Why is expressed milk not as good as breastfeeding?

The Superiority of Breastfeeding Over Expressed Milk
Breastfeeding is often heralded as the gold standard for infant nutrition, and while expressed milk is a valuable alternative, it does not quite match the benefits of direct breastfeeding. Understanding the nuances between these two methods reveals why breastfeeding is generally considered superior.
Nutritional Composition and Bioavailability
One of the primary reasons breastfeeding is favored is the optimal nutritional composition of breast milk. Breast milk is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of a growing infant, containing the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and antibodies. These nutrients are not only present in ideal proportions but are also in a form that is easily digestible for infants. When milk is expressed, there is a risk of nutrient degradation due to exposure to air and light, as well as the potential for improper storage conditions that can affect its quality.
Immune Protection
Breastfeeding provides significant immune benefits that expressed milk cannot fully replicate. The act of breastfeeding allows for the transfer of antibodies and other immune factors directly from the mother to the baby, which helps to protect against infections and diseases. This live transfer of immune properties is diminished when milk is expressed and stored, as some of these protective components may be lost or rendered less effective during the storage process.
Bonding and Emotional Connection
The physical act of breastfeeding fosters a unique bonding experience between mother and child. Skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding promotes emotional attachment and can enhance the baby’s sense of security. This intimate interaction is not replicated when feeding expressed milk from a bottle, which can lead to a less profound emotional connection during feeding times.
Feeding Dynamics and Development
Breastfeeding also encourages proper oral and facial development in infants. The mechanics of breastfeeding require the baby to latch and suck effectively, which promotes healthy jaw and dental development. In contrast, feeding from a bottle can lead to different sucking patterns that may not support optimal oral development. Additionally, breastfeeding allows for a natural regulation of feeding, as babies can nurse on demand, which helps to establish healthy eating patterns.
Practical Considerations
While expressed milk offers flexibility, it comes with its own set of challenges. The process of expressing, storing, and warming milk can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Moreover, there is a risk of nipple confusion when introducing bottles too early, which can lead to difficulties in breastfeeding. This can create a cycle where the baby prefers the bottle over the breast, potentially undermining the breastfeeding relationship.
In conclusion, while expressed milk is a beneficial option for many mothers, especially those who may need to return to work or have other commitments, it does not provide the same level of nutrition, immune protection, bonding, and developmental benefits as direct breastfeeding. For those who can, breastfeeding remains the recommended choice for nurturing infants in their crucial early months.

Do babies get the same benefits from pumped breast milk?

No studies have specifically compared breast pumping to nursing. But we know both methods provide the same antibodies and nourishment to help your baby stay healthy. In addition, exclusive pumping offers several advantages: If you choose exclusive pumping, you should plan to pump every three hours.

Is pumped milk as nutritious as breastfeeding?

Breast milk is the natural food for infants, and pumping can offer benefits that are similar, although not identical, to providing breast milk directly from the breast. Human breast milk is biologically designed to meet a baby’s nutritional needs, and many doctors recommend breast milk rather than feeding with formula.

Is pumping breast milk as good as nursing?

Is pumping just as good as breastfeeding? Even though both offer the same nutrients to the baby, the benefits of both the methods highly depends on the needs of the baby and the mom.

Do babies still get antibodies from pumped milk?

While this likely means that infants fed donor milk receive fewer antibodies than those who get milk directly from their mother, Hand said that more research is needed to understand what levels of antibodies are protective against diseases like NEC.

Is expressing breast milk as good as breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding vs pumping
While breastfeeding automatically adapts the composition of breast milk to the baby’s needs, this is not the case with expressed breast milk and it does not support the baby’s immune system to the same extent.

Does pumping burn the same calories as breastfeeding?

Since a breast pump mimics a baby sucking at the breast, your body responds similarly when it comes to the metabolic response. But while both pumping and breastfeeding burn calories, breastfeeding tends to be more efficient and therefore moms who breastfeed do it more often, burning more calories in the long run.

What are the disadvantages of pumping breast milk?

Disadvantages of using a breast pump include:

• Fewer immune system benefits. Using a breast pump is preferable to formula but may not be tailored to the baby’s needs at the moment.
• Extra expense. Buying a breast pump and the supplies needed may cost extra money.
• Privacy concerns.
• Storage.

Does breastmilk lose nutrients when pumped?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), freshly expressed breast milk can be safely kept at room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. Generally, when freshly pumped, breast milk is at its peak regarding nutrients.

Why is pumping not the same as breastfeeding?

Sometimes milk doesn’t let down as quickly or as much with a machine. Pump suction is also not always as effective as a baby’s mouth at getting milk out of the breast. As a result, depending on the person, exclusively pumping can result in less milk production than breastfeeding.

Can I go 8 hours without pumping at night?

Avoid going longer than 5-6 hours without pumping during the first few months. naturally wake (to go to the bathroom or because your breasts are uncomfortably full) than if you set an alarm to wake for pumping. pumping session (increasing frequency even if milk is not removed thoroughly) is helpful.