Breastmilk vs Formula: Is Breast Really Best?

Mothers these days might be told that 'breast is best' when it comes to feeding their baby. But what does that mean for mothers that struggle with their breastfeeding journey? We dive into the chemistry of breastmilk and formula, as well as the science behind the choice you make.  In this epsiode: We compare our very different baby feeding experiences - Kim has breastfed, while Leila never nursed, but used a combination of pumping and formula. The history of breastfeeding for mammals and our species, as well as the development of modern infant formula What exactly is in formula and in breast milk How breast milk is made from blood and bones How breast milk changes dynamically in response to your baby  What the data shows about the differences breastmilk vs formula makes.  Some of the information in this episode comes from Emily Oster's brilliant book Cribsheet, which you can buy for yourself here. And if you have a snotty baby and you don't want to do it the old-fashioned way, you can find a multitude of snot suckers out there: Bulb Snot Pooter Motorised thingummy (aka a nasal aspirator) Note: the shopping links here are affiliate links which earns us a very modest commission to help fund this podcast.