Baby formulas now share some ingredients with breast milk

Breast milk is, scientists now know, made of unique human proteins, sugars and fats, capable of delivering not only nutrition but also a boost to a baby’s immune system. Yet not all newborns have access to it. Only about a quarter of American babies are exclusively breastfed for their first six months, the standard recommendation from health officials. In Canada the figure is below 40%. The reasons are various. Some mothers find it prohibitively painful; others worry about being able to produce enough milk; and some children are born into families with no parents capable of breastfeeding. The need for infant formula, which today offers a safe and nutritious alternative, remains.