A recent column about breastfeeding brought some varied responses. Dan G. from the Monterey Peninsula writes: “Not sure about humans but with cattle the essential ingredient is colostrum. My parents and I ran a cow/calf operation in central Montana for 20 years. Once the newborn was up and got the colostrum, it was almost indestructible. If they didn’t get it, they almost never made it. Fortunately, we always had a very good calf percentage as we checked them heifers every 2 hours around the clock.”

Colostrum is extremely important for newborn humans as well, Dan. A 2023 review on this topic in the journal Nutrients says that colostrum—the milk produced by mothers in the first 2 to 5 days after birth—is loaded with compounds that strengthen baby’s immune system. The importance of babies getting this first milk cannot be over-emphasized. And good to check them babies every 2 hours as well!

Al W. from the Dallas area writes: “My wife breastfed each of our four children. Her doctor said that if he saw two women that he had never seen before, six months after they had given birth, he could tell by an exam which one had breast-fed and which one had not. What do you think about that statement?"

Well, I think that might have referred to the fact that, when a baby nurses during those first days after delivery, hormones are stimulated that help the uterus contract back to its non-pregnant state. This helps the uterus return to its normal size more quickly, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Marjorie, a grandmother from Napa, California, sends these comments: “I agree with everything you stated in your article. However, I think you missed a very important opportunity to state that 'Fed is Best,' as it is a fact that some women are unable to successfully breastfeed. Infants have suffered when mothers don’t realize that their breast milk supply is too little and feel an inordinate amount of pressure/guilt to exclusively breastfeed. It’s not always rosy out in the real world and new moms need all the support we can offer.”

I agree with you, Marjorie. It’s true that some women are unable to nurse their infants, for various reasons. Others choose not to and infant formulas are designed to mimic breast milk as close as possible. For help with either decision, check out the Office on Women’s Health (womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding), the International Lactation Consultant Association (ilca.org) or La Leche League International (llli.org ).

Jeanie G. from Wisconsin writes: “I read your article about breastfeeding and noted your remarks referring to scientific studies. I would like to give God our creator all the credit here. He created life and made sure He created everything to nourish us to live.”

You are absolutely correct on this as well, Jeanie. The human body is a miracle of design. I do believe God did a pretty good job at it!

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