10TV: Breast Milk is the Best Option for Babies

A New York Times article published over the weekend reported that the United States threatened other countries over a United Nations resolution to support breastfeeding. The Times reported that the U.S. was looking out for formula manufacturers and wanted to “water down” the resolution.

However, research conducted over many decades has shown that human milk is the most beneficial for a baby’s health.

Following the publication of this article, 10TV reporter Shelby Croft visited the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank to learn more about breastfeeding and how human milk is beneficial to babies.

“Babies are going to grow better on it, babies are going to develop better on it, it reduces the risk of infections, especially the premature infants in the hospital,” said Chris Smith, outreach coordinator and lactation consultant with the milk bank.

There is not a formula that replicates all the benefits of human milk.

“Companies keep trying to make it more and more like breast milk,” said Smith. “(But) they can’t put the antibodies and they can’t put the hormones in it. Breast milk is what babies were meant to be fed.”

The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank is one of just 24 milk banks in the United States. They receive milk from approved donors, and following the pasteurization process, ship it out to hospitals throughout the country and Canada. Just one ounce of donated milk can feed a premature infant for three days.

Are you interested in becoming a breast milk donor to the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank? Click here to learn more!