chose to breastfeed. I think this is important information to know and understand. More woman are trying to breast feed than children their ever before. Yay! No where in this country are 99% of woman giving their children formula. That was an accurate stat though in the 1960's

http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/2011breastfeedingreportcard.pdf

FACTS:

Immediate Health Benefits for Breastfed Babies:

Increased resistance to infections
Earlier development of the infant immune system
Decreased risk of ear infections
Decreased risk of diarrhea
Decreased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
Baby is less likely to be hospitalized due to serious illness
Human milk is made to meet the specific needs of human babies, and it changes as the baby grows to offer the best combination of nutrients that make it easy for baby to digest and use

Long-term Health Benefits for Breastfed Babies:

Less childhood obesity
Reduced risk of some chronic diseases that develop during childhood including:
Juvenile diabetes
Childhood cancers
Allergic disease/asthma
Enhanced neurological development that may result in higher IQs and better eyesight
Suckling at the breast promotes good jaw development and encourages the growth of straight, healthy teeth

Immediate Health Benefits for a Mother Who Breastfeeds:

Uterus returns to normal size more quickly and mother has reduced blood loss
Exclusive breastfeeding delays the return of fertility in most women
Reduced insulin needs in diabetic mothers
Psychological benefits of increased self-confidence and enhanced bonding with infant
Helps mother get needed rest by requiring that she sit or lie down with baby every few hours to feed

Long-term Health Benefits for a Mother Who Breastfeeds:

Earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight, with no return of weight once weaning occurs
Reduced risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers
Reduced risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture

Social and Economic Benefits for Breastfeeding Families, Employers & Health Systems:

Family savings of several hundred dollars when the cost of breastfeeding is compared to the cost of using artificial formula
Employers benefit because mothers of breastfed children have reduced absenteeism and take fewer sick days
Reduced health care costs since breast fed babies usually require fewer sick care visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations
Breastfeeding is convenient because breast milk is always available at the right temperature, and requires no mixing

Finally I do not judge anyone for choosing not to breastfeed. I understand all of the factors that go into this choice. I myself struggled for months to supply my son with what he needed, and can understand that for some that struggle is too great. I also understand that other circumstances, can make breast feeding not an option for many. However, from a statistical health perspective, breast milk is better than formula.